'Another milestone' for Fota as Cork wildlife park announces birth of endangered monkey

Fota Wildlife Park has announced the birth of a François' langur monkey, an endangered species, in what has been hailed as “another milestone” for the park.

The baby François' langur was born on February 1 - St Brigid’s Day - to mother Mei, and father Shinobi, who are both nine-years-old.

They reside in the Asian Sanctuary at Fota Wildlife Park, which is home to a variety of endangered species from across Asia.

Mei and her younger sister, Kaili, travelled from Twycross Zoo in the UK to Fota Wildlife Park 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 was born in November 2023.

Like all François' langur babies, the youngster is currently sporting a striking bright orange coat, which contrasts vividly against the sleek black fur of the adults.

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.

François' langur monkeys are classified as endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).

Lead ranger, Teresa Power, said the arrival of the infant monkey is significant for Fota’s breeding programme.

“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.

“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.” 

Fota Wildlife Park is inviting the public to help name its newest arrival.

The baby’s gender has yet to be determined, but visitors can submit their name suggestions via a form on the blog at www.fotawildlife.ie/news for a chance to win a conservation annual pass.

The chosen name should reflect the species' native habitat or biogeographic region and carry a positive or meaningful significance for the young monkey, the park said.