17-06-2025
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.'
