Oakland Zoo reports first red-tailed guenon birth, highlighting managed breeding and early infant care

A first for the zoo’s primate program

Oakland Zoo has announced the first birth at the zoo of a red-tailed guenon, a species of Old World monkey also commonly called a red-tailed monkey. The infant is male and was born earlier this month to two adult red-tailed guenons in the zoo’s care: Nonami (the mother) and Marley (the father). Zoo staff described the newborn as healthy and reported that the mother and infant are doing well.

The birth is being presented as a milestone for the zoo’s primate collection because it is the first time a guenon has been born there. Zoo staff said keepers are in the process of selecting a name for the infant and plan to announce it after a decision is made.

What is known about the mother and the troop

Nonami is not a first-time parent. Zoo staff said she previously gave birth to two female offspring at another facility; both of those daughters now live at Oakland Zoo and are part of the same social group. The two females were identified as Ikea and Skittles.

Zoo staff said the newborn has been nursing and bonding normally with Nonami, and that she is keeping the infant close. Keepers also reported that the mother and infant have been integrated with the rest of the troop in their habitat, while still having access to indoor space when the mother retreats with the baby.

Species details and why births are closely managed

Red-tailed guenons are visually distinctive primates, with facial markings that can include a pale nose and cheek tufts, and a long red tail. Like other guenons, they have cheek pouches that allow them to carry food while foraging.

In accredited zoo settings, births of many species are typically planned within cooperative population-management programs designed to maintain genetic diversity and demographic stability over time. Oakland Zoo said this infant resulted from coordinated breeding within such a program for guenons, reflecting a broader approach in which institutions share data and make recommendations on breeding and transfers.

What visitors can expect next

For visitors, the practical questions are often timing and visibility. Zoo staff indicated the mother and infant can be seen in the habitat on a regular basis, though the mother may choose to move into an indoor area at times. The zoo has not provided a public date for a naming announcement beyond saying it will be shared in a future update.

• Infant: male, born earlier in February 2026
• Parents: Nonami (mother) and Marley (father)
• Notable context: first red-tailed guenon birth recorded at Oakland Zoo

Oakland Zoo described the mother and infant as thriving, with normal nursing and bonding observed by animal care staff.