Black and White Colobus Monkeys are the most common African monkey species seen in zoos.  Of the five species of black and white colobus, only two species can be found in North American zoos,  Colobus angolensis, and Colobus guereza. 

The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium hosts a troop of 5 Guereza Colobus, ranging in age from 11 months to 12 years old.   Black and White Colobus are known for their distinct long white mantled fringe and leaping abilities.   While the populations of Guereza Colobus are currently stable, our colobus are excellent ambassadors, helping highlight the threats facing many species of endangered colobus, including the Ashy Red Colobus Monkey. 

A Columbus Zoo and Aquarium-supported project since 2006,  The New Nature Foundation (NNF) works with the local communities around the Kibale National Park, home to both Guereza and the last viable population of the Ashy Red Colobus Monkey. 

The number one threat to their habitat comes from the poaching of firewood.  More than 95% of Ugandans have wood or charcoal as their ONLY source of energy, and as the population of the local communities grow, the pressure on this forest habitat increases. 

The New Nature Foundation works with the local communities to help them learn to build, maintain and cook on sustainable cooking vessels called “Rocket Stoves”.  These stoves are cheap and easy to build with local materials. In addition, the NNF manufactures charcoal briquettes from waste products, which are utilized in place of firewood and charcoal.  Since 2006, Nearly 3,900 stoves have been built in Uganda.

NNF’s stoves saved over 5.4 million lbs. of wood last year alone, most of which would have come from Kibale and other natural forests, a huge impact on the habitat of local wildlife.  This work is supported by an extensive education and community mobilization campaigns, all which are helping to preserve habitat for Colobus Monkeys. 

For more information on the New Nature Foundation, visit www.newnaturefoundation.org