Black crested mangabey gives birth at Chattanooga Zoo

The Chattanooga Zoo says few weeks ago, Suzy the black crested mangabey gave birth to a baby boy!

At this “mangababy’s” first weigh-in, the newborn monkey came in at just 0.8 kilograms (1.75 pounds).

They share black crested mangabeys are a species of monkey from the rainforests in and around the Democratic Republic of the Congo in Africa. Due to deforestation, their population status is now listed as vulnerable, only one step above endangered.

Chattanooga Zoo is one of only 11 other AZA accredited Zoos in the US to have this special species.

Black crested mangabeys are iconic for their tall tufts of hair on the top of their heads and wide cheek fur that give them a rather Grinch-like appearance. These guys are a lot more nurturing than the Grinch, however, the Chattanooga Zoo says.

Like other primates, mangabeys exhibit very hands-on parental care. The baby clings to Suzy who feeds and cares for him while Sam, the father, patrols nearby to protect his family unit.