The Shaldon Wildlife Trust has become the first zoo in the UK to provide care for a rare mouse lemur.

The Shaldon Wildlife Trust is pleased to announce the arrival of two rare and elusive Goodman’s mouse lemurs, Microcebus lehilahytsara, from Zoo Zurich. This marks the first time the species has ever been housed in a UK zoo.

The two mouse lemurs, a male and a female, arrived safely at the Shaldon Wildlife Trust last week and are adjusting to their new home in a specially designed nocturnal habitat. This is a significant moment for the trust, placing them at the forefront of efforts to protect and care for one of Madagascar’s most cryptic primates.

Goodman’s mouse lemurs are native to the highland rainforests of Madagascar and are among the smallest primates in the world, weighing only 60 grams. They are nocturnal, solitary foragers with remarkable agility and sharp senses. They are named after renowned American biologist Dr. Steven M. Goodman, who has made major contributions to Malagasy conservation science.

“We are incredibly proud to be the first zoo in the UK to house this fascinating species,” said Zak Showell, Director of the Shaldon Wildlife Trust. “Goodman’s mouse lemurs are rarely seen outside of their native habitat, and their presence here offers an exciting opportunity for conservation education, research, and species advocacy.”

The arrival of the lemurs is part of a larger European breeding programme coordinated by the European Association of Zoos and Aquaria (EAZA). Zoo Zurich has successfully bred the species for many years and is now working with selected partners to help establish a sustainable safety-net population in European zoos.

“We are grateful to Zurich Zoo for entrusting us with these two remarkable individuals,” Showell added. “With deforestation and habitat fragmentation continuing to threaten Madagascar’s biodiversity, collaborative conservation breeding efforts are more important than ever.”

Visitors to the Shaldon Wildlife Trust will have the chance to see the mouse lemurs in the Forest By Night habitat, alongside the resident pygmy slow loris, grey mouse lemurs, and 3-banded armadillo. The habitat is designed to replicate their natural environment, with special low-light conditions allowing guests to observe their nocturnal behaviors while ensuring their comfort and well-being.

The addition of Goodman’s mouse lemurs further demonstrates Shaldon’s commitment to protecting the world’s smallest and most endangered species. The registered charity is known for its focus on rare and often overlooked animals and continues to play a crucial role in international conservation efforts.