College’s ring-tailed lemurs settle into parenthood

The infant, which has yet to be named, was born to parents Charlie and Tabitha in the outdoor animal handling centre at Bishop Burton College, near Beverley.

Staff have yet to establish whether the new arrival is male or female as it is still clinging closely to its parents.

Unit co-ordinator Nick Davies said the birth a fortnight ago demonstrated that the centre provided a safe and secure environment, and said all the animals housed there are thriving after other recent births.

He said: “This latest arrival follows the birth of a number of meerkat pups and two joeys and yet again demonstrates that the work we put into designing this new unit has paid off.

“This latest addition will give the students chance to study the infant and monitor all of the developmental stages, and will also provide some interesting project work for our degree students.”

He added: “Aside from the academic opportunities it provides, it’s just fantastic to know that the animals are happy and settled in the centre.”

The ring-tailed lemur is found in south and south-western Madagascar.