Critically Endangered Blue-Eyed Lemur Born at Florida Zoo

A zoo in Florida welcomes the birth of an adorable blue-eyed black lemur, one of the world’s most critically endangered primates. Announced on Facebook by the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens, the primate is said to be the second-ever blue-eyed black lemur to be born at the facility. The lemur will stay in a private area to be cared for by its parents until it is old enough to integrate with the other lemurs in the group.

The main threat to the blue-eyed black lemur's survival is habitat loss. The species is found in a very limited area of northwestern Madagascar. The island country lost 37% of its forest from 1973 to 2014, according to the IUCN. Almost half of Madagascar's remaining forest is located within 328 feet (100 meters) from the edge of the forest. Habitat is lost as more forest is converted into agricultural land. Logging, mining, and forest fires have also destroyed much of the lemurs' home. In some cases, the animals are also hunted for food or trapped to keep as pets.