“Primate Queen” in Vietnam's largest rescue center

The Cuc Phuong Endangered Primate Rescue Center (EPRC) was established in 1993, under the cooperation between Cuc Phuong National Park (NP) and the Frankfurt Zoological Society (Federal Republic of Germany). Since 2013, the center has operated under the cooperation and co-management of Cuc Phuong NP and Leipzig Zoo (Federal Republic of Germany).

The center is caring for 220 primates of 14 species. All 14 species are listed in the Red Book as rare and endangered animals in need of protection.

Among the primate species being raised, cared for and conserved, the Red-shanked Douc possesses a unique beauty, brilliant and rare colors. They are known as the “queen of primates”.

EPRC representative said that the unit is taking care of 14 individuals of Red-shanked Douc Langur, including: 6 males and 8 females. Of which, 3 males and 7 females are of reproductive age (being paired), the remaining are 4 juveniles.

Like most other langur species, the Red-shanked Douc lives in groups of 3-8 individuals. The adult male is the sole leader. Individuals in the langur group have a very high social bond, and members often spend a lot of time caring for, grooming, and cleaning each other's fur.

The daily diet of adults is mainly fresh leaves (leaves with bitter, astringent taste such as star fruit leaves, hibiscus leaves, mulberry leaves, camphor leaves...).

“Every day, the staff will go out to cut and collect leaves, the total amount of leaves that need to be collected each day is about 500kg. The leaves are divided into small bundles (about 400-500 grams), each bundle will have 3-4 different types of leaves, to ensure appetite and diversify the diet of the langurs,” said an officer from the Cuc Phuong Endangered Primate Rescue Center.

The young born to their mothers will receive attention and care from all the adults in the herd, not just their mother.

For young primates (rescued) will be bottle-fed, fresh sterilized milk without sugar, mixed with a little oak bark tea (according to the ratio). The frequency of milk feeding will depend on age.

“Like other Douc species, the Red-shanked Douc has a complex stomach, consisting of four compartments. The digestion and fermentation process is almost similar to that of other herbivores such as buffalo, cows, goats…”, said a veterinary officer of EPRC.

Mr. Quang, an officer of EPRC, added that if any individual is found to be sick, the staff will transfer them to the veterinary clinic for treatment (in the center, about 200m from the cage area). If necessary, anesthesia will be administered before moving to limit stress.

“All primates are given regular health check-ups once a year. Veterinarians conduct ultrasound, X-rays, and take blood samples,” said Mr. Quang.

The process of releasing the “primates” and other primates is strictly implemented. The individuals are initially transferred to a semi-wild area, fed regularly, then gradually reduced food rations to encourage the animals to go out and find food on their own.

Depending on the animal's adaptability, the process usually takes place within a few months to about a year. After completing the adaptation process, the animal is checked for health again, and if healthy enough, it will be transferred to the release area.

Every year, Cuc Phuong National Park welcomes hundreds of thousands of visitors to research, study and visit. The number of students coming to the park is constantly increasing. They come here to see with their own eyes the “primates queen” of Vietnam, to discover interesting knowledge about the living and eating habits of this lovely animal.

The leader of the Cuc Phuong Endangered Primate Rescue Center added that since its establishment, the unit has rescued nearly 500 individuals (15 species), bred 382 individuals (11 species). Re-released 154 individuals (5 species, including: 15 Ha Tinh langurs, 6 White-short langurs, 133 Loris).

Photo: Cuc Phuong National Park

Dantri.com.vn

Source: https://dantri.com.vn/xa-hoi/nu-hoang-linh-truong-trong-trung-tam-cuu-ho-lon-nhat-viet-nam-20241004153409413.htm