Every birth gives new life and new hope. It’s always a joyous event when a baby is welcomed and introduced to the entire family or community. Indeed, it is worth celebrating.
The same thing goes for animals and more so with endangered or extinct species. A newborn would mean that their line lives on as long as the child survives, stays healthy, mates, and gives birth once more. Easier said than done, right?
This is why zoos and other wildlife sanctuaries celebrate and bring utmost importance to the birth of any specie that’s dwindling in numbers.
François Langur as endangered species
Langurs are medium-sized primates who prefer to live in cliffs and caves of tropical and subtropical zones. The François langurs are known endangered species found in northeastern Vietnam and southwestern China.
According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List, Fraçois langurs are decreasing in population. One of the biggest threats to their numbers is hunting. No wonder why the birth of one is very much celebrated.
Newborn langur in Philly Zoo
The Philadelphia Zoo excitedly shared the good news when their François langurs gave birth. Mei-mei and Chester were proud first-time parents to baby Quý Báu, the Vietnamese for “precious.”
She was so tiny and precious indeed. However, the zoo noticed that Mei-mei wasn’t too keen on attending to your little one. They said this was normal but could affect Quý Báu’s health.
Vet to the rescue
The veterinarians quickly acted on their predicament as they took Quý Báu to the hospital for a bath. They also gave her food to get the nutrients she needed as a baby. The vet staff slowly introduced Quý Báu back to Mei-mei so they could form a maternal bond. They also slowly introduced her to Chester.
It took around a month for Mei-mei and Chester to adjust to being a mom and dad for Quý Báu. After that, the first-time mother started carrying her baby wherever she went – plus a bit of help from her “aunts.”
Female langur’s behavior
Female François langurs have a role in raising a baby even if they are not the mother. Females in the group would take turns carrying the baby around.
Scientists believe that one of the reasons a baby langur is orange is so the mother can easily spot the baby. As they grow older, their hair grows darker until it is entirely black.
Preserving langurs
As mentioned earlier, François langurs are decreasing in number with only around 2,100 in population. Aside from hunting, they also attribute the decrease to mining and quarrying, illegal logging, and habitat loss.
The Association of Zoos and Aquariums created the Langur Species Survival Plan along with other organizations. They are hoping to protect langurs and hopefully increase their population.
That’s why Philadelphia Zoo’s efforts in nurturing baby Quý Báu were very much commendable. Who knows that this first François langur birth in their zoo would be the start of many more.
Please SHARE this with your friends and family.
