Every birth brings with it fresh life and new hope. When a newborn is received and introduced to the whole family or community, it is always a wonderful occasion. It is, indeed, a cause for celebration.
The same is true for animals, especially endangered or extinct species. A newborn means that their line will continue as long as the kid survives, remains healthy, mates, and has children. Isn’t it true that it’s easier said than done?
This is why zoos and other wildlife sanctuaries welcome and place great emphasis on the birth of any species whose numbers are diminishing.
The François Langur is a threatened species.
Langurs are medium-sized monkeys who like to dwell in tropical and subtropical cliffs and caves. The François langur is a threatened species that may be found in northeastern Vietnam and southern China.
Fraçois langurs are declining in number, according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List. Hunting is one of the most serious dangers to their population. It’s no surprise that the birth of one is widely hailed.
Newborn langur in the Philadelphia Zoo
When its François langur delivered birth, the Philadelphia Zoo was overjoyed. Mei-mei and Chester were joyful first-time parents to baby Qu Báu, which means “precious” in Vietnamese.
She was so little and beautiful. However, the zoo saw that Mei-mei was not very interested in caring for your child. They stated that was typical, but it may be harmful to Qu Báu’s health.
The veterinarian comes to the rescue.
The vets swiftly responded to their problem by transporting Qu Báu to the hospital for a wash. They also fed her to ensure she had the nourishment she required as a newborn. The vet team gradually reintroduced Qu Báu to Mei-mei in order for them to build a mother-daughter relationship. They also introduced her to Chester gradually.
It took Mei-mei and Chester about a month to acclimatize to becoming Qu Báu’s mother and father. Following that, the first-time mother began carrying her baby everywhere she went, with a little assistance from her “aunts.”
Female François langurs play an important role in child rearing even though they are not the mother. The group’s females would take turns carrying the infant around.
One of the reasons a newborn langur appears orange, according to scientists, is so the mother can quickly detect the infant. Their hair darkens with age until it is completely black.
Langur conservation
As previously stated, the population of François-Langurs is declining, with just around 2,100 remaining. They blame the decline on mining and quarrying, illicit logging, and habitat destruction, in addition to hunting.
The Langur Species Survival Plan was developed in collaboration with various organizations, including the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. They seek to safeguard langurs while also increasing their number.
That is why the Philadelphia Zoo’s efforts to raise baby Qu Báu were so admirable. Who knows whether this was the first of many François langur births in their zoo?
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