San Diego Zoo Welcomes Newborn Schmidt's Red-Tailed Monkey

The playful primate joins its first-time parents on exhibit at the Ituri Forest habitat.

Apr. 11, 2026 at 1:38am

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An out-of-focus, atmospheric scene of a newborn red-tailed guenon monkey playing with its parents in the lush greenery of the San Diego Zoo, capturing the cheeky charm and natural beauty of this primate species.A newborn Schmidt's red-tailed guenon monkey joins its first-time parents on exhibit at the San Diego Zoo, delighting visitors with its vibrant colors and playful antics.San Diego Today

The San Diego Zoo has welcomed a newborn Schmidt's red-tailed guenon, a vibrant and graceful primate species native to western and central Africa. After spending time bonding indoors, the baby monkey and its first-time parents, Janga and Jack, are now visible to guests at the zoo's Ituri Forest habitat.

Why it matters

The birth of this red-tailed guenon is an exciting addition to the San Diego Zoo's primate collection, allowing visitors to observe the cheeky charm and expert foraging behaviors of this colorful species up close.

The details

The newborn Schmidt's red-tailed guenon was born to first-time parents Janga, 5, and Jack, 6. These primates are known for their vibrant colors, graceful leaping abilities, and the unique trait of using cheek pouches to store extra food.

  • The baby monkey was born in April 2026.

The players

San Diego Zoo

A world-famous zoo located in San Diego, California that is home to a diverse collection of animal species.

Janga

A 5-year-old female Schmidt's red-tailed guenon and first-time parent at the San Diego Zoo.

Jack

A 6-year-old male Schmidt's red-tailed guenon and first-time parent at the San Diego Zoo.

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What’s next

The newborn red-tailed guenon and its parents will continue to be on exhibit at the San Diego Zoo's Ituri Forest habitat, allowing visitors to observe the family's interactions and the baby's development.

The takeaway

The arrival of this vibrant and playful primate at the San Diego Zoo showcases the institution's commitment to conservation and providing opportunities for the public to learn about and appreciate the natural world.