Born May 13th at the UK's Linton Zoo, this rare baby Mongoose Lemur, named "Tia," has just begun to adventure about her exhibit. Both Mum "Maggie" aged 16, and 21 year old dad "Henry" are clearly pleased with the new arrival. "Megan" their five year old daughter is as excited as any sibling would be. She too is helping out with the daily care of her new sister and as well as having a boisterous new play mate, she is gaining lots of essential parental skills ready for when she too becomes a mum.

Like all lemurs, Mongoose Lemurs are native to Madagascar. However unlike all but one other lemur species, Mongoose Lemurs can also be found outside of Madagascar on the Island of Comoros. 

A special European breeding programmed aimed at saving this species from from extinction is managed at Linton Zoo. Careful co-ordination and constant monitoring of the European population with recommendations on various husbandry techniques and diets is beginning to pay off and Linton Zoo is very proud to successfully breed this wonderful lemur again. This baby is the first born in the captive population for over four years! 

More outstanding photos below the fold.

Baby lemurs cling tight to their mums’ tummy for the first couple of weeks, buried deep in the thick fur they are sometimes quite difficult to see. As the baby builds up strength and confidence it starts to clamber around occasionally leaving mum for a few minutes to try its climbing skills on a nearby branch or swing from the tail of the nearest family member! 

Doting keepers called the new baby 'Tia' (meaning 'to love' in Malagasy). The twelve week old can now be seen clambering around her enclosure getting up to all sorts of mischief, chasing around her big sister, but she always runs back to mum for a cuddle and bit of reassurance. Linton Zoo is well known for its Lemurs and with five different species kept at the Zoo there’s rarely a time without a baby or two around to see.