White and black ruffed lemurs (Varecia variegata) were born in our zoo.

The cubs are already visible on the Madagascar trail.

The number of animals native to the island of Madagascar is now drastically declining due to poaching and the massive destruction of their habitats, which is why it is important for zoos with a strong zoological background to breed them in closed enclosures.

The Nyíregyháza Zoo's breeding individuals have been living together for 3 years and were brought in under the European Endangered Species  Programme. The 17-year-old mother came from the Wroclaw Zoo in Poland and the 21-year-old male from Parco Natura Vivo in northern Italy, on the recommendation of the species coordinator, and this is their second litter after last year's breeding.

Unlike other lemurs, the shrew gives birth to its immature offspring in nests it builds itself - after 100 days of gestation - and carries them in its mouth rather than carrying them on its body, raising them in a sheltered nest or burrow, so the young have not been seen until now.

 However, now that the offspring are 2 months old, more and more are in the enclosure and visitors can see them.

The babies are still feeding mainly on their mother's milk, but they are also sampling sweet, juicy fruits.

The black and white ruffed lemurs  (Varecia variegata) is the largest lemur species.

Their contrasting black and white pattern in the tree canopy provides them with an excellent hiding place.

Their communication is based on vocal signals, and their distinctive howl is most often heard from far away.

Their special (Vari) name was given to the animals by the natives: they were considered sun-worshipping sacred animals, Vari candanas, because of their preference for basking with their faces turned towards the sun.