Every birth gives new life and new hope. It’s always a joyous event when a baby is welcomed and presented to the whole 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, friends, and gives birth once more. Easier claimed than done, right?
This is why zoos and various other wildlife shelters celebrate and bring utmost importance to the birth of any type of specie that’s dwindling in numbers.
François Langur as endangered species.
Langurs are medium-sized primates that choose to stay in cliffs and caves of tropical and subtropical zones. The François langurs are known endangered species located in northeastern Vietnam and southwestern China.
According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List, Fraçois langurs are decreasing in population. Among 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 Philly Zoo excitedly shared the bright side 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 kid. They said this was normal however can affect Quý Báu’s health.
Veterinarian to the rescue.
The vets quickly acted on their predicament as they took Quý Báu to the hospital for a bath. They likewise gave her food to obtain the nutrients she needed as a baby. The vet team slowly introduced Quý Báu back to Mei-mei so they could form a maternal bond. They likewise slowly presented her to Chester.
It took around a month for Mei-mei and Chester to adjust to being a mother and father for Quý Báu. After that, the first-time mom 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 increasing a baby even if they are not the mom. Women in the group would take turns carrying the baby around.
Scientists think that one of the reasons a baby langur is orange is so the mom can easily spot the baby. As they grow older, their hair grows darker until it is completely black.
Preserving langurs.
As mentioned earlier, François langurs are decreasing in number with only around 2,100 in population. Aside from hunting, they likewise attribute the decrease to mining and quarrying, illegal.
The Organization of Zoos and Aquariums produced the Langur Species Survival Plan together with other organizations. They are hoping to protect langurs and hopefully raise their population.
That’s why Philadelphia Zoo’s efforts in supporting baby Quý Báu were quite commendable. Who recognizes that this first François langur birth in their zoo would be the begin of a lot more.
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