A zoo has celebrated the birth of a rare 'ghost-white' monkey in time for Halloween - offering hope for the species facing extinction.
The endangered king colobus infant features the species' striking white coloring, which gradually darkens over six months.
The adorable baby, whose keepers believe to be a girl, was born to 14-year-old mother Lola on 22 October at Paignton Zoo in Devon.
(Paignton Zoo va SWNS)
By Talker
King colobus infants are born white, specifically to help mothers track them, as it is normal behaviour for babies to be passed around within the family group.
James Shora, Mammals Keeper at Paignton Zoo, said: "Every birth of an endangered species is something to celebrate.
"This adorable baby is already captivating our visitors and represents real hope for the future of king colobus monkeys."
(Paignton Zoo va SWNS)
By Talker
King colobus monkeys are classified as Endangered by the IUCN, with populations plummeting by more than 50 per cent over the past three decades due to habitat loss, hunting, and forest fragmentation.
Their native West African rainforests, spanning from Senegal to the Ivory Coast, have seen catastrophic decline in recent years.
Conservation groups have called for increased protection of remaining rainforest habitats and stronger enforcement of hunting restrictions across West Africa.
(Paignton Zoo va SWNS)
By Talker
Born completely white with black eyes and ears, the baby will gradually develop the distinctive markings of this rare West African species over approximately six months - transforming into a jet-black coat with white facial fringes and a sweeping white shoulder cape.
Keepers intend to name the baby ‘Limba’, in honor of their father Limbali, who passed away earlier this month.
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