National Zoo Welcomes Critically Endangered Red-Ruffed Lemurs

WASHINGTON (WJZ)—The National Zoo says three endangered red-ruffed lemurs born April 5 are healthy and strong.

Small Mammal House keepers at the Smithsonian's National Zoo say the lemurs were born to 6-year-old mother Molly.

The Association of Zoos and Aquariums' Species Survival Plan recommended that Molly breed with the Zoo's 7-year-old red-ruffed lemur brothers, Coronado and Cortez.

Native to the northeastern deciduous forests of Madagascar, red-ruffed lemurs are considered critically endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature due to deforestation, hunting and trapping for the pet trade.

Zoo veterinarians will perform a complete physical exam on the lemurs and determine their sexes in the next few weeks.

Visitors can view all three adult red-ruffed lemurs and the babies in the Small Mammal House's mixed-species exhibit.