New baby lemur born at Dudley Zoo

The Ring-tailed lemur was born at the zoo on Friday, March 13, to mother Phoebe and father Frank.

The baby will now join it's parents and siblings in Dudley Zoo's one-acre walk-through Lemur Wood.

A spokesman from Dudley Zoo said: "Pheobe is a very experienced mother as she’s now had approximately 18 youngsters in total.

"Keepers will have to wait a few weeks until they are able to sex and name the newborn, as baby lemurs typically cling to their mums for at least 12 weeks.

"Ring-tailed lemurs are listed as endangered on the IUCN Red List, with threats including loss of their Madagascan forest habitat and hunting."

Dudley Zoo has launched a fundraising appeal after closing last month due to the coronavirus outbreak. The attraction, which houses 1,600 different animals, closed its gates on March 22 for the safety of visitors, staff and the animals.

But the zoo, which is a non-for-profit charity, is still operational behind closed doors. After losing its main source of income through entry fees, the zoo set has set up a fundraising page.

So far more than £4,00 has been raised. Anyone wishing to donate is asked to visit www.justgiving.com/campaign/DZCanimalcarefund