Potter Park Zoo Celebrate Birth of Ring-Tailed Lemur Infant

Potter Park Zoo have announced the birth of a ring-tailed lemur infant. The vibrant and healthy pup was born on June 8 2023 to parents Han and Madi. Care staff report that the pair are attentive and the pup has been actively nursing from mom.

“The birth of an endangered species at the zoo is always an incredibly rewarding experience and we are overjoyed by the arrival of this healthy baby,” said Annie Marcum, Carnivore and Primate Area Lead Keeper. “Our team has been working closely with the entire troop to ensure their well-being and provide the best possible care”. 

Han and Madi were brought together by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) Species Survival Plan (SSP), which works to maintain healthy and genetically diverse zoo populations. This program forms part of the conservation efforts for this endangered species.

This is the second birth of a ring-tailed lemur at Potter Park Zoo in the last year as part of efforts to prevent the extinction of this species.

Ring-tailed lemurs are found exclusively on the island of Madagascar. The disappearance of habitat has created a situation in which the ring-tailed lemur is now listed by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) as endangered.

Visitors to the Potter Park Zoo may meet the ring-tailed lemur family at the Feline and Primate House. For now the infant spends most of its time clinging to the chest of Madi but soon it will begin riding jockey-style on her back. In coming weeks it will start to sample solid food before it is weaned between five and six months old.