Belfast Zoo is overjoyed at the birth of two babies in our resident François’ Langur family group.
On 11 December, experienced mum Nicolene proudly showed keepers her new baby. Young François’ Langur babies are born a bright orange colour, which makes them easy to spot among the adults. As they age, the baby gradually turns from orange to black, becoming completely black within their first year.The adults are black with a white stripe on each side of the face that runs from the corners of the mouth to the ears.
The excitement was heightened again on 18 January when keepers discovered another baby, born to Chua. Male François langur AJ, who is father to both, sat proudly among his family which has nine individuals.
Zoo Curator Andrew Hope, who is the Studbook Keeper for François’ Langur breeding programme in Europe, said:
We are delighted to welcome the two new infants to our François Langur group. Over 20 langur babies have been born at Belafst Zoo. Each one is crucial to the François Langur European Endangered Species Programme (EEP) which has set goals to grow the population over the next five years.This will aid the long- term management plan that Belfast Zoo has recently established in cooperation with The EAZA office, the EAZA Afro-Eurasian Monkey TAG (Taxon Advisory Group) and the holders of the species.
The zoo is pleased to report that both babies and mothers are thriving. The eldest of the two is beginning to find their feet and exploring independently. The older baby has also been spotted trying to interact with their baby sibling, but the youngest baby is not yet ready to leave Chua’s protective grasp. The sex of the babies is not yet known.
Visit the François’ langurs
The François’ Langur family at Belfast Zoo are next door to the Goodfellow’s Tree Kangaroos. Come and see the two new bundles of joy. Belfast Zoo is open every day from 10am to 4pm. Last admission is at 2.30pm.
Endangered species information for François langurs
François’ langurs are a medium-sized primate that live in the forests of Southeast Asia from south-eastern China to northern Vietnam. This leaf-eating monkey species is listed as 'Endangered' with only an estimated 2,000 individuals left in the wild, which makes the new arrivals more precious.