Bronx, USA – The Wildlife Conservation Society’s Bronx Zoo has announced the birth of twin collared lemurs in a rare occurrence for the endangered species.

The collared lemur is a medium-sized primate native to southeastern Madagascar. It is classified as Endangered by the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, with populations having fallen by 50% over the past 24 years, mainly due to habitat loss and poaching. Around 96% of lemur species are considered at risk of extinction, placing collared lemurs among the most threatened groups of mammals globally.

Less than 25% of collared lemur pregnancies in managed care result in multiple births, making the arrival of twins a significant moment for conservation efforts. The Bronx Zoo is part of the Collared Lemur Species Survival Plan, a breeding program managed by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums that works to maintain genetic diversity within the species. Zoo staff will determine the sex of the newborns during their first veterinary examination.

Collared lemurs are identified by the rust colored fur around their necks. Infants typically cling to their mother’s belly for nursing and warmth and later ride on her back as they develop. Adults spend most of their lives in trees, using long tails for balance while moving through the forest canopy.

The twin lemurs are now on display in the Spiny Forest area of the Bronx Zoo’s Madagascar habitat. Visitors can also see other species that represent Madagascar’s biodiversity, including critically endangered red ruffed lemurs and radiated tortoises.