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Howletts wild animal park near Canterbury celebrates baby Francois langur monkey

00:00, 16 February 2016

updated: 14:31, 16 February 2016

An adorable baby Francois langur has made its public debut at a Kent wildlife park.

Howletts in Bekesbourne near Canterbury says their new arrival is really hard to miss because of its bright orange colouring.

Matt Ford, head of the primate section said: "Born to mother Ena and father Sam, the youngster is becoming more and more curious and aware of his surroundings every day.

A baby Francois langur is making its debut at Howletts wild animal park
A baby Francois langur is making its debut at Howletts wild animal park

"‘We’re delighted with this youngster’s progress. This latest birth is not only great news for Howletts but the species as a whole, because they are endangered in the wild.

"Habitat loss and hunting are the main cause for their decline and it’s estimated that there are less than 2,500 left in the wild."

Francois langurs are found in the tropical rainforests of Southern China and north east Vietnam.

A baby Francois langur is making its debut at Howletts wild animal park
A baby Francois langur is making its debut at Howletts wild animal park

Adults have black silky hair and distinctive white sideburns that grow from their ears down their cheeks, while youngsters all have a distinctive orange colouring, which darkens as they mature.

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