Lincoln Park Zoo welcomes newborn lemur

A newborn crowned lemur is the latest addition to Lincoln Park Zoo’s primate house. The baby lemur was born on April 14 at the Helen Brach Primate House, a first for Lincoln Park Zoo.

The newborn joins mother Tucker and father Sokkwi, according to a statement from the zoo. The sex and measurements of the infant are yet to be determined as the mother is keeping the newborn wrapped close to her belly, the zoo said.

Photo courtesy of Lincoln Park Zoo

The infant lemur is the fifth offspring of this breeding pair, but first birth at Lincoln Park Zoo. “Tucker is an experienced mother and the infant is healthy, nursing and growing,” said Maureen Leahy of Lincoln Park Zoo. “We’re ecstatic to welcome our first crowned lemur infant who we hope will shed light on this threatened species.”

Native to Madagascar, these primates are named after the gold crown-like coloration on their head and were recommended to breed as a part of the Crowned Lemur Species Survival Plan, which manages endangered species, the zoo said. The active lemurs forage at all levels of the forest canopy for fruits and leaves and use their 17-18 inch tails to help balance and move swiftly through the trees.

Both Tucker and the baby are on exhibit at the Helen Brach Primate House every day from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.