The Lemur Conservation Foundation in Myakka City, Fla., has announced the recent births of four lemur infants, representing three endangered species, on its 130-acre lemur reserve.

The first lemurs born this season were endangered collared brown lemur twins, followed by a critically endangered red ruffed lemur. The fourth infant, an endangered ring-tail lemur, joined the colony last month.

“These births bring renewed hope for lemur survival,” said Lemur Conservation Foundation Executive Director Deborah Robbins Millman. “There are more than 100 species of lemur threatened with extinction. Each baby born is a step toward saving the world’s oldest living primates.”

Collared brown lemur Isabelle and her partner, Vincent, welcomed male and female twins, Percival and Bernadette. Births of twins in managed breeding settings are relatively rare; less than 25 percent of this species’ births are multiple infants. The twins make seven collared brown lemurs born at the Lemur Conservation Foundation in its 27-year history.

Red ruffed lemur, Zazabe, and her partner, Ranomamy, bore a male infant on Easter Sunday; he was named Atody, which means “egg” in Malagasy. Lemurs are native only to Madagascar, and red-ruffed lemurs in managed breeding facilities often have names reflecting that heritage.

Ring-tailed lemurs Dalia and Goose produced the last newborn. This birth marks the second ring-tailed lemur birth at the reserve in six years. The lemur does not yet have a name, as its sex has not yet been determined.

Curator Meredith Hinton said that all four lemurs are growing quickly and being well-tended by their mothers under the close watch of Lemur Conservation Foundation keepers and interns. She added that the Lemur Conservation Foundation, which is certified by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, works with the AZA’s Species Survival Plans® to ensure the long-term health and genetic diversity of managed lemur populations.

“We take our role in saving these endangered animals very seriously and are encouraged by the four successful births this year,” said Hinton. “All of them are developing well; already, they are showing signs of independence.”

The Lemur Conservation Foundation is dedicated to the preservation and conservation of the primates of Madagascar through managed breeding, scientific research, education, and art. Founded in 1996 by conservationist and artist Penelope Bodry-Sanders, its 130-acre Myakka City reserve, home to more than 50 lemurs, is not open to the public but welcomes visiting scientists and students studying lemur behavior. Committed to addressing all facets of lemur conservation, the Lemur Conservation Foundation also has a field office in Madagascar, where full-time staff work to protect critical lemur habitat through reforestation, community development, eco-tourism, and education programs.

Hero Photo Credit: Grace Ferland, © Lemur Conservation Foundation.