World's oldest lemur celebrates birthday at Scots zoo – almost double the expected age

Scottish Sun

16-06-2025

The mature primate reached a staggering 39 years old yesterday, around twice its expected lifespan
OLD FUR HIS KIND World's oldest lemur celebrates birthday at Scots zoo – almost double the expected age
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A SCOTS zoo has celebrated the birthday of the world's oldest lemur living in captivity.
The Five Sisters Zoo in West Calder, West Lothian, houses the creature, named Stumpy.
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Stumpy has been recognised as the word's oldest ring-tailed Lemur living in captivity
Credit: Duncan McGlynn
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The creature has celebrated its 39th birthday
Credit: Five Sisters Zoo
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Lemurs are expected to live to between 20 and 25 years in captivity
Credit: Five Sisters Zoo
The mature primate reached a staggering 39 years old yesterday, around twice its expected lifespan.
Guinness World Records has formally recognised the impressive milestone.
Stumpy, named after his shortened tail, has been hailed as "a firm favourite with staff and visitors" at the zoo.
He was born in June 1986 in Surrey, before being moved north of the border in 2005.
Stumpy also has two sons at the zoo, 20-year-old Julian and 21-year-old Red.
The average life expectancy of ring-tailed lemurs is between 20 and 25 years in captivity and 20 years in the wild.
Stumpy has been described as surprisingly fit for his age, but his eyesight has declined over the years and he also has some stiffness in his joints.
To mark the special occasion, staff at the zoo made him a cake, that he tucked into with his sons.
Five Sisters' Senior Animal Keeper, Gemma Varley, said: 'He's a sweet boy.
'He loves to sunbathe and eat fresh browse - his favourite is willow - and he loves sweet potato.
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'Stumpy's birthday is a big event. He celebrates with his sons and enjoys a bit of birthday cake made from special primate pellet.
"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.'
Senior manager at Five Sisters Zoo, Gary Curran, added: "Stumpy has been an extraordinary part of our Five Sisters Zoo family for two decades.
"We are honoured that, at 39 years old, his remarkable longevity – undoubtedly a credit to the dedicated care he has received – has been formally recognized by Guinness World Records as the world's oldest lemur."
Guinness World Records' senior managing editor, Adam Millward, said: "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."