The Municipal Affairs Bureau (IAM) announced in a statement last night that a female François’ langur (黑葉猴 –“black leaf monkey”)* at Seac Pai Van Park recently passed away at the age of 22, following a natural decline in body functions due to advanced age, despite full efforts by the medical team to treat her.
The statement did not reveal the exact date of the monkey’s death.
Last night’s announcement came after the public display of the primate was suspended late last month after she became unwell.
Last night’s statement noted that the average lifespan of a François’ langur in the wild and in captivity is about 15 to 18 years, making this individual an exceptionally elderly specimen.
She was born in Flora Garden in 2004, relocated to the Primate Pavilion at Seac Pai Van Park following its opening in 2014, and moved to the park’s Pavilion of Rare Animals in 2025, the statement noted.
The statement said that the care team detected symptoms of respiratory and urogenital tract infections last month. They immediately initiated emergency medical procedures, placing her in a dedicated care area for round-the-clock monitoring, symptomatic treatment, and palliative care. Throughout this period, the medical team closely monitored her vital signs and did everything possible to provide the best care and treatment. However, owing to her advanced age and continuous organ failure, she ultimately passed away.
The statement said that the bureau deeply regrets the loss of this elderly François’ langur. Moving forward, the bureau will continue to advance rare wildlife conservation, strengthen species care and medical support systems, promote public science education on ecological protection, raise awareness of ecological conservation, and deliver professional, comprehensive, and high-quality care for all animals in the park.
The bureau said late last month that the female langur’s age of 22 was equivalent to over 80 human years.
The bureau said at that time that the primate showed signs of decreased appetite and reduced activity. Following an examination by veterinary staff, the animal was provisionally diagnosed with respiratory and urinary tract infections, and was taking prescribed medication under an active treatment plan.
The bureau said late last month that with the aim of providing a quiet, comfortable environment for recovery and allowing closer monitoring by the care team, the bureau decided to temporarily move the monkey to the veterinary enclosure and remove her from public view.
The bureau noted that the species is listed as endangered on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List and is a national Grade I key protected wild animal in China.
* The François’ langur is native to the limestone karst forests of southwestern China and northern Vietnam. Threatened by habitat fragmentation and poaching, wild populations are estimated at fewer than 2,000 individuals. – Gemini
This undated file photo downloaded from the website of the Municipal Affairs Bureau (IAM) yesterday shows the now deceased François’ langur at Seac Pai Van Park.
