An extremely rare lemur has given birth to quadruplets in a major boost for the species.
Experts at a UK zoo were left delighted after Eka, a red-ruffed lemur, welcomed four healthy pups in what has been described as an extraordinary baby boom.
While twin births are relatively common among red-ruffed lemurs, quadruplets are exceptionally rare and account for fewer than six per cent of births worldwide.
The four youngsters were born to parents Eka and Nero at Shaldon Zoo in Devon.
Conservationists say the arrival is a significant milestone for the European breeding programme, which has been designed to help safeguard the future of the species.
The newborns are already keeping first-time mum Eka busy as they settle into life under the watchful eye of the zoo’s animal care team.
Visitors may soon be able to spot the youngsters for themselves as they become more adventurous and active in their enclosure.
Top of the pups: A rare lemur has given birth to quadruplets at Shaldon Zoo in Devon
Four’s a charm: Quadruplets are exceptionally rare and account for fewer than six per cent of births worldwide
Lick of love: Proud mum Eka takes care of one of her newborn quadruplets
The critically endangered species is found only in a small area of north-east Madagascar
Zak Showell, director of Shaldon Wildlife Trust, said: ‘To have four healthy infants at once is a real testament to the care our team provides.
‘We’ve had a lot of excitement recently with the National Geographic coverage, but there is nothing quite like the arrival of quads to remind us why we do what we do.
‘It’s a huge win for the species and a proud moment for Shaldon.’
The babies form part of the European Association of Zoos and Aquariums breeding programme, which aims to protect the future of red-ruffed lemurs across Europe.
The species is found only in a small area of north-east Madagascar and is listed as critically endangered.
Alongside its work with the breeding programme, Shaldon Wildlife Trust also supports conservation projects in Madagascar through its field partner, the Lemur Conservation Association.
Conservationists hope the arrival of the rare quadruplets will help raise awareness of the threats facing one of the world’s most endangered primates.
