Staff at Blackpool Zoo celebrated a milestone as Shelly, a critically endangered red ruffed lemur believed to be one of the world’s oldest, marked her 30th birthday. Adoring keepers prepared a special cake and donned party hats to honor the occasion.
Shelly’s Remarkable Longevity
Shelly ranks as the oldest red ruffed lemur in the UK and the seventh oldest globally. Red ruffed lemurs appear on the IUCN Red List as critically endangered, with populations continuing to decline in their native Madagascar habitat.
These lemurs typically live 15 to 20 years in the wild, making Shelly’s age exceptional. Even in zoos, reaching 30 remains rare. Keepers credit her longevity to carefully managed diets, secure enclosures, and dedicated veterinary care.
International breeding programs play a vital role in preserving the species, ensuring genetic diversity and population stability.
Luke Minns, Section Head at Blackpool Zoo, stated: “Shelly is an incredibly special animal, and reaching 30 is a huge milestone, not just for us but for the species as a whole. She serves as an ambassador for red ruffed lemurs and demonstrates how expert knowledge and dedication support longer, healthier lives.”
Blackpool Zoo’s Legacy of Long-Lived Animals
Shelly follows in the footsteps of Darwin, an Aldabra giant tortoise who resided at the zoo for decades and reached 105 years old. Darwin, the zoo’s longest-staying resident, endured two world wars and two global pandemics before his passing in 2022.
The beloved reptile drew crowds since the zoo’s opening 50 years ago. Zookeepers provided specialist treatment for a leg issue, but his condition worsened. After consulting leading veterinarians worldwide, staff made the difficult decision to euthanize him.
A zoo spokesman noted: “He forged a wonderful link for many to the fascination of reptiles and inspired the next generation of conservationists. He was an irreplaceable feature of the zoo’s history, with a personality matching his size, loved by all visitors. Staff and keepers remain deeply saddened, comforted by messages of condolence.”
Aldabra giant tortoises hail from the Aldabra Atoll in the Seychelles and rank among Earth’s longest-living creatures.
