Class: Mammalia

Order: Primates

Scientific Name: Colobus guereza kikuyensis

Range: Nigeria to Ethiopia and south to Tanzania

Habitat: Tropical rain and montane forests -- tree crowns

Diet: Wild: Leaves, flowers, fruits and some insects Zoo: Primate pellets, lettuce, fruits

Gestation: 6 months

Litter: 1

Description: Head/body length is 20-28 in., tail length is 24-40 in., and weight is 8-20 lbs., though large males may reach 25 lbs. The legs are longer than the arms; the vestigial thumbs are only visible in the embryonic state. The large stomach functions like those of ungulates with food fermenting in the first two chambers. Proficient aerialists, colobus monkeys swing freely with their arms, extending hands and feet in front of them when landing after a jump. They use the same pathways through the canopy over and over. The size of the home range is influenced by the number of monkeys in the troop, food supply and compatibility with other troops. Colobus monkeys practice polygamy. Infants, born with all white fur, are carried on the abdomen with the young clinging to the mothers sides. At one week the young moves freely on the mothers lap and two weeks move about. The mother carries the youngster until the age of 8 months, although the father will play with it and help in its care. He is very patient and never scolds as some other monkeys do.

Where in the Zoo? I can be found in the Monkey Island at Cleveland Metroparks Zoo.