Latest news with #FiveSisters'
Daily Record
17-06-2025
- General
- Daily Record
Lemur at West Lothian zoo claims Guinness World Record
The ring-tailed lemur called Stumpy celebrated not only his 39th birthday but also recognition as the oldest living lemur in captivity. Staff at a West Lothian zoo have celebrated a world record after an adorable lemur in their care made it into the Guinness book of World records. The ring-tailed lemur called Stumpy celebrated not only his 39th birthday but also recognition as the oldest living lemur in captivity. The mature primate, whose slightly shortened tail is what led to his name, is described as 'a firm favourite with staff and visitors' alike. He was born in June 1986 in Surrey before moving to Scotland and has resided at Five Sisters since 2005. He currently lives there with two of his sons, Red, aged 21, and 20-year-old Julian – themselves both a respectable age for their kind. Five Sisters' Senior Animal Keeper, Gemma Varley said: 'He loves to sunbathe and eat fresh browse (his favourite is willow) and he loves sweet potato. 'Stumpy's birthday is a big event. He celebrates with his sons and enjoys a bit of birthday cake made from special primate pellet. 'While he does have some arthritis, he has been blessed with good health. He does need some extra care, such as daily medications for his arthritis, weekly weigh-ins and his scent glands often overgrow, but he allows us to trim these voluntarily through positive-reinforcement training. Over his lifetime, Stumpy has done his bit for lemur conservation and public engagement by siring a total of 11 offspring. His progeny have gone on to produce 25 grandchildren, six great-grandchildren and one great-great-granddaughter. All six great-grandchildren now live at Attica Zoo in Greece. GWR's Senior Managing Editor, Adam Millward, who worked with the zoo on the verification process, was delighted by the final result. He said: 'Reaching such a grand age –we're talking living well over a decade beyond what is typical for your kind – is impressive for any species. With this record, there's now no question that Stumpy has truly earned his stripes! 'I hope he enjoyed his special day – and paws crossed we hear from Five Sisters Zoo again for the big 4-0 next year.'
Scottish Sun
16-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
World's oldest lemur celebrates birthday at Scots zoo – almost double the expected age
The mature primate reached a staggering 39 years old yesterday, around twice its expected lifespan OLD FUR HIS KIND World's oldest lemur celebrates birthday at Scots zoo – almost double the expected age Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) A SCOTS zoo has celebrated the birthday of the world's oldest lemur living in captivity. The Five Sisters Zoo in West Calder, West Lothian, houses the creature, named Stumpy. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 4 Stumpy has been recognised as the word's oldest ring-tailed Lemur living in captivity Credit: Duncan McGlynn 4 The creature has celebrated its 39th birthday Credit: Five Sisters Zoo 4 Lemurs are expected to live to between 20 and 25 years in captivity Credit: Five Sisters Zoo The mature primate reached a staggering 39 years old yesterday, around twice its expected lifespan. Guinness World Records has formally recognised the impressive milestone. Stumpy, named after his shortened tail, has been hailed as "a firm favourite with staff and visitors" at the zoo. He was born in June 1986 in Surrey, before being moved north of the border in 2005. Stumpy also has two sons at the zoo, 20-year-old Julian and 21-year-old Red. The average life expectancy of ring-tailed lemurs is between 20 and 25 years in captivity and 20 years in the wild. Stumpy has been described as surprisingly fit for his age, but his eyesight has declined over the years and he also has some stiffness in his joints. To mark the special occasion, staff at the zoo made him a cake, that he tucked into with his sons. Five Sisters' Senior Animal Keeper, Gemma Varley, said: 'He's a sweet boy. 'He loves to sunbathe and eat fresh browse - his favourite is willow - and he loves sweet potato. Cops launch hunt for 'man with knife' spotted in Scots play park 'Stumpy's birthday is a big event. He celebrates with his sons and enjoys a bit of birthday cake made from special primate pellet. "While he does have some arthritis, he has been blessed with good health. He does need some extra care, such as daily medications for his arthritis, weekly weigh-ins and his scent glands often overgrow. "But he allows us to trim these voluntarily through positive-reinforcement training.' Senior manager at Five Sisters Zoo, Gary Curran, added: "Stumpy has been an extraordinary part of our Five Sisters Zoo family for two decades. "We are honoured that, at 39 years old, his remarkable longevity – undoubtedly a credit to the dedicated care he has received – has been formally recognized by Guinness World Records as the world's oldest lemur." Guinness World Records' senior managing editor, Adam Millward, said: "Reaching such a grand age – we're talking living well over a decade beyond what is typical for your kind – is impressive for any species. "With this record, there's now no question that Stumpy has truly earned his stripes."
Daily Record
16-06-2025
- General
- Daily Record
Adorable lemur at Scottish zoo makes history as he is crowned 'world's oldest'
Stumpy celebrated his 39th birthday on June 15, a new record. A lemur at a Scottish zoo has made history as the oldest in the world in captivity. The ring-tailed lemur lives at Five Sisters Zoo in West Lothian. Stumpy celebrated his 39th birthday on Sunday, June 15, surrounded by keepers and visitors. Also present were the lemur's two sons, Red (aged 21) and Julian (aged 20), who still share his enclosure. One of Five Sisters' most beloved residents, according to the zoo, Stumpy has now achieved worldwide recognition. His record as the oldest living ring-tailed lemur in captivity has been confirmed by the Guinness World Records. Ring-tailed lemurs usually live to between 20 and 25 in human care, while it is rare to reach age 20 in the wild. However, despite age-related arthritis and reduced eyesight, Stumpy remains in surprisingly healthy condition thanks to decades of dedicated care from the zoo's animal team. The lemur was born in 1986 in Surrey, before moving to Scotland in 2005. He has been a beloved member of the Five Sisters Zoo family ever since. According to the zoo, Stumpy is known as "a firm favourite with staff and visitors alike". Over the years, he has become among the zoo's most iconic and enduring characters. Having been at Five Sisters for nearly two decades, Stumpy's health and wellbeing have been sustained through a tailored and evolving programme of specialist care. According to the team, his longevity is thanks to the close attention and commitment of the zoo's keepers, veterinary staff, and animal welfare experts. Senior Management at Five Sisters Zoo Gary Curran commented: "Stumpy has been with us since day one, and we've grown together. "He's taught us so much—from refining his care routine to adapting our enrichment strategies—and we're incredibly proud to see that recognised by Guinness World Records. He's an absolute character, and a real ambassador for what long-term, focused animal care can achieve." Five Sisters states that Stumpy has contributed significantly to lemur conservation and education, and over his lifetime he has fathered 11 offspring. His children have gone on to produce 25 grandchildren, six great-grandchildren, and even one great-great-granddaughter, with many of his descendants now living at zoos across Europe. As well as offering up-close Lemur Experiences for the public, Five Sisters Zoo partners with SEED Madagascar, a conservation charity working to protect lemur populations and habitats in the wild. The zoo uses Stumpy's story to highlight the importance of long-term care, conservation, and species survival. Guinness World Records Senior Managing Editor Adam Millward, who worked with the zoo on the verification process, was delighted by the final result. He said: "Reaching such a grand age—we're talking living well over a decade beyond what is typical for your kind—is impressive for any species. "With this record, there's now no question that Stumpy has truly earned his stripes! I hope he enjoyed his special day—and paws crossed we hear from Five Sisters Zoo again for the big 4-0 next year." According to Five Sisters Zoo, Stumpy's record-breaking age serves as a milestone not only for the zoo itself but the wider conservation community and demonstrates the power of ongoing education, expert care, and advocacy.
