Two Species of Guenons on Exhibit at the Smithsonian's National Zoo
The Smithsonian's National Zoo recently welcomed two species of guenons to its zoological family: four Allen's swamp monkeys and three Schmidt's red-tailed monkeys. All seven guenons are now on exhibit in the Think Tank indoor and outdoor habitats. As the monkeys continue to acclimate, keepers will follow behavioral cues to determine the best time to introduce the two species to each other. Ultimately, they will share the same space in Think Tank's mixed-species exhibit.
Native to the swamp forests of Cameroon and Democratic Republic of the Congo, Allen's swamp monkeys are small and stout with fur that varies in color from brownish-gray to green. According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), they are classified as least concern but continue to face threats due to human conflict and wildlife trafficking. Schmidt's red-tailed monkeys are also native to the Democratic Republic of the Congo, as well as Uganda, Rwanda, Tanzania and Kenya. They sport a whitish- yellow nose, white cheeks and, as their name suggests, a long tail with a bright red underside. IUCN classifies Schmidt's red-tailed monkeys as least concern, though hunting and deforestation threaten wild populations.
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Photo 1 Credit: Connor Mallon, Smithsonian's National Zoo
Photo 2 Credit: Nikki Schell, Smithsonian's National Zoo
