Adelaide Zoo is deeply saddened to share the loss of two much-loved members of its primate family – Adale and Jasiri, two Black-and-white Colobus monkeys whose bond, personalities and parenting touched the hearts of keepers and visitors alike.
Adale, a 15-year-old female who arrived from France in 2019, was a gentle and attentive mother, having recently welcomed two young colobus – Sukari in early 2024, and a second baby just this year. Tragically, she passed away following a sudden illness that developed rapidly despite intensive veterinary care.
Keepers observed changes in Adale’s behaviour and swiftly moved her into veterinary care. Despite receiving intensive treatment, her condition deteriorated quickly and she passed away a short time later. Preliminary findings indicate a sudden and severe internal illness. Further pathology investigations are ongoing.
A short time later, the group’s breeding male, Jasiri, the father of both Adale’s infants, was humanely euthanised after a period of declining health. Jasiri, aged 17, was born at Monarto Safari Park and was considered elderly for his species, which has an average lifespan of 13-16. After comprehensive veterinary assessment, tests revealed inoperable masses in multiple organs and the decision was made in his best welfare interests.
The infant colobus, now five months old, is doing well. He is already eating solids and is being gently supported from within the family group with supplementary feeds from keepers. As highly social animals, colobus monkeys care for their young communally, and keepers have observed the rest of the troop – including Zamba, another mother – rallying around the young one.
“Colobus families really do act like a village,” said Deb, Curator Adelaide Zoo. “We won’t hand-raise unless absolutely necessary, because these babies learn so much from being with the troop. We’re hopeful the family unit will continue to thrive.”
“Adale and Jasiri will be remembered not just for the role they played in our breeding program, but for the connection they helped people make with nature,” Deb added. “They were a lovely, close-knit family unit – it’s a real loss not just for the group, but for our whole keeper team. They were loved deeply and will be missed by everyone who knew them.”
Black-and-white Colobus monkeys (Colobus guereza) are native to equatorial Africa and play an important role in their forest ecosystems. While not currently endangered, habitat loss remains a concern for wild populations.
Zoos SA remains committed to providing the highest standards of care to all animals, and to honouring the legacy of animals like Adale and Jasiri who are important ambassadors for their species, contributing to education and the lives of so many who visit the zoo.
