Oakland Zoo Celebrates the Historic Birth of a Rare Red-Tailed Monkey, and Mom Is 'Keeping Him Close'

While Punch may be monopolizing the global zoo news these days with his heartwarming story, he’s not the only notable zoo baby. Many zoos in the United States have recently welcomed many rare and milestone babies, including a giraffe, a gibbon and a capybara.

Oakland Zoo in Oakland, Calif., recently hit a milestone of its own this month: the birth of its first red-tailed monkey, and it’s drawing visitors from all around.

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Baby Monkey Is the First of His Kind Born at the Zoo

A male baby was born to Oakland Zoo’s red-tailed guenons, Nonami and Marley. While he is the first of his kind to be born at the Oakland Zoo, he is not Nonami’s first baby. She has two other babies, Ikea and Skittles, who were born at another zoo.

According to the zoo officials, “Nonami and her baby boy are thriving. He is nursing and bonding normally with Nonami, and she is ensuring the baby stays close.”

The pair has already rejoined the other monkeys, and the zoo says they are getting along nicely and working on getting settled. His siblings are already very interested in their little brother. Though one is more interested than the other.

According to the zoo, Ikea is far more interested in the new little guy than her sister is. The zoo said that she “wants to help Mom with grooming,” allowing Mom to supervise while she pitches in with newborn care.

“Mom and baby frequently spend time in the habitat, where visitors can see them every day,” officials said, easing people’s fear that much like Punch, this little guy might get abandoned, too.

Though, since Nonami is on her third baby, I would say it’s highly unlikely. But you never know. Since visitors have been filing in to see momma and baby, the zoo has made sure to point out that “sometimes Mom may prefer to retreat to a cozy, warm bedroom space with her baby.”

What Will Be His Name?

If you’re curious about the little guy’s name, you’re not the only one. Many fans have wondered on social media what the zoo will pick. Fans threw around ideas like Hershey, Red, Dash or Theo. However, it looks like a decision has yet to be made.

“Keepers are thrilled about the Zoo’s first guenon baby and are currently selecting a name for our new male red-tailed monkey,” said the zoo. “Once a decision is made, we will announce it on social media.”

So keep an eye on the Oakland Zoo’s social media pages for updates. I am sure their keepers will pick an excellent name.

This story was originally published by Parade Pets on Mar 1, 2026, where it first appeared in the Pet News section. Add Parade Pets as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

Oakland Zoo Celebrates the Historic Birth of a Rare Red-Tailed Monkey, and Mom Is ‘Keeping Him Close’

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