Francois' Langur Monkey Born at the Zoo
A female Francois’ langur has been born at the Toledo Zoo; visitors can see her with her parents in the Zoo’s Primate Forest. She was born on August 10.
This is the fifth baby for father Dong Puong and mother Ashes, who is providing excellent maternal care. Other langurs on exhibit include the baby’s big brother, Deshi, born in 2010.
As an adult, a Francois’ langur has a long, black, silky coat with a white band of cheek fur and a pointed crest of hair on top of its head. A Francois’ langur baby, however, is predominantly orange. Biologists believe the orange color helps the baby blend in with foliage in the tree canopies of its native habitat in Vietnam, southeast China and central Laos.
Fewer than 2,500 Francois’ langurs are estimated to survive in the wild, with hunting and habitat loss contributing to their status as endangered animals. The Toledo Zoo is one of fewer than 20 institutions in the United States to exhibit and breed Francois’ langurs.
Dong Puong is owned by the Toledo Zoo, and Ashes is on a breeding loan from the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo. Both parents arrived at the Zoo in May, 2000 on recommendation from the Francois’ langur Species Survival Plan (SSP), a cooperative breeding program coordinated by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA).
This summer through Labor Day Weekend, the Toledo Zoo is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The Zoo is located on the Anthony Wayne Trail (US 25), four miles south of downtown Toledo. For more information, please visit toledozoo.org or call 419.385.4040. Lucas County residents are admitted free of charge each Monday from 10 a.m. to noon. ID showing proof of residency is required.
The Toledo Zoo is committed to inspiring others to join in caring for animals and conserving the natural world. As part of that mission, The Toledo Zoo is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), a leader in global wildlife conservation. AZA member institutions are dedicated to providing excellent care for animals, a great experience for visitors and a better future for all living things.
Press Release Contact Name: Kandace York
Press Release Contact Email: [email protected]
Organization Name: Toledo Zoo
Organization Address: Toledo, OH