In the early hours of Wednesday 27th May 2026, the Animal Care Team were delighted to discover that cherry-crowned mangabey, Maja, had given birth to a healthy baby.
This is the first time the Zoo has had a cherry-crowned mangabey birth since 2017. This is also Maja’s first offspring, although we are pleased to report she is doing well with her parenting duties.
This is the first year we have received a breeding recommendation from the European breeding programme for mum, Maja, and dad, Kanye, who have been together since 2020. With this being all very new for first time mum, Maja, both parents have been very attentive to their little one and baby has been clinging tightly to Maja.
This specific species of mangabey has a striking cherry-coloured crown on the top of its head, hence the apt name. This characteristic isn’t so prominent in an infant and instead they are born with a pinker face and less fur than an adult mangabey. However, this will change as the little one grows.
Unfortunately, this species is currently listed as Endangered on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species due to being killed for both local consumption and for the bushmeat trade. Over 40 years ago, this species of monkey was considered to be common in Cameroon but since then the population has greatly declined. Therefore, this new arrival is exciting news for the European breeding programme and the conservation of this species.
Be sure to pop by our Mangabey Mangrove habitat to see the new family and keep an eye on our website and social media channels for updates.
