Happy Hollow welcomes pup in time for Earth Day

April 22, 2020

Happy Hollow Park & Zoo is proud to announce the birth of a healthy black and white ruffed lemur pup – the sex is yet to be determined. The last lemur pup born at Happy Hollow Park & Zoo was in 2018.  You can read more about Vintana the lemur’s pregnancy journey leading up to the birth here.

The pup was born on Friday, April 17 and was given a couple of days to rest and bond with mom, Vintana. Vintana has been a very attentive mother, and both are doing well. 

On Sunday, April 19, the pup was bright and alert during its first exam. “Its weight was on track for that age, “says Veteriary Technician, Rachel Atkins. “Vintana did well getting some treats from one of her care team while the exam was happening, so everyone was comfortable and calm.”  

“All of us at Happy Hollow Park & Zoo are thrilled to make this exciting announcement,” said Zoo Manager, Kevin Hertell. “We are especially proud to contribute another individual to the black and white ruffed lemur population, which has been in decline in recent years. We are ecstatic that we are helping protect the future of this critically endangered species.”   

Every animal ambassador at Happy Hollow plays a vital role in educating thousands of visitors and children about wild animals, their habitats, and their related conservation issues. 

Happy Hollow, an Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) accredited facility for over 26 years, participates in Species Survival Plan programs. These programs safeguard threatened and endangered species against extinction, improve the managed population’s genetic diversity, and help teach and inspire the next generation of conservationists.  

On the island of Madagascar, there are 111 species of lemur, all of which are critically endangered, endangered or vulnerable to extinction due to habitat loss, bushmeat hunting and the illegal pet trade.    

“Moments like this are a great testament to the work we do, and the care we provide,” says Zoo Curator, Heather Vrzal. “Our black-and-white ruffed lemur family is doing well, and contributing valuable genetics for this critically endangered species.”