Baby Lemur Born at Lincoln Park Zoo

The baby pushes the zoo's lemur population to five

The Lincoln Park Zoo's newest member is a baby crowned lemur.

The lemur was born April 14, the zoo announced. Its sex and measurements have not been determined yet because its mother has been holding it too closely for zoo staff to get a good look.

The newborn joins its mom, Tucker, and dad, Sokkwi, along with two brothers, Azizi and Nuru, at the Helen Brach Primate House at the zoo. Although the lemur has two older brothers, it is the first crowned lemur to actually be born at the zoo.

"Tucker is an experienced mother and the infant is healthy, nursing and growing," primate curator Maureen Leahy said. "We're ecstatic to welcome our first crowned lemur infant who we hope will shed light on this threatened species."

According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature, the crowned lemur is a threatened species due to slash-and-burn forest practices, habitat fragmentation, charcoal production, mining and other environmental impacts from humans.

Crowned lemurs are native to Madagascar. They are named after the gold crown-like coloration on their heads. They are also known for using their 17- to 18-inch tails to help them balance and move swiftly through the trees.

Both the mom and baby are currently on exhibit at the Helen Brach Primate House at the Lincoln Park Zoo, which is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

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