Oakland Zoo Celebrates Baby Tumbili, The First Red-Tailed Guenon Baby Born in The Zoo

A First for Oakland Zoo’s Primate Collection (Image Credits: Facebook)

Oakland, California – The Oakland Zoo marked a significant milestone in February 2026 with the birth of Tumbili, its first red-tailed guenon monkey.[1][2] This healthy male infant arrived to parents Nonami and Marley, quickly bonding with the troop and drawing crowds eager to catch a glimpse of the newborn primate. The event highlighted the zoo’s successful breeding programs for African species.

A First for Oakland Zoo’s Primate Collection

Staff described the birth as a thrilling achievement, representing the zoo’s inaugural guenon monkey offspring.[3] Nonami, an experienced mother previously at Brookfield Zoo in Chicago, delivered the baby earlier that month. Keepers monitored the pair closely, confirming both mother and infant remained strong from the start.[4]

The zoo celebrated with a welcome event, announcing Tumbili’s name – Swahili for “monkey” – amid troop enrichment activities. This addition strengthened the exhibit, showcasing the zoo’s commitment to primate conservation.[5] Visitors now observe the family in their naturalistic habitat, complete with climbing structures mimicking Central African forests.

Strong Family Bonds in the Troop

Nonami tends to Tumbili with attentive care, nursing him regularly while foraging. Father Marley and the extended family support the newborn’s integration. Tumbili’s half-sisters, Ikea and Skittles – also Nonami’s daughters from her prior home – display curiosity, occasionally grooming the infant.[6][3]

The troop, transferred through the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, now numbers around 10 members in a male-dominant structure typical of the species. Ikea, in particular, shows protective interest, helping reinforce social ties. Such dynamics mirror wild groups, where multi-female units center around a lead male.

• Nonami: Experienced mother, primary caregiver.
• Marley: Father, troop leader.
• Ikea and Skittles: Big sisters aiding in grooming and play.
• Tumbili: Newest member, rapidly gaining confidence.

Tumbili’s Growth and Daily Adventures

By late March, Tumbili ventured more independently, clinging less tightly to Nonami during explorations. Zoo updates showed the pair lunching together, with the baby sampling greens under supervision.[7] Keepers noted his steady weight gain and increasing habitat time, signaling robust health.

Enrichment sessions engage the troop, fostering natural behaviors like leaping and foraging. Tumbili’s progress delights staff, who anticipate his full mobility soon. The exhibit allows public views of these milestones, educating on primate development.

Red-Tailed Guenons: Vibrant Forest Dwellers

Red-tailed guenons, or Schmidt’s guenons (Cercopithecus ascanius), inhabit Central African rainforests, from Uganda to the Congo Basin. These arboreal primates thrive in troops of 10 to 30, navigating canopies with agile leaps.[8] Their diet features fruits, leaves, flowers, insects, and buds, supplemented by opportunistic hunting of small prey.

Classified as Least Concern by the IUCN, the species faces habitat loss from logging and agriculture, plus hunting pressures.[9][10] Zoos like Oakland contribute through breeding and awareness, supporting wild populations indirectly. Distinctive red tails and white cheek patches make them visually striking.

Aspect	Wild Habitat	At Oakland Zoo
Group Size	10-30 members	Family troop
Diet	Fruits, leaves, insects	Produce, enrichment foods
Threats	Deforestation, hunting	N/A (protected)

This birth not only expands the zoo’s collection but also spotlights the importance of ex situ conservation for forest primates. As Tumbili grows, he promises to inspire greater appreciation for these lively creatures. What do you think about Tumbili’s arrival? Tell us in the comments.