Respected conservationist Chester Zoo recently announced it has cause for celebration – keepers rejoiced at the birth of a baby dancing lemur at the zoo, one of the rarest primates in the world today.
Also known as “Coquerel’s sifaka”, the species of lemur is classed as critically endangered, making the birth a major victory in the fight to preserve rare wildlife on the planet. The tiny animal was born to parents Elliot and Beatrice, two 12-year-old lemurs, following a five-month long pregnancy.
Weighing just 100 grams, the newborn arrived with thick white fur already grown, and keepers compared its size to a tennis ball. Early images of the family showed mum Beatrice cradling the baby lemur while it held on tight to her tummy. In contrast to other lemurs, in their natural habitat sifakas hold an upright stance and employ their powerful legs to perform a springing motion to travel side to side across the forest floor. This activity resulted in the species being given the “dancing lemur” nickname.
In a statement, the zoo’s Mammals General Manager Dr Nick Davis commented:
“The new baby has spent the first vital few weeks of life quietly bonding with mum, Beatrice, and we’re very happy to report that they’re both doing great so far. We’re seeing positive signs – they’ve been inseparable so far.”
The zoo’s new addition won’t venture out without its mum until it’s about six months old. Davies added that this is when keeper can identify the sifaka’s sex.
