The Maryland Zoo in Baltimore is experiencing a population surge, with a series of new additions bolstering its roster of endangered species. The latest celebratory news comes in the form of a leaping bundle of joy: a Coquerel's sifaka lemur. According to a press release by WBALTV, the zoo welcomed this new offspring into the world as part of its ongoing commitment to conservation efforts, particularly for species on the brink of extinction.
As the Maryland Zoo continues to be a venue for endangered species breeding programs, it has introduced this lemur, marking the second birth within a month, following the birth of a giraffe calf. Born to mum Arcadia, who is 14 years old, and Terence, marking his first foray into fatherhood, the lemur joins the zoo family under the watchful eyes of conservationists. The details of the birth were announced in a press release by WMAR2 News.
There's an additional twist to this story — the nameless state of the newborn. Zookeepers, destined to christen the critter, are taking a brief pause before bestowing a moniker upon the newest arrival. Born within the protective confines of the zoo's Chimpanzee Forest, the baby lemur is already drawing attention and stirring hearts, nestled in its exhibit, which visitors can view during regular zoo hours.
As announced by the Zoo on their official site, the birth of this Coquerel's sifaka is a significant milestone, especially considering that the species had only been reintroduced to the zoo's collection two years prior. An adult sifaka can leap impressive distances, sometimes over 20 feet, and although this baby lemur has some growing to do before showing off such acrobatics, Arcadia is providing expert care. The zoo's announcement, as attested by the Maryland Zoo, highlights that these lemurs are part of a Species Survival Plan coordinated by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums.
