Dublin Zoo has welcomed some new arrivals, with the birth of three red-ruffed lemurs.
The zoo said it was delighted to announce the birth of the three males, who will join the four red-ruffed lemurs already at Dublin Zoo.
The birth of the pups is extremely important for the team at Dublin Zoo and the international breeding programme, as the species is listed as being critically endangered after a significant decline in population in recent decades because of agriculture, logging and mining activities across its habitat.
In the wild, the distribution of red ruffed lemurs is restricted to rainforest in north-east Madagascar.
They generally live in groups of two to 16 animals. They have a very loud mechanical sounding call and scent marking is also an important means of communication.
Commenting on the new arrivals, team leader Ciaran McMahon said: "Red-ruffed lemurs are one of the most endangered of all lemurs.
“The birth of three babies at Dublin Zoo is hugely significant and definitely something to celebrate! We are delighted to report that our new arrivals are strong and healthy and are nosily exploring their habitat on red ruffed lemur island."
The lemur babies’ first steps in their new habitat will be shown for the first time on The Zoo on RTÉ One at 7pm tomorrow.
