The Exciting Birth of An Endangered Lemur at Maryland Zoo

In a delightful turn of events, the Maryland Zoo has announced the birth of an endangered lemur, a Coquerel’s sifaka, marking a significant milestone for the facility. This birth represents the first of its kind since 2016 and highlights the zoo's commitment to species conservation. The newborn, born on March 7, is particularly important as Coquerel’s sifakas are critically endangered, with threats primarily stemming from habitat loss on their native island of Madagascar.

The parenting duo consists of Terence, a first-time father, and Arcadia, a seasoned mother at 14 years old. Both lemurs were specifically chosen for the breeding program under the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ strategic initiative aimed at increasing the population and genetic diversity of the species. This collaboration not only promotes the survival of Coquerel’s sifakas but also fosters essential educational programs for zoo visitors.

Mike Evitts, a spokesperson for the zoo, emphasized the joys of rearing the newborn, stating, “The baby was nursing well and her mother was being very protective. We were waiting until she was ready to reveal them to the public.” Finally, this past Wednesday, the family made their debut, entering the public exhibit for the first time.

Coquerel’s sifakas are known for their unique and upright jumping posture, distinguished from their lemur cousins by their ability to leap over 20 feet in a single bound. This remarkable agility, paired with their distinctive alarm calls, certainly makes them a captivating sight. Unfortunately, this species is at risk; population declines are primarily due to deforestation and habitat fragmentation in Madagascar's dry, deciduous forests where they reside.

As the Maryland Zoo eagerly awaits the naming of the new arrival, there’s a palpable sense of excitement permeating through both staff and visitors alike. The zoo has seen a baby boom recently, with the addition of other young wildlife, including a giraffe and a chimpanzee, enhancing its reputation as a hub for animal care and preservation.

With the birth of this Coquerel's sifaka, the Maryland Zoo not only contributes to the understanding of this endangered species but also serves as living testimony to the efforts in wildlife conservation. It prompts the question: What other species might benefit from similar programs, and how can we all contribute to the preservation of our planet's biodiversity? We invite readers to share their thoughts and comments.

• Coquerel’s sifaka
• Endangered Species
• Maryland Zoo