Endangered Monkey with Orange Fur Born at Zoo: ‘This Birth Is Incredibly Special’

Endangered Monkey with Orange Fur Born at Zoo: A Rare and Delightful Arrival

A new addition to the primate family at the Oklahoma City Zoo and Botanical Garden has captured the hearts of visitors and animal enthusiasts alike. A newborn endangered François langur with striking orange fur made his debut on September 8, much to the delight of onlookers. The proud parents, Pam and Ripley, endangered François langurs themselves, welcomed this little bundle of joy into the world in Oklahoma’s capital.

The infant monkey, a male, arrived with a head and body covered in vibrant orange fur, a distinctive feature of this species. The zoo revealed that the orange fur will gradually darken to jet black within a year, blending in with the distinctive appearance of adult François langurs, characterized by dramatic white sideburns. Pace Frank, assistant curator of primates at the zoo, explained that the orange fur serves a vital purpose as it helps the infants be easily spotted by members of their troop.

As news of the rare birth spread, social media users couldn’t help but draw comparisons to the iconic Harry Potter series, with one person jokingly commenting on Facebook, “Must be a Weasley,” alluding to the fictional family known for their reddish-orange hair. The playful reference added a touch of pop culture to the heartwarming story of the newest member of the monkey family at the zoo.

The arrival of the endangered François langur holds significant importance for conservation efforts. With only an estimated 2,000 to 2,100 mature old-world monkeys left in the wild, every birth in captivity is a cause for celebration and hope. Dwight Lawson, the zoo’s executive director and CEO, emphasized the critical role that zoos play in raising awareness about endangered species like the François langurs and working towards preserving their habitats.

The International Union for Conservation of Nature classifies François langurs as endangered, with the wild population witnessing a drastic 50% decline over the past few decades. This sobering statistic underscores the urgency of conservation initiatives aimed at protecting these majestic primates and their natural environment. The birth of the infant monkey at the Oklahoma City Zoo represents a beacon of optimism in the broader conversation about wildlife preservation.

The newborn’s parents, Pam and Ripley, have been residing at the zoo since 2021, with the specific purpose of breeding to support the conservation of the species. In 2024, the couple welcomed another offspring, a female named Fera. Unlike her little brother, Fera did not inherit the distinctive orange body fur, showcasing the fascinating genetic diversity within the François langur family.

Shannon Charles-Ray, curator of primates at the zoo, expressed the team’s joy and pride at witnessing the successful birth and integration of the newcomer into the primate family. Close monitoring of Pam’s pregnancy through ultrasound allowed the staff to ensure the well-being of both the mother and the infant, highlighting the dedicated care provided to the animals at the facility. The seamless adjustment of the family group, with Fera embracing her role as a big sister, reflects the nurturing environment created by the zoo’s team.

As the infant monkey continues to grow and thrive in the sanctuary at the Oklahoma City Zoo, visitors and conservationists alike will monitor his progress with anticipation and delight. The François langurs, native to the forests of China and Vietnam, face numerous threats in the wild, including habitat destruction and poaching. By highlighting the beauty and uniqueness of these endangered primates, the zoo aims to inspire visitors to support conservation efforts and protect biodiversity for future generations.