'Incredibly rare' monkey born at Australian zoo

Published October 4, 2019
This handout picture taken on October 2, 2019 and released by Sydney's Taronga Zoo on October 4 shows a newly-born male Francois' Langur, one of the world's rarest monkeys, staying close to his mother at the Taronga Zoo in Sydney. — AFP
This handout picture taken on October 2, 2019 and released by Sydney's Taronga Zoo on October 4 shows a newly-born male Francois' Langur, one of the world's rarest monkeys, staying close to his mother at the Taronga Zoo in Sydney. — AFP

One of the world's rarest monkeys has been born at an Australian zoo.

The male Francois' Langur with its distinctive orange fur was born at Sydney's Taronga zoo last week and has not yet been named.

This handout picture taken on October 2, 2019 and released by Sydney's Taronga Zoo on October 4 shows a newly-born male Francois' Langur, one of the world's rarest monkeys, staying close to his mother at the Taronga Zoo in Sydney. — AFP
This handout picture taken on October 2, 2019 and released by Sydney's Taronga Zoo on October 4 shows a newly-born male Francois' Langur, one of the world's rarest monkeys, staying close to his mother at the Taronga Zoo in Sydney. — AFP

Critically-endangered, the animal is only found in China and Vietnam where it is threatened by poachers and loss of habitat from encroaching development.

“Seeing Francois' Langurs in the wild is incredibly rare, but seeing a baby is even more so,” said Senior Zoo Keeper Jane Marshall.

The baby's bright orange hair lasts just a few weeks before it begins to darken to the colour of its mother Noel's hair.

The zoo estimates there are only about 3,000 of the species left in the wild.

“Not a lot of people know about Francois' Langurs as a species, but these beautiful animals are very vibrant animals, who are incredibly agile and intelligent,” Marshall added.

Opinion

Editorial

Last call
Updated 15 Nov, 2024

Last call

PTI should hardly be turning its "final" protest into a "do or die" occasion.
Mini budget talk
15 Nov, 2024

Mini budget talk

NO matter how much Pakistan’s finance managers try to downplay the prospect of a ‘mini budget’ to pull off a...
Diabetes challenge
15 Nov, 2024

Diabetes challenge

AMONGST the many public health challenges confronting Pakistan, diabetes arguably does not get the attention it...
China security ties
Updated 14 Nov, 2024

China security ties

If China's security concerns aren't addressed satisfactorily, it may affect bilateral ties. CT cooperation should be pursued instead of having foreign forces here.
Steep price
14 Nov, 2024

Steep price

THE Hindu Kush-Himalayan region is in big trouble. A new study unveiled at the ongoing COP29 reveals that if high...
A high-cost plan
14 Nov, 2024

A high-cost plan

THE government has approved an expensive plan for FBR in the hope of tackling its deep-seated inefficiencies. The...