Drusillas Zoo celebrates devoted animal fathers following baby boom

A banner year for animal births at Drusillas

Drusillas Zoo Park is marking Father's Day this weekend with a heartwarming celebration of the male animals playing vital roles in raising the next generation. The East Sussex zoo has experienced a remarkable baby boom, with several new arrivals bringing joy to both staff and visitors throughout the year.

Gemma Romanis, head keeper at Drusillas, expressed her pride in the zoo's animal fathers: "We're incredibly lucky to have so many fantastic animal dads at Drusillas and Father's Day is the perfect opportunity to celebrate them."

Meet the devoted dads

Pip, a ring-tailed lemur, is among the busiest fathers at the zoo, having welcomed twin boys with mum Eve in April. The young twins are already proving popular with visitors as they explore the lemur walkthrough habitat, growing more adventurous with each passing day.

Neville, a Goeldi's monkey, shares parenting duties actively with his mate Violet following the birth of their baby in May. Unlike many primates, male Goeldi's monkeys are deeply involved in rearing their young, frequently carrying their infants throughout the day.

Mo the spider monkey, known for his calm demeanor, watches over his latest offspring Kendall, born in April. Though his mate Moa handles most hands-on care, Mo's watchful presence helps keep the family in line, including his older, more mischievous children Dilly and Ernie.

Binturong dad Niffler has been particularly prolific, welcoming three youngsters over the past year: ten-month-old Boots and six-month-old twins Sabah and Bunga. This lively trio regularly roams their enclosure and keeps the Drusillas team thoroughly entertained.

Conservation through family bonds

Ms Romanis emphasised the broader significance of these births: "It's been a wonderful year for births across the zoo and every new arrival represents an important contribution to the conservation of their species."

Drusillas is home to more than 20 endangered and rare species, with each birth contributing to international breeding programmes and the preservation of wildlife. The active involvement of male animals in parenting, as demonstrated by these fathers, plays a crucial role in species survival.

Special Father's Day offer

To mark Father's Day, Drusillas is offering special £5 entry to dads, grandads, stepdads and other father figures on Saturday 21 June and Sunday 22 June. The offer is valid when accompanied by a full-paying visitor or annual member, making it an ideal opportunity to celebrate the zoo's furry fathers while enjoying a family day out.

Source: Zoo celebrates its furry father figures after baby boom