The Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo is celebrating a rare and joyful milestone with the birth of three critically endangered black-and-white ruffed lemur pups, one of the world’s most imperiled primate species.
The trio was born April 6 to five-year-old Eny and her 10-year-old mate Menabe, marking the second successful litter for the pair.
These newborns are siblings to Sariaka, the zoo’s first black-and-white ruffed lemur born since 1987, who made headlines in 2023 and now takes on the role of big sister.
Though the latest pups haven’t yet had their full health exams or been sexed, daily visual checks suggest they’re healthy, alert, and active.
“It’s still early days, so we’re cautiously optimistic — but all signs are encouraging so far,” said Jennifer Godwin, Animal Care Manager at the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo.
“The pups are bright-eyed, active, and strong. Eny and Menabe are doing an incredible job — they’re attentive, calm, and clearly know exactly how to care for their little ones.”
Native only to Madagascar, black-and-white ruffed lemurs have suffered a population decline of over 80% in the past 21 years due to habitat destruction and hunting.
Every successful birth in human care is a crucial step in the fight to save the species from extinction.
Eny and Menabe were paired through the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ Species Survival Plan — a program that aims to maintain healthy, genetically diverse animal populations.
Eny was brought to Calgary in 2021 from an accredited zoo in the Czech Republic specifically to support these breeding goals, and the pair’s success has now resulted in four offspring.
“Every birth of a black-and-white ruffed lemur is a beacon of hope for this critically endangered species,” said Godwin. “With wild populations facing mounting threats, these pups are a vital lifeline — helping preserve genetic diversity and offering a future for their species.”
While Eny, Menabe, and their new pups remain behind the scenes to bond, visitors can still see Sariaka and other lemurs in the zoo’s indoor Land of Lemurs habitat. The outdoor walkthrough exhibit is scheduled to reopen later this spring.