Baby joy at Fota

First time momma Romy is doing well following the birth of her two new babies in Fota.

The two critically endangered black-and-white ruffed lemurs (Varecia variegata) were born on 21 April, with Fota Wildlife Park announcing their birth on Tuesday.

Like all lemur species, the black-and-white ruffed lemur is native to the island of Madagascar and is now considered one of the most threatened primates on earth. Of the 81 known lemur species, 79 are listed by the IUCN as being in danger of extinction, with fewer than 250 black-and-white ruffed lemurs estimated to remain in the wild today.

Teresa Power, Lead Ranger, said: "We were very hopeful that Romy was about to give birth when we observed her nest-building on her island habitat in April. Later that month, she spent considerable time near a particular area, confirming she had given birth.

“The animal care team were absolutely thrilled when we spotted Romy moving the two babies around the island. As yet we do not know their genders, as they are still very young — but we are now calling on the public to help name them.”

She added: “The two little ones are thriving and already venturing into the tunnel that connects their house to their island habitat, where they can be spotted sunbathing there with their parents.”

Romy was born at Fota Wildlife Park in June 2022. Father Iray, aged three, arrived from NaturZoo Rheine in Germany in March 2025 as part of a coordinated international breeding programme. Their pairing is a carefully managed match designed to support the genetic health of the species.

Despite this slow start, ruffed lemur young reach maturity more quickly than other lemur species.

Fota Wildlife Park is inviting the public to help name the young lemurs, for a chance to win one of two Conservation Annual Passes.

Name suggestions can be submitted via the form on fotawildlife.ie and should either be inspired by the lemurs’ natural home of Madagascar or carry a meaningful connection to the species.