An Old World monkey, the wolf guenon has been classified as "one of Africa's most colorful, graceful and lively monkeys" (The San Diego Zoo, Mammals: Guenon ). This monkey is native to Africa and has many different names. More commonly called the wolf guenon, this species of monkey has also been called the wolf Mona monkey and by its scientific name Cercopithecus wolfi. The wolf guenon is typically a medium-sized monkey. The mammal can be 60 inches long from head to tail and weigh an average of 6 to 9 pounds (Zoo Atlanta, Wolf's Guenon). Males are usually larger than females and can weigh up to twice as much. Although usually smaller in size, the female wolf guenon must be physically strong, especially for breeding. On average, females carry their young for up to 5 or 6 months. However, males and females don't just vary in size. Depending on the species of wolf guenon, females tend to mature between 3 and 6 years of age while males mature between 4 and 7 years of age (The San Diego Zoo, Mammals: Guenon). The wolf monkey branches into three different subspecies, each different in size, color and personality (I Primata, the wolf monkey (Cercopithecus wolfi)). These subspecies are generally referred to as C. wolfi wolfi, C. wolfi pyrogaster and C. wolfi elegans. The wolf guenon is typically grayish in color with a chestnut-colored back, black arms and slightly red paws. The whiskers are yellow with black spots and the ear tufts are white and yellow. However, the coloration differs for each subspecies and individual, making this animal a truly distinct and beautiful creature (I Primata, the wolf monkey (Cercopithecus wolfi)). Similar to other Old World or African monkeys, the wolf guenon has extra skin... middle of paper... zoos are no longer about making money but rather saving animals like the wolf guenon that are on the way of extinction. The change in the purpose of zoos is evident in the changing animal enclosures. In the first zoo in the United States, animals were crammed behind iron bars along with other animals that would otherwise not be close together. Nowadays, zoos in the United States do their best to mimic each animal's natural habitat to ensure the animal's comfort and conservation (Kidcyber, Zoo). Hopefully, zoos will continue to emphasize the importance of animal conservation over the years. It would be devastating for humanity and the environment if a species, such as the wolf guenon, became extinct. The San Diego Zoo has a comprehensive wildlife conservation program to promote the conservation of all endangered species, including the wolf guenon (The San Diego Zoo, Mammals: Guenons).