Latest news with #Lemur
Edinburgh Live
16-06-2025
- General
- Edinburgh Live
Lemur at West Lothian zoo breaks world record and becomes 'world's oldest'
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info A record breaking lemur at a West Lothian zoo has made history and become the oldest in the world in captivity. Stumpy, the ring-tailed lemur celebrated his 39th birthday on Sunday, June 15, surrounded by keepers and visitors at Five Sisters Zoo. Also present were the Stumpy's two sons, Red (aged 21) and Julian (aged 20), who still share an enclosure with their dad, reports The Daily Record. According to the zoo, Stumpy - who is one of their most beloved residents - has now achieved worldwide recognition and his status as the oldest living ring-tailed lemur in captivity has now been confirmed by the Guinness World Records. In human care, ring-tailed lemurs usually live to be between 20 to 25, while it's rare for the species to reach the age of 20 in the wild. But despite age-related arthritis and reduced eyesight, Stumpy remains in a surprisingly healthy condition thanks to decades of dedicated care from the Five Sisters Zoo team. Born in 1986 in Surrey, Stumpy moved to Scotland back in 2005 and has been a well loved member of the zoo's family ever since. Sign up for Edinburgh Live newsletters for more headlines straight to your inbox 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. More information on Stumpy's story can be found on the Five Sisters Zoo website.
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.
BBC News
29-04-2025
- Health
- BBC News
Lemur mom has ingenious idea to save newborn from ticks
Lemur newborns are prone to tick bites, so this group of mothers invented a self-medication method to fight them by using acids from ants. Produced by BBC Natural History Unit.
Yahoo
29-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Forest Park Zoo opens Saturday for 2025 season
SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) – The Zoo in Forest Park will reopen for the season on Saturday with a full day of interactive events, educational programs, and a chance to win a family membership. Hyundai Hope on Wheels donates to local charity 'Cops for Kids with Cancer' Visitors can look forward to keeper talks, animal encounters, and enrichment demonstrations throughout the day. 'This is such an amazing time of year,' said Sarah Tsitso, executive director of The Zoo in Forest Park. 'It's been a long, cold winter, and now it's finally time to reconnect with your favorite furry (or scaly, or feathered) friends here at the Zoo. There's that old saying: 'March comes in like a lion and goes out like a lamb.' But for us, as we reopen for another great season, March always ends with a bang.' Keeper Talks: Guests can attend six scheduled presentations on different species, where zookeepers will share insights on each animal's diet, habitat, conservation status, and unique stories. 10 a.m. – Bald Eagle 11:30 a.m. – Coyote 1 p.m. – Fisher 1:30 p.m. – Bobcat 2:30 p.m. – Lemur 3 p.m. – Muntjac Animal Encounters: From 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., visitors will have the chance to get up close with a variety of animals, including turtles, snakes, parrots, and rabbits. Enrichment Presentation: At 2 p.m., zookeepers will showcase how sensory enrichment enhances the well-being of animals under human care. This demonstration will take place outside the enclosure of Keeba and Sakari, the zoo's two resident timber wolves. As part of the celebration, the zoo is hosting a scavenger hunt, allowing one lucky family to win a 2025 Family Membership. Visitors who complete the hunt will be entered into a random drawing for the prize. 'We're so excited to welcome guests back to The Zoo,' said Gabry Tyson, assistant executive director. 'Although the animals ensure it is never completely quiet around here, it sure is a lot quieter during the off-season. We're ready to hear children laughing at our goats or families marveling at our bobcats.' Starting March 29, the zoo will be open weekends from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. through mid-May. During Connecticut and Massachusetts school vacation weeks (April 12-27), the zoo will operate daily before transitioning to its full seven-day-a-week schedule after Mother's Day. For more information, visit their website. WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
