A lemur at Five Sisters Zoo in West Lothian has been officially recognized as the world’s oldest living ring-tailed lemur in captivity, according to the Guinness World Records.
Stumpy, who celebrated his 39th birthday on Sunday, was born in 1986 in Surrey, England, before moving to Scotland in 2005. He has become a beloved figure at the zoo, admired by both staff and visitors.
Ring-tailed lemurs typically live for around 20 to 25 years in human care, and less than 20 years in the wild. Despite this, Stumpy has far surpassed expectations, continuing to thrive even with age-related arthritis and declining eyesight. He now shares his enclosure with his two sons, Red, 21, and Julian, 20.
Over the years, Stumpy has fathered 11 offspring, whose descendants now live in zoos across Europe, including Attica Zoo in Greece. His family includes 25 grandchildren, six great-grandchildren, and even one great-great-granddaughter.
Gary Curran, Senior Management at Five Sisters Zoo, expressed pride in Stumpy’s achievement, stating, “Stumpy has been with us since day one, and we’ve grown together. He’s taught us so much—helping us refine his care routine and improve our enrichment strategies. We’re incredibly proud to see that recognized by Guinness World Records.”
Adam Millward, Senior Managing Editor at Guinness World Records, added, “Reaching such a grand age—living well over a decade beyond what is typical for his species—is impressive for any animal. With this record, Stumpy has truly earned his stripes. We hope to hear from Five Sisters Zoo again for his big 4-0 next year.”
Stumpy’s longevity is a testament to the dedicated care he has received throughout his life, and his recognition highlights the significant contributions zoos make in preserving and caring for wildlife.
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