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Double joy: Pint-sized primates born at Bristol Zoo
There was a double surprise in store for keepers at Bristol Zoo this spring with the birth of two baby ring-tailed lemurs.
The pint-sized primates are now 10 days old and were born within just hours of each other to twin sisters Mavis and Ethel. The exceptional timing of their joint arrival was met with joy and excitement from the zoo’s close-knit family.
The mating season for the endangered animals is relatively short so it is not unusual for babies to be born at similar times, but to have two born in such close succession an unexpected surprise.
is needed now More than ever
Ring-tailed lemur with her baby at Bristol Zoo
Born weighing less than 100g (3oz) each, the tiny twins are doing well, appear strong and have been feeding well keepers do not yet know their sex as they are still too small and cling tightly to their mothers.
Bristol Zoo’s mammal team leader, Sarah Gedman, said: “Although ring-tailed lemur pregnancies are not always visually obvious, we suspected that both Mavis and Ethel were pregnant as they had both been mated during the breeding season and had been putting on weight.
“We often have a few lemur babies born in spring and summertime, but to have two babies born within hours of each other, to twin mothers, is exceptional.
“It’s really exciting and a great boost for our close-knit family group – the other lemurs have been taking a keen interest in the babies and we are keeping a close eye on them in these early days.
“We are very much looking forward to watching these new cousins grow-up together as playmates.”
The latest addition brings the total number in the family group up to nine ring-tailed lemurs, who live alongside five crowned lemurs in the zoo’s walk-through exhibit.
Read more: Baby drill born at Bristol Zoo
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