British zoo welcomes first ring-tailed lemur babies in a decade – and they are twins

A zoo has welcomed the arrival of their first ring-tailed lemurs in a decade - and they are twins.

The male infants were born on April 12 at Drusillas Park, East Sussex, surprising keepers who had not anticipated double trouble.

Their mother Eve, aged seven, joined the attraction earlier this year as part of a newly formed lemur troop.

The births brought some adorable new additions to the group following a 13-year gap since the zoo last welcomed ring-tailed lemur babies.

Visitors can now observe the pair clinging to Eve as she clambers through the park's walk-through lemur enclosure during the half-term period.

Zoo manager Mark Kenward said: "The arrival of the lemur twins is incredibly exciting for everyone at Drusillas.

"It's been 13 years since we last welcomed ring-tailed lemur babies, so to suddenly have two healthy infants arrive at once feels really special.

"Thirteen may be unlucky for some, but for us it's turned out to be a very lucky number indeed!"

He added: "Eve has been absolutely fantastic with the twins and it's wonderful to see them clinging tightly to mum as they begin exploring the world around them."

And, at just a few days old, staff were quick to decipher the siblings' distinct personalities as they explore life in the zoo.

One twin has already displayed a bold temperament, venturing onto branches independently without depending on his mother.

However, his cautious brother takes a more careful approach, preferring to remain close to Eva.

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The youngsters can be spotted in the park's immersive enclosure where visitors can walk among the lemur troop.

Ring-tailed lemurs are particularly important for Drusillas, having been residents of the much-loved park for more than a century.

The species is the only one to have remained throughout the attraction's entire history, Mr Kenward said.

Ring-tailed lemurs are native to Madagascar and currently hold endangered status on the IUCN red list.

The species faces threats from habitat destruction, hunting and the illegal pet trade.

Drusillas contributes to conservation through breeding programmes and a recently established partnership with SEED Madagascar.

This charity collaboration helps protect lemur habitats and supports educational initiatives in local communities.

The twins are among several new arrivals at the Sussex attraction this spring.

Other recent births include dwarf mongoose twins, prairie dog pups and a Colombian black spider monkey named Kendall.

Binturong twins have also joined the park's animal collection.