Changing the course of Colobus.
Colobus monkeys are disappearing quietly, with some nearing extinction before most of the world knows they’re in danger. But this story is not over. What we do now can still mean the difference between documenting their loss and changing their future.
ABOUT THE PROGRAM
Protecting Africa’s most threatened primates.
SAFE Colobus is the first and only U.S. program dedicated solely to Colobus conservation. As an official AZA SAFE initiative, we unite accredited zoos, aquariums, and in-range partners to drive coordinated, high-impact action for the species most at risk.
International
Colobus Monkey Day
August 25th
Look good. do good. save colobus.
Celebrate International Colobus Monkey Day with gear that gives back. Shop the limited-edition colobus collection, with 20% of fundraiser sales supporting SAFE Colobus conservation.
THE AMBASSADOR
Famous in our zoos. Forgotten in the wild.
The black-and-white colobus is a global zoo icon, captivating millions of visitors every year. Yet behind its high visibility lies a critical conservation disconnect: its wild relatives—like the red and olive colobus—are quietly sliding toward extinction across West Africa.
Because these highly sensitive, critically endangered species cannot survive in human care, the black-and-white colobus carries a vital responsibility: serving as the living proxy to uncover an invisible, urgent canopy crisis.
WHY NOW?
“Protecting Colobus now is the difference between stabilizing a species and documenting its loss.”
OUR WORK
Making the invisible impossible to ignore.
SAFE Colobus drives a comprehensive conservation model to protect West Africa’s most endangered primates. We unite accredited zoos, field researchers, and local organizations under a unified strategy—combining direct habitat protection, species monitoring, community engagement, and public advocacy.
By connecting North American institutional strength with in-range expertise, we ensure critical canopy ecosystems receive the sustained resources, scientific support, and global visibility required to survive.
OUR APPROACH
SCALE THAT BREAKS THE SILENCE
Leveraging the 200-million-visitor reach of accredited zoo networks to bring an unseen primate extinction crisis into sharp, public view.
FOCUS THAT DRIVES PROGRESS
Uniting institutional partners under a single, dedicated framework—eliminating fragmented efforts to pool funding and expertise where need is highest.
IMPACT WHERE IT MATTERS MOST
Partnering directly with trusted, in-range teams to safeguard remaining canopy corridors and build lasting, community-led protection.
LEVERAGE THAT MULTIPLIES VALUE
Turning zoo engagement into outsized field funding, maximizing every dollar to deliver high-yield, long-term conservation outcomes.
Changing the course for Colobus takes all of us.
Whether you represent an accredited zoo, lead field conservation, educate the public, or support from afar, your involvement directly powers species survival. Discover how you can strengthen frontline defense for West Africa's most vulnerable primates.
GET INVOLVED