15-06-2025
Stumpy the lemur has defied the odds to become the oldest in the world
A lemur in a Scots zoo has landed in the Guinness Book of Records after celebrating his 39th birthday yesterday.
Stumpy's landmark birthday makes him the oldest living ring-tailed lemur in captivity.
Born in 1986 in Surrey, he was moved to Scotland in 2005 and has been a much-loved member of the Five Sisters Zoo family, in West Calder, West Lothian, ever since.
Known as 'a firm favourite with staff and visitors alike', he is one of the zoo's most enduring characters.
While ring-tailed lemurs typically live to around 20 to 25 years in human care - and less than 20 in the wild - Stumpy has defied the odds.
Despite some age-related arthritis and reduced eyesight, he remains in surprisingly good shape thanks to decades of dedicated and evolving care from the zoo's animal team.
Gary Curran, of Five Sisters Zoo, said: 'He's taught us so much - from refining his care routine to adapting our enrichment strategies - and we're incredibly proud to see that recognised by Guinness World Records (GWR).
'He's an absolute character, and a real ambassador for what long-term, focused animal care can achieve.'
Stumpy has also contributed significantly to lemur conservation and education. Over his lifetime, he has fathered 11 offspring, who have gone on to produce 25 grandchildren, six great-grandchildren, and even one great-great-granddaughter.
Many of his descendants now live at other zoos across Europe, including Attica Zoo in Greece.
GWR's Senior Managing Editor, Adam Millward, who worked with the zoo on the verification process, 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.'
