Colchester Zoo has revealed the name of a recently born baby monkey.
The cherry-crowned mangabey was born at the Zoo in May, to first-time parents Maja and Kanye.
A Facebook post by the zoo said: "We’re delighted to announce that the baby cherry-crowned mangabey born on May 27, 2026 has been named Leon!"
"Each and every birth is an important step for the future of this remarkable species and so the Animal Care Team are pleased to see that the family group are doing well as first time parents."
The birth is the first at the zoo for this species since 2017 and follows a breeding recommendation from the European breeding programme.
Cherry-crowned mangabeys are listed as endangered on the IUCN Red List due to being killed for both local consumption and the bushmeat trade.
Read more
Once common in Cameroon, populations have dramatically declined over the past four decades.
The species is known for its red crown, although newborns like Leon are born with a pinker face and less fur, with the crown developing as they mature.
Zoo visitors can see the new family in the Mangabey Mangrove habitat.
The zoo said: "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."
Updates on the family will be shared through the zoo’s website and social media.
Share