Zoo Tang Clan grows at Cork’s Fota Wildlife Park after birth of latest endangered monkey
The baby monkey is of a species classified as endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN)
The baby François' langur was born on the 1st of February—St. Brigid’s Day—to mother Mei, and father Shinobi, who are both 9 years old. They reside in the Asian Sanctuary at Fota Wildlife Park, which is home to a variety of endangered species from across Asia. Photo. Darragh Kane
Fota Wildlife Park is delighted to announce the birth of a François' langur monkey (Trachypithecus francoisi), a species classified as endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). Photo. Darragh Kane
The baby François' langur was born on the 1st of February—St. Brigid’s Day—to mother Mei, and father Shinobi, who are both 9 years old. They reside in the Asian Sanctuary at Fota Wildlife Park, which is home to a variety of endangered species from across Asia. Photo. Darragh Kane
The baby François' langur was born on the 1st of February—St. Brigid’s Day—to mother Mei, and father Shinobi, who are both 9 years old. They reside in the Asian Sanctuary at Fota Wildlife Park, which is home to a variety of endangered species from across Asia. Photo. Darragh Kane
A second endangered François’ langur monkey was born at Fota Wildlife Park on St Brigid’s Day.
The species is classified as endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), with the latest birth in Cork being welcomed as “another milestone” for Fota’s breeding programme.
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 said.
The baby François’ langur was born by Mei and father Shinobi, who are both nine years of age.
The happy parents reside in the Asian Sanctuary at Fota, which is also the home of a variety of endangered species from Asian countries.
This latest addition to the family follows the birth of Tang, who arrived on the November 22 in 2023, bringing the group of François' langurs to five.
“Tang, now a big sister, initially showed signs of jealousy but is slowly adapting to the new arrival. 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, beginning to venture away from Mei for brief moments while still staying close to her for reassurance,” Ms Power said.
Fota Wildlife Park is delighted to announce the birth of a François' langur monkey (Trachypithecus francoisi), a species classified as endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). Photo. Darragh Kane
It is believed that there are approximately 1,400–1,650 of François’ langur in the wild in China and fewer than 500 left in Vietnam.
Fota is inviting the public to help name the new 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.
