A critically endangered red ruffed lemur believed to be one of the world’s oldest celebrated her 30th birthday at Blackpool Zoo. Shelly, the oldest of her species in the UK and the seventh oldest globally, received a special party from zoo staff, complete with a custom birthday cake and party hats.
Remarkable Milestone for a Threatened Species
Red ruffed lemurs appear on the IUCN Red List as critically endangered, with declining populations in their native Madagascar habitat. These primates typically live 15 to 20 years in the wild. Reaching 30 years old remains exceptionally rare, even in captivity, thanks to carefully managed diets, secure environments, expert keeper care, and veterinary attention.
International breeding programs play a key role in preserving the species’ future.
Zoo Section Head Highlights Shelly’s Importance
Luke Minns, Section Head at Blackpool Zoo, stated: “Shelly is an incredibly special animal and reaching 30 is a huge milestone, not just for us but for the species as a whole. She is an ambassador for red ruffed lemurs and a great example of how expert knowledge and dedication can support animals to live longer and healthy lives.”
Blackpool Zoo’s History of Long-Lived Residents
Shelly follows in the footsteps of other long-lived animals at the zoo. Darwin, an Aldabra giant tortoise and the zoo’s longest resident, reached 105 years old. This beloved reptile, who lived through two world wars and two global pandemics, passed away in 2022 after treatment for a leg issue failed to improve.
Despite consultations with top veterinarians worldwide, staff made the difficult decision to euthanize him. A zoo spokesman noted: “He was a wonderful link for so many people to the fascination of reptiles and he has really inspired the next generation of conservationists. He was an irreplaceable feature of the zoo’s history. He had a personality on par with his size and was loved by all of our visitors. Staff and keepers are extremely saddened at his passing and are being comforted by the kind messages of condolence we are receiving.”
Aldabra giant tortoises, native to the Aldabra Atoll in the Seychelles, rank among Earth’s longest-living animals.
