Jackson Zoo Welcomes New Arrivals | Jackson Free Press | Jackson, MS

Jackson Zoo Welcomes New Arrivals

Mort, Levi, Eli and Junior, were born at the Jackson Zoo on April 19. Click the photo for a larger image.

Mort, Levi, Eli and Junior, were born at the Jackson Zoo on April 19. Click the photo for a larger image. Photo by Courtesy Jackson Zoo

Meet Mort, Levi, Eli and Junior, four Red Ruffed Lemurs born at the Jackson Zoo April 19. They've been indoors with their mom, Moon, since their birth, but made their public debut last Sunday, Mother's Day.

"It's always great to announce a birth at the Jackson Zoo – not to mention four at once!" said Zoo Director Beth Poff in a release. "The animal care staff has worked so hard to make sure mom and the little ones are doing well and have everything they need. It's so satisfying to see these little ones emerge with mom, healthy and active."

Found exclusively on the Masoala Peninsula on the coast of Madagascar, Red Ruffed Lemurs are an endangered species. Moon, lemur daddy Pete and their offspring are participants in an Association of Zoos and Aquariums' Species Survival Plan. The SSP recommended breeding Moon, owned by the Duke Primate Center, and Pete, and eventually, their babies will be part of the breeding program.

Red Ruffed Lemurs live in the dense tropical rainforest and spend most of their time in the upper canopy, according to the Zoo. They are characterized by a striking dark red, black and white fur pattern. They have a prominent muzzle, short facial hair and a long, bushy tail.

Previous Comments

ID
147266
Comment

It was nice to see Marshand Crisler at the ZooBrew. Glad to see the Zoo has a friend in the mayor's race.

Author
QB
Date
2009-05-12T10:03:32-06:00
ID
147267
Comment

they are cute little buggers...

Author
ellen
Date
2009-05-12T10:07:50-06:00
ID
147268
Comment

So cute!! I need to get back out there to see them and the penguins!

Author
andi
Date
2009-05-12T10:31:07-06:00
ID
147278
Comment

Lemurs are such amazing creatures. I watched the kind with the striped tails at the Oakland Zoo, and they have amazingly intelligent eyes and human postures. One was slouching like a little old man.

Author
melia.dicker
Date
2009-05-12T15:36:48-06:00
ID
147279
Comment

They are also delicious! :-)

Author
WMartin
Date
2009-05-12T16:00:57-06:00
ID
147281
Comment

Forget not the fossa, a rapacious gobbler of lemurs. Its scientific name is Cryptoprocta ferox, the genus name of which translates roughly to obscure anus. These creatures have a pouch that covers their rectum, the evolutionary purpose of which remains elusive.

Author
Brian C Johnson
Date
2009-05-12T19:41:56-06:00

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