Newborn black-and-white colobus monkey with mother Kutaka at Lincoln Park Zoo. Photo courtesy of Lincoln Park Zoo.

It was a white Christmas at the Lincoln Park Zoo as they welcomed a newborn black-and-white colobus monkey on December 25.

The baby monkey was born to 12-year old mother Kutaka and 23-year old father Keanjaha. At birth, black-and-white colobus monkeys have all white fur. The signature black markings start to appear around 3 weeks and are fully evident around 3-4 months.

“Kutaka is an extremely attentive mother,” said Curator of Primates Maureen Leahy. “We’re excited for the newest member of the multi-generational colobus troop to interact with the entire family from juvenile to geriatric members. In fact, we’ve already observed the infant’s aunt and older sister briefly carrying the new infant, a species-typical behavior called alloparenting or ‘aunting behavior.'”

The sex and measurements of the newborn are yet to be determined as the baby is clinging tight to mom. Photo courtesy of Lincoln Park Zoo.

Black-and-white colobus monkeys are one of five different species of colobus monkey. In the wild, they are native to equatorial Africa.

For more information, see the Lincoln Park Zoo website.