lemurs Archives - Animal Fact Guide

Mongoose Lemur Twins at Busch Gardens

Posted on April 25, 2012 by admin

Busch Gardens Tampa welcomed a pair of mongoose lemur twins earlier this month! The babies were born to mother Rosalita and father Guillermo. The gender of the new babies has not yet been determined. However, around 6-8 months, mongoose lemurs develop distinguishing characteristics based on their sex. Males start to change color and will grow a red “beard.” Females develop a white beard and have a darker face.

In the wild, mongoose lemurs are considered vulnerable of extinction. They inhabit the island of Madagascar, the native habitat of all species of lemurs. But they are unique in that they are one of two species also found outside of Madagascar, specifically on the Comoros Islands, which are located between Madagascar and Africa.

Rosalita and one of her twins.

New arrival: Mongoose lemur baby

Proud parents Rosalita and Guillermo. Did you know that mongoose lemurs make oinking sounds similar to pigs?

(Photos by Matt Marriott/Busch Gardens Tampa Bay)

Baby Lemur Born at Maryland Zoo

Posted on December 6, 2011 by admin

The Maryland Zoo in Baltimore welcomed a male baby Coquerel’s sifaka on November 12 and named him Nero. At birth, the baby lemur weighed 94 grams, about the weight of a deck of cards. According to Meredith Wagoner, mammal collection and conservation manager, “Sifaka are born with sparse hair and resemble tiny gremlins, however their white hair soon grows in, and they begin to resemble their parents.”

In the wild, Coquerel’s sifaka inhabit the island of Madagascar. They are endangered as a result of habitat loss from deforestation. Sifaka are different from other lemurs in the way they hop through treetops in an upright posture using only their hind legs. They propel themselves on the ground by side-hopping on their hind legs.

To learn more, see the Maryland Zoo website.

Baby Lemurs Born at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay

Posted on May 17, 2010 by admin

A pair of red-ruffed lemurs have been born at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay. The two were born on April 21st of this year to Maditra and Bozeny, who have lived at the zoo for 3 years. The babies are still too young to have their gender identified and they have not been given names yet. Once full-grown they will weigh between 8-10 lbs.

Read about the red-ruffed lemur’s cousin the ring-tailed lemur at Animal Fact Guide.

Label the Lemurs

Posted on August 17, 2009 by admin

lemur_twins The Detroit Zoo is holding a competition to name their two newest black and white ruffled lemurs. The male and female twins were born in June.

Anyone may suggest names through the zoo’s website. The deadline is September 2nd at midnight. It is suggested that names have a Malagasy origin as lemurs are native to Madagascar.

Zoo staff will select five male names and five female names to put for public vote.

Vote here.

Endangered Lemur Born at St. Louis Zoo

Posted on March 18, 2009 by admin

Baby lemur born at St. Louis Zoo

A baby Coquerel’s sifaka, an endangered kind of lemur, was born at the St. Louis Zoo on February 16. The baby will cling to its mother Almirena’s belly for a month and then transfer to riding on her back.

Sifakas are unique because they possess frog-like legs and hop on two feet. Their powerful legs allow them to leap from tree to tree. Coquerel’s sifakas, native to Madagascar, are in danger of extinction due to habitat loss from logging and farming.

For more info: St. Louis Zoo