Primate keepers at Dudley Zoo have discovered the attractions new baby black and white ruffed lemur is a boy – and have called him Zeus.

The handsome baby male – the first black and white ruffed lemur born at the zoo for over 20 years – was born on March 14 to first-time mum Olivia and dad, Broom.

The youngster joins a species which is classed as critically endangered in the wild and was sexed by keepers during a health check and is said to be doing very well. Section Leader of Upper Primates, Pat Stevens, said:

“Zeus is very healthy and is quite feisty. He is still staying close to mum but is really growing in confidence. Plus, there were extra treats and celebrations in their enclosure last as, by an amazing co-incidence, his parents share a birthday. There is exactly eight years between them.”

Black and white ruffed lemurs, from the rainforests of Madagascar, are listed as critically endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). They face several threats including habitat loss due to slash-and-burn agriculture, logging and mining. They are also among the most heavily hunted of all lemur species.