A critically endangered baby monkey allegedly stolen from its dead mother and put up for sale on Facebook for £615 has been rescued.
Tiny Luffy has endured a traumatic start to life after being snatched from the wild and thrust into the illegal wildlife trade.
The youngster is a Red-shanked Douc Langur – one of the world’s most endangered primates.
READ MORE: Horror moment wild BEAR attacks tourist in his car
After being taken from southern Laos, Luffy was reportedly advertised for sale on Facebook, as reported by Need To Know.
Conservationists believe it is highly likely the traffickers who took him also killed his mother, as wild langur mothers do not abandon their young.
Thankfully, authorities intercepted the infant before he disappeared into the illegal pet trade.
Luffy was then transported more than 500 miles to safety at the Lao Conservation Trust for Wildlife, in Laos.
But rescuers say the ordeal had already taken a devastating toll.
The monkey arrived weak, severely stressed and suffering from serious intestinal complications.
He is now receiving intensive veterinary treatment, including IV fluids and nutritional support, while carers monitor him around the clock.
The tiny primate spends most of his days asleep as his body slowly recovers.
Conservationists hope that, if he continues to improve, he can eventually be introduced to a langur family and given the chance to grow up in a more natural environment.
A spokesperson for African Safari Conservation stated: “As a Critically Endangered Red-shanked Douc Langur, his story is sadly not unique.
“It is highly likely his mother was killed by wildlife traffickers, as wild langur mothers do not abandon their infants.
“We named him Luffy because, despite everything he has endured, he continues to fight.
“For now, he spends most of his days sleeping, his tiny body focused on healing.
“Every small improvement is a victory.
“If he recovers, the hope is to introduce him to a langur family who may adopt him and give him the chance to learn the natural behaviours every young primate deserves.
“His future remains uncertain, but his fight is not over.
“Please keep Luffy in your thoughts and donate to this amazing organisation I am supporting in Laos.”
Jam Press has approached Facebook for comment.
