Ring-tailed Lemurs Named

Keepers have named three Ring-tailed Lemurs babies born in Spring. They’ve been named Renala, Toki and Kirindy.

All three babies are continuing to do well and are developing at a quick pace. Our three mothers are all doing a great job raising their little ones. Our more experienced mothers Raki and Cleo are very relaxed for the most part. They’ve done this a few times before so they are very much at ease. Noa has a tendency to be a little more protective and nervous when her little one is off and playing independently, likely because she’s newer to motherhood. Noa is still doing a fantastic job though, and we are happy with the maternal behaviours she is displaying. 

Development wise the three babies are right on track – their number one priority at the moment is playing and they are becoming very good little climbers and jumpers. A few clumsy moments here and there but generally they are very dexterous. They’re spending more and more time off their mothers’ backs, but whenever the group is on the move they still hitch a ride around. All are now sampling solid foods and eating with the group. They are still drinking from their respective mothers, but chewing on just about anything they can get their hands on.  

Over the next few months we expect them to transition fully onto solid foods, and with this they will also stop riding around on their mums. They will continue to improve their gross motor skills through all the playing they do, and will be able to keep up with the group on their own. 

The three babies bring our total number in the Ring-tailed Lemur breeding group to 13. The other adults all are very involved in rearing the babies and the entire group will rush to their aid whenever one of them calls out. The babies will learn how to be a lemur from all members of the group, so it’s a very caring group to be raised in.

By Keeper Rach Schildkraut