Rare Birth of a Grand Hapalémur at the Citadel Zoo in Besançon

Besançon – 16.06.2026: On May 6, 2026, a rare Grand Hapalémur was born at the Citadel Zoo in Besançon. This species, also known as the Greater Hapalemur, is endangered and only 45 individuals are held in captivity worldwide.

The Grand Hapalémur is a primate endemic to Madagascar and has been classified as “endangered” by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) since 1996. The wild population is estimated at around 1,000 to 1,500 individuals. The main threats to its survival are habitat destruction due to deforestation, illegal hunting, and other human activities.

The birth of this young animal is a significant achievement for the Citadel Zoo in Besançon, which has successfully bred seven Grand Hapalémurs since 2005. This most recent birth is the first since 2013 and underscores the zoo’s commitment to conserving this endangered species.

The successful breeding of the Grand Hapalémur at the Besançon Zoo is the result of careful genetic management and an international breeding program coordinated by the European Association of Zoos and Aquaria (EAZA). These programs aim to preserve genetic diversity and ensure the species’ long-term survival.

The Citadel Zoo in Besançon has been engaged for many years in the conservation of lemur species and has also had successes in breeding other threatened species such as the crowned sifaka (Propithèque couronné) and François’ langur (Langur de François). This recent birth is another step in the zoo’s efforts to contribute to the preservation of biodiversity.

Visitors to the zoo will be able to observe the young animal in the coming weeks as it grows and takes its first steps outside the nest. However, the zoo emphasizes that the protection and welfare of the animals are the highest priorities, and visitors are asked to treat the animals with respect.

This birth is a beacon of hope for the future of the Grand Hapalémur and a testament to the importance of zoos in the global effort to conserve endangered species. It demonstrates how targeted breeding programs and international collaboration can yield positive results.

The Citadel Zoo in Besançon will continue to work closely with international conservation organizations to secure the future of the Grand Hapalémur and other threatened species and to raise public awareness about the importance of species conservation.