PREVIEW

An endangered baby monkey with a striking orange coat has been born at Whipsnade Zoo in Bedfordshire.
The zoo is now home to a one-week-old François' langur, described by zookeepers as a tiny “ray of sunshine”.
The little monkey came into the world in the early hours of 17 February 2024, born to proud parents Lulu and Wang.
In contrast to the adult François' langurs black coats, infants are born with bright orange hair.
Amanda Robinson, a zookeeper at Whipsnade Zoo, said the birth is “a sign of hope for the species”.
She added that the team were ecstatic when they saw Lulu cradling her bright orange baby.
François’ langurs, originally from China and northern Vietnam, have seen a fall in numbers in the wild, making the birth internationally important.
Robinson explained: “It’s believed the babies are born with bright orange locks so that parents can easily spot the youngster when they’re being cared for by the troop.
“Over time this hair will fade to black. The bright orange hair certainly makes it easier for keepers and visitors to spot the new addition!”
The flame-furred addition is part of a broader effort under the European Endangered Species Breeding Programme (EEP), which aims to boost populations of species under threat in the wild.
Robinson added: “Sadly, in the wild the number of François’ langurs are plummeting, so this newborn really is a ray of sunshine and a sign of hope for the species.”
At the langurs’ habitat, big sister Nguyen has stepped up, sharing parenting duties with Lulu.
“Nguyen has been staying close to her mum Lulu and giving her a break when she needs to eat or drink,” Robinson said. “She’s been treating the newborn like it’s her own baby, which is exactly what you’d see in the wild - it shows the eight-year-old has picked up great skills from the older members of the troop.”
Conservationists estimate only 2,000 of these primates are left in the wild, due to threats like illegal hunting.
The langur troop can be visited at Whipsnade Zoo’s brand-new Monkey Forest, set to open its doors to the public on 29 March.