Whipsnade Zoo ask public for help naming baby François’ langur
The flame-coloured monkey is endangered
Whipsnade Zoo have launched a naming competition for their four-week-old baby François’ langur.
Born on February 17, the flame-coloured baby monkey needs a name, something zoo keepers at the conservation zoo have now asked the public for help with.
The zoo breeds endangered species, with the baby langur being the first to be born in their new Monkey Forest.
The Forest has been created with the aim of to transporting visitors to the forests of southeast Asia, while shining a light on the endangered François’ langur troop.
Parents Lulu and Wang are very proud of their flame-coloured son, who now needs a name.
Whipsnade Zoo’s Animal Operations Manager Hayley Jakeman said “The tiny four-week-old really stands out from the crowd at Monkey Forest. While his parents and the rest of the troop have monochromatic coats, the baby langur was born with shocking orange hair,” she said.
“We’re looking for a name which really encapsulates how important this little monkey is. François’ langurs are sadly Endangered, and in China and Vietnam their numbers continue to plummet as the species faces threats from illegal hunting for their meat and for traditional medicinal purposes. It really makes this birth internationally important.”
Hayley added: ““If you have an idea please head to our website whipsnadezoo.org/namethemonkey and submit your suggestion. The winner, who will be decided by our keepers, will get a special tour of Monkey Forest before it opens on March 29 – we can't wait to see all the name suggestions!”