Shaldon Wildlife Trust welcomes UK’s first Goodman’s mouse lemurs

Shaldon Wildlife Trust has made history by becoming the first zoo in the UK to house Goodman’s mouse lemurs, a rare and elusive primate species native to Madagascar’s highland rainforests.

Two individuals, a male and a female, arrived safely from Zoo Zurich and are now settling into a purpose-built nocturnal habitat at the Devon-based zoo. The arrival marks a major milestone in UK zoological history and strengthens Shaldon’s reputation as a leader in the care and conservation of the world’s smallest and most threatened animals.

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

Weighing just 60 grams, Microcebus lehilahytsara are among the smallest primates on the planet. These agile, solitary foragers are nocturnal and renowned for their sharp senses. The species is named in honour of American biologist Dr. Steven M. Goodman, whose pioneering work has advanced conservation efforts in Madagascar.

The lemurs’ arrival is part of a broader European breeding initiative coordinated by the European Association of Zoos and Aquaria (EAZA). Zoo Zurich, which has successfully bred the species for years, is now collaborating with select institutions to build a sustainable population in European zoos.

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

Visitors can now see the mouse lemurs in Shaldon’s Forest By Night exhibit, which recreates the species’ natural environment using special low-light conditions. They will share the habitat with other nocturnal residents, including the pygmy slow loris, grey mouse lemurs, and a three-banded armadillo.

The addition of Goodman’s mouse lemurs highlights Shaldon Wildlife Trust’s continued focus on conservation, education, and the protection of lesser-known species. As a registered charity, the Trust plays an essential role in global efforts to safeguard biodiversity, especially for animals often overlooked in traditional conservation programs.

A video of the lemurs' arrival has been shared by the zoo and is available for viewing on their social media platforms.