'Another milestone': Fota Wildlife Park welcomes birth of endangered monkey

The baby François' langur was born on February 1 and the park is inviting the public to help name its newest arrival

The newest arrival is part of a a species classified as endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).Picture:Darragh Kane

Fota Wildlife Park in has announced the birth of a François' langur monkey.

The newest arrival is part of a species classified as endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature.

The baby François' langur was born on February 1 to mother Mei and father Shinobi, who are nine years old and reside in the park's Asian Sanctuary.

Mei and her younger sister, Kaili, travelled from Twycross Zoo in Britain to Fota in September 2022 as part of a European Endangered Breeding Programme (EEP). 

They were joined a few months later by the male, Shinobi, who arrived from ZSL Whipsnade Zoo in December 2022.

This latest addition to the family follows the birth of Tang, who arrived in November 2023.

It brings the group of François' langurs to five. 

Newborn langur babies feature a bright orange coat compared to the black fur of their parents.

Over the next few months, the baby’s coat will gradually darken, eventually developing the species’ signature white sideburns that extend from the ears to the corners of the cheeks.

Over the next few months, the baby’s coat will gradually darken, eventually developing the species’ signature white sideburns that extend from the ears to the corners of the cheeks.

Speaking about the birth, Lead Ranger at Fota Teresa Power said: "This birth marks another milestone for the Park’s successful breeding programme for this rare primate species. 

We hope the birth of this baby will help raise awareness about the critical need for conservation efforts for the François’ langur. 

She continued: "There is a wild population of 1,400–1,650 in China and fewer than 500 left in Vietnam. Mei, an attentive mother, is doing exceptionally well with her second baby. She is supported by her younger sister, Kaili, who has taken on the role of an enthusiastic and caring aunt. 

"This behaviour, known as ‘allomothering,’ is common among François' langurs, where females within the group help to nurture and raise the young."

She explained how Tang initially "showed signs of jealousy" to the new arrival, but has started to adapt.

"Interestingly, she has been seen spending more time with her father, Shinobi, since the birth of her sibling. 

Meanwhile, the six-week-old monkey is already displaying "curiosity", Ms Power said, adding that it was "beginning to venture away from Mei for brief moments while still staying close to her for reassurance."

The park is inviting the public to help name its newest arrival. 

The baby’s gender has yet to be determined, but visitors can submit suggestions for their name via the Fota website.