Rare birth of a Greater Bamboo Lemur at the Citadel Zoo of Besançon

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

The Greater Hapalemur 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 to be about 1,000 to 1,500 individuals. The main causes of the threat are habitat destruction due to logging, illegal hunting, and other human activities.

The birth of this youngster is an important success for the Zoo of the Citadel of Besançon, which has produced seven Greater Hapalemurs since 2005. This most recent birth is the first since 2013 and highlights the zoo’s commitment to the conservation of this endangered species.

The successful breeding of the Greater Hapalemur at the Zoo of Besançon 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 long-term survival of the species.

The Zoo of the Citadel of Besançon has been committed to the conservation of lemur species for many years and has previously achieved success in breeding other endangered species, such as the Crowned Sifaka (Propithecus coronatus) and the François’ langur. This most recent birth is a further step in the zoo’s efforts to contribute to biodiversity conservation.

Visitors to the zoo will be able to observe the youngster in the coming weeks as it continues to develop and takes its first steps outside the nest. However, the zoo emphasizes that the protection and welfare of the animals come first and visitors are asked to treat the animals with respect.

This birth is a bright spot for the future of the Greater Hapalemur and a testament to the importance of zoos in the global effort to conserve endangered species. It demonstrates how targeted breeding programs and international cooperation can achieve positive results.

The Zoo of the Citadel of Besançon will continue to collaborate with international conservation organizations to ensure the survival of the Greater Hapalemur and other endangered species and to raise public awareness about the importance of species preservation.