CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. — There’s a new face peeking out from mom’s arms at the Chattanooga Zoo.
A black crested mangabey was born May 20, giving the zoo a rare new addition and visitors a chance to help choose his name.
Sam, left, and Suzy, right, holding her baby. Photo via the Chattanooga Zoo.
The baby boy was born to Suzy and Sam, two black crested mangabeys that live in the zoo’s Gombe Forest exhibit.
Suzy’s baby has already become so fun and adventurous,” said lead primate keeper Bri Towers. “I can’t wait for everyone to meet him.
Suzy the mangabey’s ultrasound. Photo via the Chattanooga Zoo.
The birth is notable because black crested mangabeys are relatively uncommon in zoos.
The Chattanooga Zoo says only 11 Association of Zoos and Aquariums-accredited facilities in the United States currently house the species.
Black crested mangabeys are fascinating and highly social primates,” said Chattanooga Zoo President and CEO Darde Long. “Suzy and Sam, the two mangabeys in our care, get along quite well, and their baby is absolutely adorable.
For Suzy, the birth marks another milestone.
Suzy and her baby in their habitat at the Zoo. Photo via the Chattanooga Zoo.
While both parents have had offspring at other zoos, this is their first baby together and Suzy’s first offspring in a decade.
The species is listed as vulnerable by the International Union for Conservation of Nature, meaning it faces an elevated risk of becoming endangered in the wild.
Conservation groups say habitat loss and poaching have contributed to population declines in their native rainforests of the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
The birth is notable because black crested mangabeys are relatively uncommon in zoos. Photo via the Chattanooga Zoo.
Now Chattanooga Zoo visitors can help decide what the youngster will be called.
The zoo has narrowed the choices to Simon, Sebastian and Sullivan, better known as Sully.
The winning name will be announced June 23.
Suzy holding her newborn. Photo via the Chattanooga Zoo.
For now, the baby is spending most of his time close to mom.
Black crested mangabeys typically weigh about a pound at birth and spend their first weeks clinging to their mothers before gradually becoming more adventurous.
Visitors can see the family inside the Donovan Interpretive Center.
Baby mangabey explores his habitat. Photo via the Chattanooga Zoo.
Zoo officials ask guests to remain quiet and stay behind viewing barriers while the young primate settles into his new home.
Depend on us to keep you posted.