A rare and joyful event recently took place at the Philadelphia Zoo—the birth of a baby François’ Langur, an endangered primate species native to Southeast Asia. The newborn is the first of her kind born at the zoo, and her arrival is being celebrated as a major milestone. Her caretakers gave her the meaningful name Quý Báu, pronounced “Kwee Bow,” which means “something precious” in Vietnamese—and it’s easy to see why.
Although her birth brought hope, Quý Báu’s first moments weren’t without challenges. Her mother, Mei Mei, initially struggled to adjust to motherhood. Staff had to step in quickly to ensure the baby’s survival. Quý Báu was gently given a warm bath and bottle-fed to stabilize her. During the bath, she clung lovingly to a staff member’s chest in a heart-melting snuggle that was captured on camera. The sweet moment has since touched the hearts of millions online.
François’ Langur babies are born with bright orange fur, which gradually changes to black as they grow. It’s not unusual for first-time mothers of this species to initially reject their young. Fortunately, after some time apart, Mei Mei and Quý Báu were successfully reunited later the same day. Since then, Mei Mei has embraced her role, caring for her baby with devotion.
Thanks to the quick response of the zoo staff and a mother’s determination, Quý Báu is now thriving. Her journey from a fragile newborn to a flourishing infant is a beautiful reminder of the dedication it takes to protect endangered species—and the bonds that can bloom when love and care are given a chance.
