The baby lemur is a girl, caretakers say it spends most of its time exploring the world around it on its mother's back

Nov 3, 2014 21:05 GMT  ·  By

Earlier this year, the Fort Wayne Children's Zoo in Indiana, US, welcomed an adorable baby lemur. The tiny creature is growing stronger and more confident each day, and caretakers say it is only a matter of time until it becomes independent.

According to Zoo Borns, the baby ring-tailed lemur was born back in September, on the 22nd day of the month, following a gestation period of about 5 months. When it arrived into this world, its eyes were wide open and its body was entirely covered in hair.

Vets who have had the chance to examine the tiny creature say that it is a girl, and that it's in perfect condition health-wise. Presently, the young lemur spends most of its time riding on its mother's back and exploring the family enclosure.

Because it's only about a month and a half old, the baby lemur, named Madi, forever stays by its mother's side. Keepers at Fort Wayne Children's Zoo expect that it will claim its independence at about 6 months of age.

Despite their rise to stardom following the release of the animated series “Madagascar,” ring-tailed lemurs are currently listed as an endangered species. Conservationists explain that the chief threat to their long-term survival is the destruction of their natural habitat.

The baby lemur was born with eyes wide open
The baby lemur was born with eyes wide open

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Baby lemur born at zoo in the US
The baby lemur was born with eyes wide open
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