Critically endangered red-ruffed lemur quadruplets born at small conservation zoo in Devon

Play Brightcove video

Critically endangered red-ruffed lemur quadruplets have been born at a small wildlife charity’s zoo in Devon.

Shaldon Wildlife Trust, says while twins are common for the species, quadruplets account for fewer than six per-cent of births worldwide.

Red-ruffed lemurs are only found in a small area in the Northeast of Madagascar.

The quadruplets arrived at the zoo in Shaldon, Teignmouth on Monday 4 May to mother Eka and father Nero. Shaldon Wildlife Trust says the birth of four healthy infants at once is testament to the care its team provides.

Credit: Shaldon Wildlife Trust

Director Zak Showell said: “The four youngsters are already keeping mom, Eka, very busy. Visitors to the Trust may soon be able to catch a glimpse of the youngsters as they become more active in their habitat.

“There is nothing quite like the arrival of ‘quads’ to remind us why we do what we do.”

The newborns are part of the European Association of Zoos and Aquariums (EAZA) breeding programme, a Europe-wide effort to ensure the survival of red-ruffed lemurs.

Shaldon Wildlife Trust also directly supports the protection of these animals in the wild through its field conservation partner, the Lemur Conservation Association (AEECL).