There’s no point in arguing that the arrival of a baby animal at an aquarium or zoo isn’t cause for celebration. Many, MANY new generations of animals have been born at the Tennessee Aquarium in our 34-year history, but few have been as much a thrill as the arrival of a tiny, chipmunk-sized bundle of furry joy to the Lemur Forest exhibit in April.

This infant Red-collared Brown Lemur is a first in many respects. It’s the first lemur of any species born at the Aquarium since lemurs first arrived here in 2016, and it’s the first lemur baby cared for by one of our senior animal care specialists.

It’s also one of only a handful of its species to reside in professional care in the United States, which is home to only about 50 of these adorable, endangered mammals.

In this episode you’ll learn about the surprise circumstances that brought this adorable baby into the world, how its arrival has changed the paradigm of care for our entire troop of lemurs and what this birth says about the quality of care all of our animals receive.

Want to help us name this new baby? Until July 9, 2026, you can take part in an online naming poll to help us select from some pre-approved selections! Visit https://tnaqua.org/animals/baby-lemur/ to cast your vote!

Episode cast

• Casey Phillips, senior communications specialist and lemur stan
• Kevin Calhoon, curator of forests
• Maggie Sipe, lead animal care specialist (Ocean Journey building)
• Sam Grote, senior animal care specialist

The Podcast Aquatic is made possible by support from The Tennessee Conservationist, the official magazine of Tennessee State Parks.

Printed sustainably on 100% post-consumer recycled paper with UV ink, each issue is filled with fascinating stories about Tennessee’s native species, rich history, and unique culture. It’s also your guide to exploring state parks and planning your next outdoor adventure.

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