Critically endangered twin lemurs born in Scotland

Say hello to Nova and Evie!

Meet Nova and Evie, two critically endangered black-and-white ruffed lemur pups who've been born at a Scottish safari park called Blair Drummond.

The lemurs are usually found in Madagascar, but there are thought to be fewer than 1,000 of this breed remaining in the wild.

Their births have been described as a "beacon of hope" by those looking after them.

The safari park takes part in the European Endangered Species Breeding Programme which helps build up animal populations.

There's a big deal being made about these small pups

Why are these lemurs so important for conservation?

The sisters, who were born on 14 April, have been described as "bundles of energy."

They're the third litter to be born at the park, with several of their siblings now living in zoos across the UK.

Blair Drummond teams up with conservation project Feedback Madagascar, which focuses on educating communities and protecting lemurs in their natural habitat.

Keeper Lesley Rodger said: "They are gaining confidence in their surroundings daily and are already testing their limb strength by hanging from branches in their aviary.

"Both pups are female and based on our past experience, girls do tend to be more of a handful.

"We have named them Nova, meaning 'new' and Evie meaning 'life'."

A group of lemurs is also called a 'conspiracy'

Why are black-and-white ruffed lemur pups critically endangered?

This breed of lemur has the second-loudest primate call, with howler monkeys being the only louder species.

But their loud calls unfortunately make them easier targets for the illegal pet trade.

They also face threats from habitat destruction due to deforestation, logging, and mining, as well as hunting.

It's clear to see what all the excitement is about

What's next for Nova and Evie?

The twin sisters will be rehomed as part of the breeding programme.

Eventually, the pups will join the other lemurs at the park's Lemur Land.

In the meantime, visitors can catch a glimpse of them in their indoor enclosure with their mother, Cali.