Peaceful Moment

The Bronx Zoo is one of the largest zoos in the United States and the largest metropolitan zoo in the country. Open in 1899 with 843 animals in 22 exhibits, it is now home to 6,000 animals and over 700 different species.

This is an ebony langur, or lutung, whose native lands are the islands of Java, Bali and coastal parts of Indonesia. While they usually live in forests and freshwater swamps, the Bronx Zoo has recreated their habitat in a 37,000 square foot exhibit, complete with numerous tree limbs and water sprays.

When I visited the zoo, most of the langurs were resting (and who can blame them?). While I would have wanted more interaction among the animals, this beautiful reddish-gold monkey was so peaceful in his repose that I had to capture this moment. If you look closely, you can see his fingers curled on the upper left-side of his head.

Although these kept animals are living ambassadors promoting wildlife understanding and preservation, I always yearn to release them. I would really love to take him home, but I fear he would mess up the house even more than I do.