At the wildlife rescue center of Fanjingshan National Nature Reserve in southwest China’s Guizhou Province, joy filled the air on March 21 as Fanfan, a Guizhou snub-nosed monkey, gave birth to her fourth offspring.
Fanfan and her mate, Tiantian, both originally from the wild, found sanctuary at the rescue center after sustaining injuries—Tiantian in 2011 and Fanfan in 2016. Their growing family now includes Jianjian, 6; Kangkang, 4; Qianbao, 2; and the newest baby, whose arrival marks a hopeful milestone for this endangered species.
The Guizhou snub-nosed monkey is a rare primate species, with only about 800 individuals remaining worldwide. Inhabiting the remote forests of Mount Fanjing, they have been listed as a national first-level protected animal in China since 1989 and were classified as Endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) in 2008.
Since its establishment in 1990, the Fanjingshan wildlife rescue center has been dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation, and study of these monkeys and other wildlife. The successful births within Fanfan’s family are a testament to the center’s ongoing conservation efforts.
“The birth of each monkey is a victory for conservation,” said a representative from the rescue center. “It brings new hope for the future of the species.”
As conservationists continue their work, the story of Fanfan, Tiantian, and their family serves as an inspiring reminder of the impact that dedicated care and protection can have on preserving endangered species.
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Fourth snub-nosed monkey offspring welcomed in SW China's Guizhou
cgtn.com