Alika, a second-generation Angola colobus monkey at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, is expecting her first baby, and Animals at Disney shared how they’re monitoring both the mother’s and baby’s health.
Alika the Colobus Monkey Gets an Ultrasound
In the Reel from the Animals at Disney Instagram account, Animal Kingdom Keeper Kim explains that while Alika, an Angola colobus monkey, is about 10 weeks along, they’ve actually been working on getting her to be trusting of and receptive to the procedure for a very long time.
Kim explains that it’s important that Alika trusts her and that the monkey’s participation in the ultrasound process is voluntary and willing.
This allows her and Dr. Natalie to get better images during Alika’s ultrasounds, which can reveal interesting fetal developments. For example, Kim says that they were able to see that even at only 10 weeks, the baby monkey has already developed a lengthy tail.
This long tail is a defining feature of the colobus monkey, as they use it to grasp onto branches as they swing through trees.
Further, Alika is actually a second-generation Animal Kingdom colobus monkey, as her own mother was also born at the Walt Disney World park. That will make Alika’s upcoming baby (her first) the third generation.
Alike can be spotted on the Gorilla Falls Exploration Trail.
Exciting news: Alika the colobus monkey is expecting her first baby! 🙉 Keeper Kim and the Animal Care team at Disney’s Animal Kingdom are there for her every step of the way. ♥️ Be sure to keep an eye out for her on Gorilla Falls Exploration Trail during your next visit. #AnimalKingdom
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