Lovely Lee-murs

Two bundles of joy have arrived at Fota Wildlife Park.

The black and white ruffed lemur babies were born to mum Cloud and dad Paraic in April after a gestation period of 102 days.

The species is native to the tropical forests of Eastern Madagascar and has been classified as critically endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature.

Closely related to the red ruffed lemur, the black and white ruffed lemur is the largest lemur species and the largest animal pollinator in the world. The average adult weighs about four kilos and can live over 20 years.

Lead Ranger Teresa Power said: “To have a successful birth of two healthy black and white ruffed lemur babies is very exciting both for us here at Fota Wildlife Park and for the conservation of the species.

“Black and white ruffed lemur babies grow very fast and our pair are getting big enough now to hitch a ride on mum’s back so visitors to the park may be lucky enough to see the two new babies out and about, especially when the weather is good.”

Fota Wildlife Park is currently constructing a Madagascan Village where there will be two new animal houses which will form indoor accommodation for the black and white ruffed lemurs, ring-tailed lemurs as well as other endangered species from the island of Madagascar. It is due to open at the end of July.