Singapore Zoo Seeing Double With Red Ruffed Lemur Twins

Posted By : The Animal Facts Editorial Team

Date: July 20, 2020 2:30 pm

Photo Credit: WILDLIFE RESERVES SINGAPORE

The Singapore Zoo added twin red ruffed lemurs to their family on February 22nd 2020. Now at 5 months old the lemurs are ready to take their place in the limelight as the zoo reopens to the public following their Covid-19 closure. At this point the twins are similar in size to the parents.

Recently the twins took a trip to the zoo’s health centre where vets were able to perform their first health check. They also received a microchip which will be used to identify them in to the future. The twins were given a clean bill of health before being returned to their parents.

Photo Credit: WILDLIFE RESERVES SINGAPORE

Breeding the red ruffed lemur is difficult owing to breeding only taking place for a short period once per year. Females are only fertile for a few days at a time.

The parents of these lemurs are Bosco and Minnie. Bosco was born at Singapore Zoo and was joined by Minnie in 2016 from Yokohama Zoo.

Bosco and Minnie were brought together at the zoo as part of the EAZA ex-situ Program (EEP). The EEP is a coordinated effort between zoos to protect wildlife and biodiversity. This program is managed by the European Association of Zoos and Aquaria (EAZA).

Photo Credit: WILDLIFE RESERVES SINGAPORE

Red ruffed lemurs are listed as critically endangered on the International Union for the Conservation of Natures red list. They can be found only in Madagascar where they face threats including illegal logging and hunting.

Learn more about the Singapore Zoo on their website – Singapore Zoo