Baby François Langur Steals the Spotlight at Mesker Park Zoo

The first time I ever saw a monkey in person, I was visiting Mesker Park Zoo with my family when I was a very young child. In fact, back then, they had the Monkey Ship, and we'd make a beeline to it before we went anywhere else on the property.

Newborn Monkey at Mesker Park Zoo

My anticipation for seeing primates when I visit zoos probably began with the Monkey Ship. It's still growing strong today. They fascinate me. Their intelligence, their emotions, everything. And now, Mesker Park Zoo has a brand new member of its primate family...a newborn François langur. Her name is Fern, and she is a little over a week old. Her mom, Ta-Shi, is doing fine, as you can see here as she plays with her brand new daughter.

François Langur Monkeys

Last week, the Discovery Center, where Ta-Shi and Fern reside, was closed so that Ta-Shi could grow comfortable in her role as a first-time mama. So where does this species of monkey come from? "Quite a ways" would be the quick, colloquial answer.

Southeast Asia, specifically southern China and northern Vietnam, is where you will find them in their natural habitat. They are, however, listed as "endangered" on the threat level scale, so it's not surprising you'll find members of the species in zoos across the world. Honestly, if you search "François langur monkeys" on YouTube, you'll find tons of clips from lots of zoos. It's all part of an effort to keep these creatures safe and thriving part of the animal kingdom, and I'm all for it.