Shaldon Wildlife Trust is delighted to announce the arrival of two Goodman’s mouse lemurs, Microcebus lehilahytsara, from Zoo Zurich. This marks the first time that this rare and elusive species has been housed in a UK zoo.
The two individuals, a male and a female, arrived safely at Shaldon Wildlife Trust last week and are now settling into a specially designed nocturnal habitat. This is a significant milestone for the charity, positioning Shaldon at the forefront of efforts to protect and care for one of Madagascar’s most cryptic primates.
Native to the highland rainforests of Madagascar, Goodman’s mouse lemurs are among the smallest primates in the world, weighing only 60 grams. They are solitary, nocturnal foragers with impressive agility and sharp senses. The species is named in honor of renowned American biologist Dr. Steven M. Goodman, who has made significant contributions to Malagasy conservation science.
“We are incredibly proud to be the first zoo in the UK to house this fascinating species,” said Shaldon Wildlife Trust Director, Zak Showell. “Goodman’s mouse lemurs are rarely seen outside their natural habitat, and their presence here presents an exciting opportunity for conservation education, research, and species advocacy.”
The arrival of the lemurs is part of a wider European breeding program coordinated by the European Association of Zoos and Aquaria (EAZA). Zoo Zurich has successfully bred the species for many years and is now collaborating with selected partners to establish a sustainable safety-net population in European zoos.
“We are grateful to Zurich Zoo for entrusting us with these two remarkable individuals,” Showell added. “With deforestation and habitat fragmentation threatening Madagascar’s biodiversity, collaborative conservation breeding efforts are more important than ever.”
Visitors to Shaldon Wildlife Trust will be able to view the mouse lemurs in their new home, the Forest By Night habitat, alongside the resident pygmy slow loris, grey mouse lemurs, and 3-banded armadillo. Special low-light conditions allow guests to observe their natural nocturnal behaviors while ensuring the animals’ comfort and well-being.
The addition of Goodman’s mouse lemurs highlights Shaldon’s commitment to protecting the smallest and most endangered species in the world. This registered charity has a reputation for focusing on rare and often overlooked animals and continues to play a key role in international conservation efforts.
This news release was distributed by https://pressat.co.uk/.
