First pictures of an endangered François’ langur baby born at Whipsnade Zoo have been revealed. 

The 'little ray of sunshine' was born to mum Lulu and dad Wang at the Bedfordshire conservation zoo during the early hours of Saturday, February 17.

In contrast to the adult François’ langurs monochromatic coats, infants are born with shocking orange hair.  

Royston Crow: Mum Lulu with one-week-old Endangered François’ langur baby Mum Lulu with one-week-old Endangered François’ langur baby (Image: Whipsnade Zoo)The flame-coloured monkey, which currently spends most of its time cuddling into mum’s dark black hair, was born as part of a European Endangered Species Breeding Programme (EEP) - an internationally coordinated conservation initiative which aims to boost the numbers of species that are threatened in the wild. 

Whipsnade Zookeeper Amanda Robinson said the team were ecstatic when they saw Lulu cradling her bright orange baby at the weekend.  

Royston Crow: François’ langur baby born at Whipsnade ZooFrançois’ langur baby born at Whipsnade Zoo (Image: Whipsnade Zoo)Amanda explained: “It’s believed the babies are born with bright orange locks so that parents can easily spot the youngster when they’re being cared for by the troop.  

“Over time this hair will fade to black. The bright orange hair certainly makes it easier for keepers and visitors to spot the new addition!” 

Royston Crow: The flame-coloured monkey spends most of its time cuddling  mumThe flame-coloured monkey spends most of its time cuddling  mum (Image: Whipsnade Zoo)

François’ langurs (Trachypithecus francoisi) are listed as endangered on the IUCN Red List of threatened species. Native to China and northern Vietnam, their numbers have continued to fall in the wild, making the birth internationally important. 

Royston Crow: Lulu with her new babyLulu with her new baby (Image: Whipsnade Zoo)Amanda added: “Sadly, in the wild the number of François’ langurs are plummeting, so this new born really is a ray of sunshine and a sign of hope for the species.” she said.  

The langur troop can be found at Whipsnade Zoo’s new Monkey Forest – which opens to the public on March 29. 

Visitors will meet the mischievous monkeys as they journey through Monkey Forest, along with Sulawesi crested macaques, the curled-tusked Babirusa, and the ‘demons of the forest’, the lowland anoa along the way.

To find out more or to buy tickets, visit www.whipsnadezoo.org/monkeyforest.