A run to the World Series would not be complete without a lucky animal to share it with, and the San Francisco Giants have continued the tradition this postseason. Just when it appeared that the Giants would be sent packing by the defending champion Cardinals as they trailed 3-1 in the NLCS, a lucky monkey was born. San Francisco has not lost since.
The baby monkey — more specifically a François’s langur — was born at the San Francisco Zoo earlier this month and like other members of its species it has an orange head and a black body. An endangered species, the François’s langur is born with an orange head that will turn black like the rest of its body within three to six months. Fortunately for the city of San Francisco, that means this baby will be sporting team colors for the remainder of the series.
“Things have turned literally since she’s been born,” zoo spokesperson Abigail Tuller said, adding that the baby appears to perk up when she sees people who are sporting Giants logos.
The monkey has not yet been named, but a sign hangs in front of the San Francisco Zoo that reads “Lucky Langur lives here.” Last season, the Cardinals credited a squirrel that ran across the field (video here) during the playoffs for becoming their good luck charm. The squirrel was later featured on a baseball card and even engraved into the side of the Cardinals World Series rings. If the Giants hold on and beat the Tigers, the next animal to end up on a championship ring could very well be a monkey.
Photo credit: Marianne Hale/SF Zoo
