Zoo Atlanta Mourns Death Of Infant Angolan Colobus Monkey

ATLANTA, GA -- Zoo Atlanta is in mourning this weekend after the death of the Angolan colobus infant, which was born a week ago. The baby, birthed by 12-year-old Lami, an experienced Angolan colobus, was found deceased Friday by zookeepers. The baby was born on July 15.

The infant didn't show any signs of health problems following birth, Zoo Atlanta said in a news release. Normal behaviors -- nursing, vocalizing and clutching onto its mother -- were all observed by zookeepers over the past week, the facility said. SIGN UP: Get Patch's Daily Newsletter and Real Time News Alerts. Or, if you have an iPhone, download the free Patch app.

"All animal newborns are fragile, even in the care of the most skilled mothers and caregivers. The mortality rate for colobus infants in their first year of life is estimated at between 25 and 31 percent," the zoo said.

As is normal procedure when an animal dies, a necropsy will be performed, the zoo said. They expect results to become available in the next several weeks.

Angolan colobus monkeys are native to Africa, the zoo said. At the zoo, they are housed in the Monkeys of Makokou habitat.

Image via Scott Olson / Staff / Getty Images News