Two black-and-white ruffed lemur babies have been born at Fota Wildlife Park in east Cork. The species is native to Madagascar and is among the most threatened primates on earth, with fewer than 250 estimated to remain in the wild. The babies are thriving and are already venturing into a tunnel that connects their house to their island habitat, where they can be seen sunbathing with their parents. The mother, Romy, was observed nest-building and later confirmed giving birth. The father, Iray, arrived from Germany as part of an international breeding programme aimed at genetic health. The public is being invited to help name the babies.
"“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,” she said."
"“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.”"
"“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.”"
"“Ruffed lemurs display unusually primitive primate behaviour - they build nests and give birth within them. The young are born almost naked and, unlike other primates, are unable to cling to their mother. Instead, Romy has been observed carrying her babies in her mouth when moving”"
Read at Irish Independent
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