Ricky the ring-tailed lemur celebrates 30th birthday at Shaldon Wildlife Trust

Shaldon Wildlife Trust is celebrating a major milestone as Ricky the ring-tailed lemur turns 30 on March 6th, making him the oldest resident at the zoo. Ricky will mark the occasion alongside his long-time partner, Sally, their daughters Denny and Bianca, and the dedicated team of keepers and volunteers.

Born on March 6th, 1995, at Bristol Zoo, Ricky arrived at Shaldon Wildlife Trust in 1996 alongside fellow ring-tailed lemurs Robbie and Shamus. In 2000, he was introduced to two female lemurs, Petra and Sally, and it was love at first sight with Sally, who has remained his companion ever since. Over the years, Ricky and Sally have had an impressive 19 offspring, many of whom now reside in zoos across the UK, along with 70 grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

Ricky’s impressive long life shows the dedication of the exceptional care provided by the Shaldon Wildlife Trust team and advancements in animal husbandry, welfare, and veterinary science.

“Reaching 30 years is an incredible achievement for a ring-tailed lemur,” said Zak Showell, Director of Shaldon Wildlife Trust. “In the wild, lemurs typically live to around 15-20 years. Ricky certainly doesn’t show his age; he still bounces around like a lemur half his age! His resilience and vitality are truly extraordinary, and we’re so proud to have him as part of our conservation family.”

Well-loved by staff and visitors alike, Ricky has played an important role in Shaldon Wildlife Trust’s Junior Keeper programme, helping educate and inspire the next generation of conservationists. Over the years, it is estimated that more than 1,000 people have met him through these experiences, learning about the plight of ring-tailed lemurs in the wild.

The ring-tailed lemur (Lemur catta) is native to Madagascar, where it faces severe threats due to habitat destruction, hunting, and climate change. Classified as Endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), the species plays a crucial role in raising awareness about the urgent need for conservation efforts.

To celebrate Ricky’s milestone, Shaldon Wildlife Trust is encouraging visitors to share their favourite photos and memories using the hashtag #RickyTurns30, to show his impact on the community.

As Ricky enjoys his golden years, Shaldon Wildlife Trust remains committed to ensuring he continues to thrive in his home. The Trust also reaffirms its dedication to protecting ring-tailed lemurs and other endangered species through global conservation partnerships and education initiatives.

For more information, visit www.shaldonwildlifetrust.org.uk