Proud mom and dad. Photo by Busch Gardens

If your vacation has landed you here in Central Florida and not on the Comoros Islands between Madagascar and Africa, you can still see mongoose lemurs. Not out in the wild, but at a much closer view. Busch Gardens in Tampa, Florida recently witnessed an uncommon event with the birth of mongoose lemur twins.

This vulnerable species is indigenous to the islands of Madagascar in the Indian Ocean. These little ones, however, can be seen living right here in Florida. See them at Curiosity Caverns, located near the Nairobi Train Station (Jambo Junction) at Busch Gardens.

In a few months, the Central Florida theme park will know if the little ones are girls or boys. If male, they will develop red beards and cheeks. If they are female, their faces will have darker hair and white beards.

Look closely and you'll see one of the babies tucked in close to momma's tummy with its head peeking out near her back leg.

The babies are parented by 17-year-old mother Rosalita and 18-year-old father Guillermo. Captive mongoose lemurs can live up to 26 years, while wild specimens live 18–20 years. The offspring usually stay with their parents until three years of age, when they have reached full maturity. Rosalita’s first baby – a male named Duggan – was also born at Busch Gardens and moved to another zoo for breeding.  If you listen closely, you can hear their unique vocalizations, which sound like pigs oinking!

Enjoy your vacation in Central Florida and experience a little Madagascar wild life at Busch Gardens in Tampa, Florida. Congratulations to the theme park’s animal handlers in protecting this cute species. Best wishes to all.

Last Updated on April 30, 2012