CROWNED LEMUR BORN AT ATLANTA ZOO

Zoo Atlanta
May 22, 2024

Zoo Atlanta celebrates the birth of a crowned lemur. Born on May 20, 2024 to mother Sava, the new arrival represents an endangered species native to one of the richest and most threatened biodiversity hotspots on the planet.

The newborn was delivered by cesarean section as Sava’s labor, which had started normally in the morning, began to stop in the afternoon, suggesting a breech presentation. The infant was quickly reunited with Sava, who is recovering well and breastfeeding normally.

“Zoo Atlanta is thrilled to welcome Sava’s baby. It is always a reason for celebration and hope when a population of an endangered species welcomes another member,” said Sam Rivera, DVM, vice president of animal health. “While cesarean births are not necessarily unusual for this species in human care, we are proud of our animal care and veterinary teams, who acted proactively to ensure the well-being of Sava and her newborn. born.

The infant is the fourth surviving child of experienced parents Sava, 10, and male Xonsu, 11. Sava and Xonsu were recommended to partner by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) Species Survival Plan (SSP). SSP programs exist to ensure that zoological animal populations remain healthy, genetically diverse, and self-sustaining for future generations.

Crowned lemurs are found in the northern tip of Madagascar – the only place on Earth where more than 100 known species of lemurs are found. Madagascar is also home to some of the most endangered wildlife on the planet. Like all lemurs, crowned lemurs face pressing threats from habitat loss and fragmentation due to slash-and-burn agriculture; charcoal production; and mining of gold and sapphires. Lemurs are also captured for the pet trade, although, like all primates, they do not make suitable pets.

Sava and her newborn are currently bonding behind the scenes at the zoo’s lemur complex, and in the coming days they could be seen in the zoo’s living cabin. The Living Treehouse, which is also home to a diversity of birds, is home to two other species of lemurs: the ring-tailed lemurs, which are endangered, and the black-and-white-collared lemurs, which are critically endangered.

As the weeks pass, the infant’s developing coloring will be the main indicator of whether he or she is male or female. Females are primarily gray with an orange crown, while males are a darker red-brown color, with a black and orange crown.

Learn more about the zoo’s mission, animals and programs or plan a visit at zooatlanta.org.

(Photos: Jodi Carrigan)

MEDIA CONTACT:
Rachel Davis
Director of Communications
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404.624.2812

Gavin Johnson
Public Relations and Communications Specialist
404.624.5980
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About Zoo Atlanta
A proud accredited member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), the gold standard in animal care and welfare, Zoo Atlanta’s mission is to save wildlife and their habitats through conservation, research, education and engaging experiences. The zoo is home to more than 1,000 animals representing more than 200 species from around the world, many of which are endangered or critically endangered. Highlights include giant pandas.; one of the largest zoological populations of great apes in North America; and a global center of excellence for the care and study of reptiles and amphibians. Recent transformations include the African savannah, presenting new and expanded habitats for African elephants, giraffes, zebras, ostriches, warthogs, meerkats and rhinos; Savanna Hall, a state-of-the-art event destination located in the restored historic former home of the Atlanta Cyclorama; and the Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation Plaza. For more information, visit zooatlanta.org.