Endangered lemur gives birth to incredibly rare set of red-ruffed quadruplets at UK zoo

Last updated: 2026/06/03 at 3:31 PM

Karl Grafton

3 Min Read

A critically endangered lemur has given birth to an incredibly rare set of quadruplets in a major boost for the species.

Experts at a UK zoo were left delighted after red-ruffed lemur mum Eka welcomed four healthy babies in what has been described as an extraordinary baby boom.

While twin births are relatively common among red-ruffed lemurs, quadruplets are exceptionally rare and account for fewer than six per cent of births worldwide.

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The four youngsters were born to parents Eka and Nero at Shaldon Zoo in Devon, as reported by Whats The Jam.

Conservationists say the arrival is a significant milestone for the European breeding programme designed to help safeguard the future of the species.

The newborns are already keeping first-time mum Eka busy as they settle into life under the watchful eye of the zoo’s animal care team.

Critically endangered lemur gives birth to incredibly rare set of quadruplets at Devon zoo in major boost for species with quad births accounting for under 6% globally. — *One of the babies born to parents Eka and Nero. (Jam Press/Shaldon Wildlife Trust)*

Visitors may soon be able to spot the youngsters for themselves as they become more adventurous and active in their enclosure.

Zak Showell, director of Shaldon Wildlife Trust, said: “To have four healthy infants at once is a real testament to the care our team provides.

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“We’ve had a lot of excitement recently with the National Geographic coverage, but there is nothing quite like the arrival of quads to remind us why we do what we do.

“It’s a huge win for the species and a proud moment for Shaldon.”

(Jam Press/Shaldon Wildlife Trust)

The babies form part of the European Association of Zoos and Aquariums breeding programme, which aims to protect the future of red-ruffed lemurs across Europe.

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The species is found only in a small area of north-east Madagascar and is listed as critically endangered.

Alongside its work with the breeding programme, Shaldon Wildlife Trust also supports conservation projects in Madagascar through its field partner, the Lemur Conservation Association.

Conservationists hope the arrival of the rare quadruplets will help raise awareness of the threats facing one of the world’s most endangered primates.