NEW YORK, N.Y. — July 21, 2026 — The Wildlife Conservation Society’s Central Park Zoo is debuting twin Critically Endangered black-and-white ruffed lemurs, born April 5, 2026. The fraternal twin pair includes one male, named Maso, and one female, named Tonga.

The black-and-white ruffed lemur is a primate native to the tropical rainforests of eastern Madagascar. They are considered Critically Endangered by the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species; wild populations have declined by at least 80% over three generations due primarily to habitat loss and poaching.

This breeding was recommended under the black-and-white ruffed lemur Species Survival Plan (SSP), an AZA-managed breeding program that helps maintain the species’ genetic viability. Since 2008, when the zoo first acquired the species, eight black-and-white ruffed lemurs have been born at the Central Park Zoo.

Unlike most lemurs, ruffed lemurs typically birth multi-infant litters. Mothers “park” their pups in tree canopy nests as they explore and forage, rather than carrying them on their body like the majority of primates.

Lemurs have complex social hierarchies and stand out among primates as uniquely matriarchal. Each troop has a core female group that dominates territory, mating, and resource allocation. The twins’ mother, Koa, is the leader of Central Park Zoo’s troop. Their father, Milo, is her chosen dominant male.

These lemurs are among the largest pollinators in the world – as they consume the nectar of the Madagascar-native Traveler’s tree, pollen clings to their faces and spreads as they travel from plant to plant. According to animal care staff, the twins’ favorite treat is banana.

The pair can now be seen at the Central Park Zoo’s Tropic Zone exhibit, which also features white-faced saki monkeys, cotton-topped tamarins, and other incredible species. Beyond the zoo, WCS’s Madagascar Program works to protect biodiversity throughout Madagascar, including in Makira Natural Park, the primary habitat of the black-and-white ruffed lemur.

To see these twins in person, plan your visit and purchase tickets at CentralParkZoo.com/plan-your-visit.

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