Vienna Zoo Schönbrunn Reports Ring-Tailed Lemur Offspring

There is new offspring among the ring-tailed lemurs at the Schönbrunn Zoo in Vienna. The zoo announced this in a press release. "For about six months, the young are nursed by their mothers and carried on their backs," said zoo director Stephan Hering-Hagenbeck. The ring-tailed lemur enclosure is located on the monkey island. In the wild, ring-tailed lemurs are considered highly endangered.

Schönbrunn Zoo Announced Ring-Tailed Lemur Offspring

"This year's offspring is already very active. It is already undertaking climbing excursions under the watchful eye of the mother and nibbling on buds. The other females in the group repeatedly take care of the young, for example by grooming it," said Hering-Hagenbeck.

Ring-tailed lemurs belong to the group of lemurs and live in a so-called matriarchy. The group is led by a dominant female. The other group members also establish a hierarchy, which is reflected in their social interactions. With a little patience, visitors can observe the group dynamics of these animals in the zoo, it was said. Those who visit the ring-tailed lemurs in spring can watch them sunbathing. In doing so, the animals sit on their hind legs, stretch out their front legs, and enjoy the warming sun rays, especially in the morning hours.

Ring-Tailed Lemurs Native to Madagascar

In the wild, ring-tailed lemurs are found exclusively on the island of Madagascar. According to the Schönbrunn Zoo, they are increasingly affected by the loss of their natural habitat. "Unfortunately, large forest areas are being cleared to make room for pastures, for example. Like other lemur species, ring-tailed lemurs are now considered highly endangered. Their distribution area is limited to isolated fragments. It is assumed that the populations of this species are continuing to decline," said Folko Balfanz, the responsible zoological curator at the zoo.

(APA/Red)

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