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 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.
August 25th
International
Colobine Monkey Day
Look good. do good. save colobus.
Celebrate International Colobine Monkey Day with gear that gives back. Shop the limited-edition colobus collection by Animals Anonymous, 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 its wild relatives tell a more urgent story: colobus monkeys across Africa are collectively facing an extinction crisis, with the vast majority of the roughly two dozen red, black-and-white, and olive colobus species and subspecies now classified as threatened - many critically so.
Because most of these forest-dependent species cannot thrive in human care, the black-and-white colobus carries a vital responsibility: serving as the accessible face and living ambassador for an entire canopy crisis that's largely invisible to the public.
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 one of Africa’s most imperiled primate groups. 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 across Colobus range countries, we are working to ensure critical ecosystems receive the sustained resources, scientific support, and global visibility required to survive.
OUR APPROACH
SCALE THAT BREAKS THE SILENCE
Leveraging the reach of the AZA network to bring an unseen primate extinction crisis into view.
FOCUS THAT DRIVES PROGRESS
Uniting institutional partners under a single, dedicated framework, channeling funding and expertise to places Colobus conservation needs it most.
IMPACT WHERE IT MATTERS MOST
Partnering directly with trusted, in-range teams to safeguard important Colobus sites and build lasting, community-led protection.
LEVERAGE THAT MULTIPLIES VALUE
Turning zoo engagement into funding for field conservation, maximizing every dollar to deliver high-yield, long-term impact.
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 Africa's most threatened group of monkeys.
GET INVOLVED