We've updated our Privacy and Cookies Policy
We've made some important changes to our Privacy and Cookies Policy and we want you to know what this means for you and your data.
Rare baby Francois' langur monkey born at zoo
Image source, Twycross Zoo/PA Media
A Leicestershire zoo has welcomed the birth of an endangered monkey with bright orange fur.
Keepers at Twycross Zoo have said the team is "incredibly excited" at the arrival of the Francois' langur monkey.
The baby is being cared for by its 17-year-old mother, the rest of the monkey group, known as a troop, and the zoo's experts.
It won't be hard for visitors or keepers to spot in its enclosure due to its bright colour!
Over time the baby's fur will fade to black.
What is a Francois' langur?
Image source, Twycross Zoo/PA Media
The monkey, which belongs to the primate family of mammals, is usually found in China and north Vietnam.
Adults have black fur with white stripes running around their cheeks.
They have a tuft of hair on the top of their heads and live in large groups where they have daily grooming sessions.
They tend to eat leaves, fruit and insects.
How rare are they?
Image source, Getty Images
Francois' langur monkeys are endangered, according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List, which names the world's most endangered species.
It is estimated there are only 2,000 living in the wild, due to problems like habitat loss.
Dr Rebecca Biddle, director of conservation at Twycross Zoo, said the new arrival is an important step in protecting them.
"We're absolutely delighted to announce the birth of a Francois' langur at Twycross Zoo," she said.
"It's always a special occasion when we welcome a new animal to the zoo but this birth is an especially important one because of how endangered the species is."