– Construction has begun on the new overhead Colobus Trail –
BALTIMORE, MD – Some of the primates at The Maryland Zoo will soon be seen monkeying around overhead thanks to the addition of the new Colobus Trail. The raised mesh and Plexiglas tunnel will be suspended from the ceiling of Chimpanzee Forest, and will connect the colobus and lemur habitats inside the building to the outdoor habitats along Lemur Lane.
Positioned 12 feet above the ground, the trail crosses over guest pathways and alongside the hill next to the Jones Falls Zephyr train track, offering a unique view of the animals. The $800,000 project, largely funded by Baltimore County, will allow the Zoo’s three colobus monkeys to have access to outdoor areas on Lemur Lane and follows the Zoo’s recent expansion and renovation of the elephant, giraffe and lion habitats within African Journey.
Funding for Colobus Trail was provided by the residents of Baltimore County, the Baltimore County Council, and County Executive Johnny Olszewski. “Support from Baltimore County on this project allows us to continue giving our animals the very best care, while also enhancing the visitor experience,” said Don Hutchinson, president and CEO of The Maryland Zoo.
Construction on Colobus Trail is predicted to be complete by mid-November. Once complete, the colobus monkeys and lemurs will have access to the indoor section of the trail to become acclimated to this new experience. Access to the outdoor habitats will be dependent on outside temperatures and weather conditions.
While construction takes place, there may be times that habitats within the Chimpanzee Forest area are not accessible to the public, including: Panamanian golden frogs, colobus monkeys, chimpanzees, sifaka, ring-tailed lemurs and red-ruffed lemurs.
Colobus monkeys (Colobus guereza) are found in all types of forests in equatorial Africa. They are easily distinguishable by their black bodies and long white tails, and are highly social animals that spend most of their time sitting in the treetops eating and socializing.
Click image for full size slideshow
Share this article