Three’s company with the Melbourne Zoo Colobus crowd

A pair of Eastern black-and-white Colobus is settling into their new home at Melbourne Zoo's Arboreal Walk; and for one, it's coupled with a family reunion.

Male Colobus Colby was born at the Zoo 15 years ago and made the long-awaited homecoming from Adelaide Zoo with his 22-year-old female companion, Charlie. He returns to live with his rambunctious 12-year-old sister Kipenzi.

Melbourne Zoo Primates Keeper Tom Symons said the reintroduction went well with only a few signs of sibling rivalry.

“It was amazing to see Colby and Kipenzi reunited,” Mr Symons said. “We're seeing positive social behaviours that we would expect from a cohesive troupe of colobus, such as grooming and feeding side by side.”

“We're also seeing some squabbles and dominance related behaviours as the pair learns to live as a trio with a sibling in tow, which is incredibly important when establishing a social hierarchy.”

Colobuses communicate through a variety of vocalisations, from a common lip smack that can be understood as a gentle reminder of boundaries to a loud roar by a male to reinforce his territory against other males.

In the wild, Colobuses live in troops of up to 10 individuals with a single dominant male, several females and their young. All female troop members will assist in raising the next generation.

“We expect Kipenzi and Charlie to form a really strong bond. They're already spending a lot of time together and seem incredibly comfortable in each other's company,” Mr Symons said.

Eastern black-and-white colobuses are endemic to the forests of Ethiopia. While the species remains locally abundant, wild populations are decreasing due to habitat destruction.

Kids under 16 can visit Zoos Victoria properties for free during school holidays, public holidays and on weekends.