Lemur at West Lothian zoo claims Guinness World Record
The ring-tailed lemur called Stumpy celebrated not only his 39th birthday but also recognition as the oldest living lemur in captivity.
Staff at a West Lothian zoo have celebrated a world record after an adorable lemur in their care made it into the Guinness book of World records.
The ring-tailed lemur called Stumpy celebrated not only his 39th birthday but also recognition as the oldest living lemur in captivity.
The mature primate, whose slightly shortened tail is what led to his name, is described as 'a firm favourite with staff and visitors' alike.
He was born in June 1986 in Surrey before moving to Scotland and has resided at Five Sisters since 2005. He currently lives there with two of his sons, Red, aged 21, and 20-year-old Julian – themselves both a respectable age for their kind.
Five Sisters' Senior Animal Keeper, Gemma Varley said: 'He loves to sunbathe and eat fresh browse (his favourite is willow) and he loves sweet potato.
'Stumpy's birthday is a big event. He celebrates with his sons and enjoys a bit of birthday cake made from special primate pellet.
'While he does have some arthritis, he has been blessed with good health.
He does need some extra care, such as daily medications for his arthritis, weekly weigh-ins and his scent glands often overgrow, but he allows us to trim these voluntarily through positive-reinforcement training.
Over his lifetime, Stumpy has done his bit for lemur conservation and public engagement by siring a total of 11 offspring.
His progeny have gone on to produce 25 grandchildren, six great-grandchildren and one great-great-granddaughter. All six great-grandchildren now live at Attica Zoo in Greece.
GWR's Senior Managing Editor, Adam Millward, who worked with the zoo on the verification process, was delighted by the final result.
He said: 'Reaching such a grand age –we're talking living well over a decade beyond what is typical for your kind – is impressive for any species. With this record, there's now no question that Stumpy has truly earned his stripes!
'I hope he enjoyed his special day – and paws crossed we hear from Five Sisters Zoo again for the big 4-0 next year.'
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Daily Record
4 days ago
- Daily Record
Lemur at West Lothian zoo claims Guinness World Record
The ring-tailed lemur called Stumpy celebrated not only his 39th birthday but also recognition as the oldest living lemur in captivity. Staff at a West Lothian zoo have celebrated a world record after an adorable lemur in their care made it into the Guinness book of World records. The ring-tailed lemur called Stumpy celebrated not only his 39th birthday but also recognition as the oldest living lemur in captivity. The mature primate, whose slightly shortened tail is what led to his name, is described as 'a firm favourite with staff and visitors' alike. He was born in June 1986 in Surrey before moving to Scotland and has resided at Five Sisters since 2005. He currently lives there with two of his sons, Red, aged 21, and 20-year-old Julian – themselves both a respectable age for their kind. Five Sisters' Senior Animal Keeper, Gemma Varley said: 'He loves to sunbathe and eat fresh browse (his favourite is willow) and he loves sweet potato. 'Stumpy's birthday is a big event. He celebrates with his sons and enjoys a bit of birthday cake made from special primate pellet. 'While he does have some arthritis, he has been blessed with good health. He does need some extra care, such as daily medications for his arthritis, weekly weigh-ins and his scent glands often overgrow, but he allows us to trim these voluntarily through positive-reinforcement training. Over his lifetime, Stumpy has done his bit for lemur conservation and public engagement by siring a total of 11 offspring. His progeny have gone on to produce 25 grandchildren, six great-grandchildren and one great-great-granddaughter. All six great-grandchildren now live at Attica Zoo in Greece. GWR's Senior Managing Editor, Adam Millward, who worked with the zoo on the verification process, was delighted by the final result. He said: 'Reaching such a grand age –we're talking living well over a decade beyond what is typical for your kind – is impressive for any species. With this record, there's now no question that Stumpy has truly earned his stripes! 'I hope he enjoyed his special day – and paws crossed we hear from Five Sisters Zoo again for the big 4-0 next year.'
Edinburgh Live
5 days ago
- Edinburgh Live
Lemur at West Lothian zoo breaks world record and becomes 'world's oldest'
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info A record breaking lemur at a West Lothian zoo has made history and become the oldest in the world in captivity. Stumpy, the ring-tailed lemur celebrated his 39th birthday on Sunday, June 15, surrounded by keepers and visitors at Five Sisters Zoo. Also present were the Stumpy's two sons, Red (aged 21) and Julian (aged 20), who still share an enclosure with their dad, reports The Daily Record. According to the zoo, Stumpy - who is one of their most beloved residents - has now achieved worldwide recognition and his status as the oldest living ring-tailed lemur in captivity has now been confirmed by the Guinness World Records. In human care, ring-tailed lemurs usually live to be between 20 to 25, while it's rare for the species to reach the age of 20 in the wild. But despite age-related arthritis and reduced eyesight, Stumpy remains in a surprisingly healthy condition thanks to decades of dedicated care from the Five Sisters Zoo team. Born in 1986 in Surrey, Stumpy moved to Scotland back in 2005 and has been a well loved member of the zoo's family ever since. Sign up for Edinburgh Live newsletters for more headlines straight to your inbox According to the zoo, Stumpy is known as "a firm favourite with staff and visitors alike". Over the years, he has become among the zoo's most iconic and enduring characters. Having been at Five Sisters for nearly two decades, Stumpy's health and wellbeing have been sustained through a tailored and evolving programme of specialist care. According to the team, his longevity is thanks to the close attention and commitment of the zoo's keepers, veterinary staff, and animal welfare experts. Senior Management at Five Sisters Zoo Gary Curran commented: "Stumpy has been with us since day one, and we've grown together. "He's taught us so much—from refining his care routine to adapting our enrichment strategies—and we're incredibly proud to see that recognised by Guinness World Records. He's an absolute character, and a real ambassador for what long-term, focused animal care can achieve." Five Sisters states that Stumpy has contributed significantly to lemur conservation and education, and over his lifetime he has fathered 11 offspring. His children have gone on to produce 25 grandchildren, six great-grandchildren, and even one great-great-granddaughter, with many of his descendants now living at zoos across Europe. As well as offering up-close Lemur Experiences for the public, Five Sisters Zoo partners with SEED Madagascar, a conservation charity working to protect lemur populations and habitats in the wild. The zoo uses Stumpy's story to highlight the importance of long-term care, conservation, and species survival. Guinness World Records Senior Managing Editor Adam Millward, who worked with the zoo on the verification process, was delighted by the final result. He said: "Reaching such a grand age—we're talking living well over a decade beyond what is typical for your kind—is impressive for any species. "With this record, there's now no question that Stumpy has truly earned his stripes! I hope he enjoyed his special day—and paws crossed we hear from Five Sisters Zoo again for the big 4-0 next year." According to Five Sisters Zoo, Stumpy's record-breaking age serves as a milestone not only for the zoo itself but the wider conservation community and demonstrates the power of ongoing education, expert care, and advocacy. More information on Stumpy's story can be found on the Five Sisters Zoo website.
Daily Record
5 days ago
- Daily Record
Adorable lemur at Scottish zoo makes history as he is crowned 'world's oldest'
Stumpy celebrated his 39th birthday on June 15, a new record. A lemur at a Scottish zoo has made history as the oldest in the world in captivity. The ring-tailed lemur lives at Five Sisters Zoo in West Lothian. Stumpy celebrated his 39th birthday on Sunday, June 15, surrounded by keepers and visitors. Also present were the lemur's two sons, Red (aged 21) and Julian (aged 20), who still share his enclosure. One of Five Sisters' most beloved residents, according to the zoo, Stumpy has now achieved worldwide recognition. His record as the oldest living ring-tailed lemur in captivity has been confirmed by the Guinness World Records. Ring-tailed lemurs usually live to between 20 and 25 in human care, while it is rare to reach age 20 in the wild. However, despite age-related arthritis and reduced eyesight, Stumpy remains in surprisingly healthy condition thanks to decades of dedicated care from the zoo's animal team. The lemur was born in 1986 in Surrey, before moving to Scotland in 2005. He has been a beloved member of the Five Sisters Zoo family ever since. According to the zoo, Stumpy is known as "a firm favourite with staff and visitors alike". Over the years, he has become among the zoo's most iconic and enduring characters. Having been at Five Sisters for nearly two decades, Stumpy's health and wellbeing have been sustained through a tailored and evolving programme of specialist care. According to the team, his longevity is thanks to the close attention and commitment of the zoo's keepers, veterinary staff, and animal welfare experts. Senior Management at Five Sisters Zoo Gary Curran commented: "Stumpy has been with us since day one, and we've grown together. "He's taught us so much—from refining his care routine to adapting our enrichment strategies—and we're incredibly proud to see that recognised by Guinness World Records. He's an absolute character, and a real ambassador for what long-term, focused animal care can achieve." Five Sisters states that Stumpy has contributed significantly to lemur conservation and education, and over his lifetime he has fathered 11 offspring. His children have gone on to produce 25 grandchildren, six great-grandchildren, and even one great-great-granddaughter, with many of his descendants now living at zoos across Europe. As well as offering up-close Lemur Experiences for the public, Five Sisters Zoo partners with SEED Madagascar, a conservation charity working to protect lemur populations and habitats in the wild. The zoo uses Stumpy's story to highlight the importance of long-term care, conservation, and species survival. Guinness World Records Senior Managing Editor Adam Millward, who worked with the zoo on the verification process, was delighted by the final result. He said: "Reaching such a grand age—we're talking living well over a decade beyond what is typical for your kind—is impressive for any species. "With this record, there's now no question that Stumpy has truly earned his stripes! I hope he enjoyed his special day—and paws crossed we hear from Five Sisters Zoo again for the big 4-0 next year." According to Five Sisters Zoo, Stumpy's record-breaking age serves as a milestone not only for the zoo itself but the wider conservation community and demonstrates the power of ongoing education, expert care, and advocacy.
