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Meet Paloma!

close up photo of infant mongoose lemur head

Paloma, like big sister Leonor, was named through the Duke Lemur Center’s Ultimate Adopt program. Photo by Isabella L.

On June 28th, critically endangered mongoose lemur Bonita gave birth to a healthy baby girl! This infant is Bonita’s second with dad Juanito, following the birth of daughter Leonor last year. Now that Bonita is an experienced mom, she seems incredibly calm, often relaxing in a basket (and sometimes even falling asleep) while the infant nurses.

Paloma is just as “bonita” as her mom and older sister. She has beautiful yellow-brown eyes and stares calmly at her surroundings, taking in the world around her. Her keepers have said that she seems “less amazed by the world” than Leonor as an infant, joking that she must be an “old soul.”

Mongoose lemur infant clinging to mom

Infant Paloma clings to mom Bonita. Photo by Madison A.

Two adult mongoose lemur females sit side by side, with an infant peeking out of one's belly

Bonita (left), Leonor (right), and Paloma enjoy a sunny afternoon eating figs on their screened-in outdoor patio. Photo by David Haring.

At the International Primatological Society (IPS) conference last year, a new “Primates in Peril” list was established. A collaboration between the IPS and other international conservation organizations, “Primates in Peril” highlights the 25 most threatened primates across the globe. Last year’s list included mongoose lemurs for the very first time.

Mongoose lemurs are restricted to a tiny home range in Madagascar’s western dry forests, where their habitats are rapidly declining. In addition, there are very few conservation organizations where these gentle, charismatic lemurs live within human care. Paloma is a wonderful, and very much needed, ambassador for her species!

Mongoose lemur infant clinging to mom

Five-week-old Paloma peers curiously at her keeper. Photo by Leah H.

Paloma’s Ultimate Adoption Story

Paloma’s name, which fits well with the mongoose lemurs’ species theme of Spanish names, was chosen by a generous couple whose Ultimate Adoption donation will further the Duke Lemur Center’s mission through its Animal Care Fund. This gift qualified them for the honor of naming an infant.

They chose the name Paloma due to its Spanish origin and its meaning as “dove,” which is a universal symbol of peace. It is a traditional Spanish girl’s given name.

“We met this little mongoose lemur family when we toured the Duke Lemur Center last year and decided that a special donation could make a real difference to the Center’s very important work, as well as a special purpose for our IRA funds,” explain donors Melanie and Carl. “Last year, we adopted and named Leonor, Bonita and Juanito’s first daughter, and were delighted to hear that baby Paloma has arrived! We’re excited to watch these two sisters as they grow and bond together.”

Two female mongoose lemurs, one with an infant clinging to her side, sit on a branch

Leonor (left), Bonita (right), and Paloma (clinging to mom). What a beautiful trio of ladies! Photo by David Haring.