Say happy birthday to Stumpy, the world’s OLDEST LEMUR!
Meet Stumpy, the ring-tailed lemur (Lemur catta) who recently celebrated not only his 39th birthday, but also being the world’s oldest living lemur! 🥳
He lives at Five Sisters Zoo in West Lothian, Scotland, UK, and was named Stumpy because of his slightly shortened tail.
At the zoo, he is described as “a firm favourite with staff and visitors” alike!
Isn’t he adorable?! 🥹
We don’t really know his exact birthday, but he was born around June of 1986 in Surrey, UK, before moving to Scotland, and he has lived at Five Sisters since 2005.
He now lives there with 2 of his sons, Red (aged 21) and Julian (20)!
Five Sisters’ Senior Animal Keeper, Gemma Varley, told us:
“He’s a sweet boy. He loves to sunbathe and eat fresh browse (his favourite is willow) and he loves sweet potato.
“Stumpy’s birthday is a big event. He celebrates with his sons and enjoys a bit of birthday cake made from special primate pellet!”
What do you want to do on your next birthday? 🤩
Despite being this old – ring-tailed lemurs in zoos don’t usually live more than 20–25 years, and even less in the wild – Stumpy is said to be surprisingly fit!
Although understandably he can’t see as well anymore, plus he has some stiffness in his joints…
Varley continued:
“While he does have some arthritis, he has been blessed with good health.
“He does need some extra care, such as daily medications for his arthritis, weekly weigh-ins and his scent glands often overgrow, but he allows us to trim these voluntarily through positive-reinforcement training.”
Stumpy has had 11 KIDS in his life, as well as 25 grandkids and 6 great-grandkids – WOW! 🤯
All 6 great-grandkids now live at Attica Zoo in Greece.
GWR’s Senior Managing Editor, Adam Millward, who worked with the zoo to verify Stumpy’s record, was super happy with the final result:
“Reaching such a grand age –we’re talking living well over a decade beyond what is typical for your kind – is impressive for any species. With this record, there’s now no question that Stumpy has truly earned his stripes!
“I hope he enjoyed his special day – and paws crossed we hear from Five Sisters Zoo again for the big 4-0 next year.”
Congratulations, Stumpy, you are Officially Amazing!
While it’s very rare for lemurs to reach over 35 years of age, there have been a few…
Bella, a white-fronted brown lemur (Eulemur albifrons), resided at the Isle of Wight Zoo, UK, from 1990 to 2020 and was estimated to have reached 38 years of age. ❤️
Let’s all say a big HAPPY BIRTHDAY to Stumpy!