Oh Baby! Riverbanks celebrates birth of lemur triplets
July 19, 2016
Riverbanks Zoo and Garden is excited to announce the arrival of three red-ruffed lemur babies. The triplets are the first red-ruff lemurs to be born at the Zoo in more than 20 years.
The pint-sized primates (two males and one female) were born on June 30 to parents Mahambo and Mena. The little lemurs are the first offspring on record for the pair.
Dad, 11-year-old Mahambo, was born at Fresno Chaffe Zoo in Fresno, California and arrived at Riverbanks in October of 2008. Mom, 10-year-old Mena, was born at Palm Beach Zoo in West Palm Beach, Florida and came to live at Riverbanks in March of 2011.
Riverbanks has been home to this species since December of 1988.The last red-ruffed lemurs to be born at the Zoo came in March of 1993. Guests can see these newest additions on exhibit daily in Riverbanks’ Conservation Outpost.
Guests visiting the Zoo can also check out the newest chick in town—a flamingo that hatched in June. The chick can be seen on exhibit daily with the entire flamingo flock at the Birdhouse at Riverbanks.
In addition, a koala joey was born at Riverbanks in October of last year and fully emerged from its mother’s pouch in May. Mom and joey are on exhibit daily in the Zoo’s Koala Knockabout.
Riverbanks Zoo and Garden
For more than 40 years, Riverbanks Zoo and Garden has connected individuals, families and groups with the world’s wildlife and wild places. Riverbanks is a special purpose district governed by the Riverbanks Park Commission, which consists of seven members, two appointed by Richland County Council, two by Lexington County Council, two by the City of Columbia, and one jointly by the three entities. It is the mission of Riverbanks Zoo and Garden to foster appreciation and concern for all living things. Riverbanks Zoo is located at 500 Wildlife Parkway, Columbia, SC 29210. The Botanical Garden entrance is located at 1300 Botanical Parkway, West Columbia, SC 29169. The park is open daily from 9am to 5pm, except for Thanksgiving and Christmas day. Admission is $15.95 for adults, $13.50 for children ages 2 – 12 and free for children younger than 2. Group rates and other discounts may apply. Year-round membership packages are also available. For more information, call Riverbanks at 803.779.8717, visit www.riverbanks.org or www.facebook.com/riverbankszoo.
