SINGAPORE ZOO SENDING FIRST DOUC LANGUR EVER ON BREEDING LOAN
Singapore, 16 February 2012 — For the first time, Singapore Zoo
will send one of its captive red-shanked Douc langurs away. A
comprehensive health check was carried out on the selected
female, named Wani, prior to her journey to Japan’s Yokohama Zoo
later this month. Although a species of monkey and not an ape,
Douc langurs are commonly known as “costumed apes” because of
their interestingly patterned body coat. Native to the
rainforests of Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam, they are listed as
endangered on the IUCN* Red List of Threatened Species. Locals
hunt this monkey for food and its body parts, which are used in
the preparation of traditional medicines. It is also sometimes
hunted to sustain the international pet trade. During the
Vietnam War, its forest habitat was also destroyed by
defoliating agents and bombs. This delicate and striking monkey
made its Singapore Zoo debut in 1988. Since then, 27 Douc
langurs have been successfully bred. Wani unde