Twycross Zoo boosts global population of endangered François langur species by welcoming second newborn within 1 month

Twycross Zoo, a leading conservation charity and zoo based in Leicestershire, has announced the birth of a second new-born François’ langur.

Recognised by the International Union of Conservation of Nature (IUCN) as “Endangered,” the population of François’ langurs continues to decline globally with only 2500 estimated to remain in the wild.

The exciting arrival came just weeks after the birth of another François’ langur infant and brings the number of François’ langurs in Twycross Zoo’s troop to nine.

The pair of new-born infants, who are cousins, were instantly recognisable for visitors to the zoo as they sported the François’ langur’s signature bright orange hair, making them easy to spot amongst other members of the troop. Now, visitors can spot as their orange hair starts to transition into a darker brown and eventually black in colour, like the adult members of the Twycross troop.

Lynsey Bugg, Senior Curator at Twycross Zoo, shared her thoughts on zoo’s latest arrival: “We’re delighted to announce the birth of another François’ langur at Twycross Zoo.

“With wild populations of François’ langurs continuing to decline, the addition of another newborn to our troop is a welcome sign of hope for ongoing efforts to preserve and protect this endangered species.

“To welcome a new addition to our troop of François’ langurs so soon after the last one is incredibly exciting. When we announced the first arrival, visitors flocked to catch a glimpse of our new bright orange infant and now they’ll be able to see the two endangered juveniles together — which doesn’t happen very often.

“With warmer weather on the way, it’s the perfect time for guests to come and see our newest additions, learn more about this endangered species, and discover all our other animals too. Now that the duo are a little older, visitors might spot them starting to explore away from their mothers and practicing their jumping and climbing skills.”