New arrivals get into the swing of things at wildlife park

FIVE newborns were getting down to some serious monkey business yesterday as the baby boom at Fota Wildlife Park continued.

Park director, Dr Neil Stronach, announced that five ring-tailed lemurs — twins and three singles — were born at the park in May and were settling in well.

They were learning to climb trees and munch leaves, fruit and insects yesterday.

Their births brought to 14 the number of ring-tailed lemurs in the park.

“We are certainly undergoing a baby boom and I am delighted with the birth of our five lemurs. They are a joy to watch,” Dr Stronach said.

In May, two European bison calves named Jan and Ganya were born.

Their births brought the number of European bison in Fota’s herd to 11 — the largest bison herd in Ireland.

Three giraffe were born at the park earlier in the year making Fota’s 13-strong herd the largest in Ireland.

Other recent births this year include a spider monkey, an oryx, a Siamang gibbon and a peacock. But the lemurs are still one of Fota’s most popular attractions.

They have a fox-like face and monkey-like hands and feet and use their sense of smell to communicate with each other. They have scent glands on their feet that leave odours on surfaces.

Fota Wildlife Park is open from 10am-6pm Monday to Saturday, and from 11am-6pm, Sundays.