While us humans are keeping our distance and reducing physical contact, there is no sign of any such thing among the animal residents of Tierpark Berlin. They have been snuggling, smooching and giving free rein to their spring fever. And now the endangered collared brown lemurs have been blessed with a furry bundle of joy!
The tiny infant already has a firm grip, which allows it to cling tightly to the hip of its mother Elodie (3). It stays cuddled up to mum at all times, only occasionally poking its adorable little face out from her auburn fur. The still nameless pup was born on 9 April after a gestation period of around 120 days. It is only the second collared brown lemur to be born in Germany – mother Elodie was the first. “As the only zoo in Germany to keep this rare species, we bear a special responsibility,” says Zoo and Tierpark Director Dr Andreas Knieriem. “We therefore coordinate closely with other zoos around the world, and one of our lemurs was even sent to New York City as part of the conservation breeding programme.” Collared brown lemurs are at risk in their natural habitat. The main threat to these small primates is the destruction of their habitat in Madagascar due to slash-and-burn agriculture and charcoal production. Illegal hunting has also drastically reduced their numbers. The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) estimates that the overall population has declined by more than 30 percent over the past three decades. It therefore lists the species as “Endangered”.
Over the coming weeks, the baby lemur will remain clinging firmly to its mother. Father Thierry (4) lives in the same group as mother and child, but plays no role in raising the pup. “From the age of two to three months, the young lemur will be strong enough to leave its mother’s side and take its first steps and jumps,” says curator and Tierpark veterinarian Dr Andreas Pauly. “This is when we will be able to give it a medical exam and determine its sex. We will also fit the little lemur with a chip, as is required for endangered species by the Federal Agency for Nature Conservation.” The collared brown lemurs at Tierpark Berlin live in a harmonious community with other Madagascan species. The habitat also houses red ruffed lemurs, red-bellied lemurs and radiated tortoises.
New: Test stations now situated by Tierpark entrances
To ensure visitors remain safe when visiting our lemurs and other animals, mandatory testing has been introduced for Berlin’s zoos as part of the nationwide emergency anti-Covid measures. Starting today, there is a Test-To-Go Station by both Tierpakr entrances where visitors can get a POC antigen rapid test free of charge before visiting the park. Tests are available without prior reservation from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. To find out more about the test stations, visitors can contact the call centre under +49 (0)30 555 928 29 or visit https://www.stadtapotheke-berlin.de/dienstleistungen/corona-schnelltest.
In addition, all those aged six and over must wear a nose and mouth covering for the duration of their visit to Zoo or Tierpark Berlin. All these measures make Tierpark Berlin one of the safest places in the city to take a stroll and leave everyday worries behind for a few hours.
Aquarium Berlin and all animal houses are still currently closed. For more information about visiting the Tierpark during these unusual times, visit: https://www.tierpark-berlin.de/en/services/corona-pandemic
