There is a new face peeking out from a bed of straw at Oakland Zoo. Tucked closely against his mother, the tiny newcomer is already drawing attention from keepers and visitors alike.
The zoo recently shared a video of its first-ever red-tailed guenon baby, born to resident monkeys Nonami and Marley. While the announcement was celebratory, the footage itself is surprisingly calm. It shows a small family adjusting to a new chapter rather than a splashy debut.
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A First for the Zoo’s Red-Tailed Guenon Family
In the Facebook video, a young red-tailed guenon sits upright in straw bedding, her dark fur contrasting with her pale face and expressive eyes. Just beneath her chest, barely visible at first glance, is the baby. The infant clings closely to his mother’s underside, occasionally shifting as she adjusts her posture.
The text below the video reads, “Exciting news: Say hello to our first-ever red-tailed monkey baby!” and the accompanying post explains that Nonami and Marley are now proud parents to a healthy baby boy. The video does not rely on dramatic music or quick edits. Instead, it allows the quiet intimacy of the moment to carry the story.
His eyes appear half closed, blinking slowly as he nestles in. Red-tailed guenon infants are born with lighter facial markings that gradually change as they mature, and this little one’s delicate features stand out against his mother’s steady presence.
According to the zoo’s caption, Nonami and her baby have joined the rest of the troop in their habitat, bonding with siblings and adjusting to daily routines. Keepers noted that while visitors can often see them, Nonami sometimes prefers to retreat indoors for warmth and privacy.
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The comment section quickly filled with congratulations. Followers wrote, “Welcome little one,” and “Such a cute little family!” Other zoos chimed in with supportive messages. The tone remained warm and respectful, focused on the milestone rather than spectacle.
Red-tailed guenons are social primates that live in structured groups. In the wild, infants spend their earliest weeks clinging tightly to their mothers for safety and warmth. That behavior is clearly visible in the footage. The baby’s near-constant contact with Nonami is not just sweet. It is essential to his development and protection.
Moments like this resonate because they offer a glimpse into the rhythms of animal life that feel both familiar and distinct. Watching a newborn settle in beside a watchful parent carries the same quiet comfort that makes stories about animal bonds so compelling, whether it is a plush companion like the IKEA Djungelskog soft toy bringing comfort to pets at home, or siblings finding creative ways to stay entertained, like in this video of sibling cats at home alone.
For Oakland Zoo, this birth marks an important first. For viewers, it is a reminder that even in a busy habitat, some of the most meaningful moments happen quietly in the straw.
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This story was originally published by PawNation on Mar 2, 2026, where it first appeared in the News section. Add PawNation as a Preferred Source by clicking here.