Thailand returns 1,000 endangered lemurs and tortoises to Madagascar

Loved up lemurs! Adorable baby born at Woburn Safari Park

**VIDEO AVAILABLE: CONTACT [email protected] TO RECEIVE** There’s new hope for the endangered ring-tailed lemur after the arrival of a baby to lemur parents Koko and Berenty at Woburn Safari Park on 11 March 2024. The newborn has already been spotted clinging to experienced mum Koko to the delight of visitors in the Land of Lemurs walkthrough enclosure at the Safari Park. Mum Koko and dad Berenty were spotted grooming each other as their newborn clung tightly to mum below them. Grooming is an important behaviour among lemurs and strengthens social bonds within the group. Keeper Imogen said, 'Koko is more than happy to let Berenty come and interact with their baby at this very early stage. As time goes on and the baby grows, we will expect them all to interact socially with the group, learn from them and explore their surroundings.' The baby's arrival is of particular importance as ring-tailed lemurs are listed as Endangered on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) red list. As with all species of lemur, they are only found on the island of Madagascar and sadly their main threat in the wild comes from humans, with their numbers dwindling dramatically due to hunting and deforestation. It is now believed that there are fewer than 2,400 individuals living in the wild, which makes the arrival of any new births significant for their long-term survival as a species. The tiny lemur baby weighed just 70g when it was born. For the first two weeks of their life, they will be carried on the front of Koko's chest, before they move to clinging to her back instead. Koko and her young lemur baby can already be seen by visitors to the Land of Lemurs walk-through enclosure at the Park. Over the next few months, the youngster will gradually begin to spend time away from their mother and start to explore the many trees and ropes within their home. For now though, they’re much happier hitch-hiking a ride on Koko! As well as the ring-tailed lemur baby, spring sees

Source: Woburn Safari Park/Cover Images

Thailand is returning nearly 1,000 endangered lemurs and tortoises to Madagascar.

The animals were rescued in May from smugglers in Thailand’s southern province of Chumphon in what authorities have described as Thailand’s biggest wildlife trafficking case.

The animals include ring-tailed lemurs, brown lemurs, spider tortoises, and radiated tortoises.

These species which are found only in Madagascar and listed as near-extinct or threatened will be placed in special care centres once they return home.

Thailand’s environment minister Chalermchai Sri-on said this is the first time animals are being returned before the end of legal proceedings.

“This is a significant step in anti-trafficking operations,” he was quoted as saying.

Max Andonirina Fontaine, Madagascar’s environment minister on his part said the move shows the power of collaboration.

“When two countries collaborate, we can really make a success story,” he was quoted.

Wonder Hagan