Rare "World's Cutest Sheep" in Japan!? Twin Valais Blacknose Sheep Born - Baby Ring-tailed Lemurs Also Arriving in Succession -

Baby Valais Blacknose Sheep and Ring-tailed Lemurs Born!

The Izu Shaboten Zoo Group is pleased to announce the birth of two baby Valais Blacknose Sheep (one male, one female) on Friday, May 29, 2026. Furthermore, baby ring-tailed lemurs were born, with one on Saturday, May 2nd, and twins on Sunday, May 17th.

Valais Blacknose Sheep

[English Name] Valais Blacknose Sheep

[Scientific Name] Ovis aries blacknose

[Classification] Artiodactyla, Bovidae

[Distribution] Valais region of western Switzerland

[Body Length, Weight] Approximately 120 cm, 60-100 kg

[Ecology] These are rare sheep historically raised only in the mountainous regions of Switzerland, but have recently begun to be kept in other countries and regions. Their faces, ears, and feet are covered in black wool, while the rest of their bodies are covered in beautiful, wavy white fleece, earning them the nickname "world's cutest sheep." Their long fleece allows them to withstand harsh climates and is valued for its fiber due to its durability.

Baby Body Length: Approx. 40 cm, Weight: Approx. 6 kg

Including the newborns, a total of six Valais Blacknose Sheep live in a section of our park that resembles a lush pasture, alongside llamas, donkeys, and Manx Loaghtan sheep. The two babies are spending their days leisurely with their father "Lee" and mother "Shin," and visitors can observe their affectionate interactions, such as following their mother and nursing.

Cute parent and child with wavy white fleece spending time leisurely, growing well together!

Ring-tailed Lemur

[English Name] Ring-tailed lemur

[Scientific Name] Lemur catta

[Classification] Primates, Lemuridae

[Distribution] Southern Madagascar

[Body Length] Head-body length: Approx. 40 cm, Tail length: Approx. 60 cm

[Weight] Approx. 2.2-3.5 kg

[Ecology] They form groups of nearly 20 individuals, with females being dominant, and primarily live on the ground during the day. Their most distinctive physical feature is their long tail, which has alternating black and white bands that appear ring-like, giving them the name "ring-tailed lemur." Our park's breeding season is from autumn to early winter, with a gestation period of approximately 135 days. Mothers typically give birth to one to two infants at a time. Infants begin to ride on their mother's back after about 2-3 weeks and start eating the same food as adults around one month of age.

Baby Body Length: 10-15 cm, Weight: Approx. 200 g

One baby ring-tailed lemur was born to "Sour" on the Ring-tailed Lemur Island of Animal Boat Tours. Approximately two weeks later, "Bao Xi," a veteran mother experienced in raising multiple offspring, also gave birth to twins. The baby born on May 2nd is sometimes held and protected by its mother, but has recently started riding on her back in a "piggyback" position. The twins born on May 17th are still very young and adorable, clinging tightly to their mother's belly while sleeping and nursing, but are growing steadily.

"Piggyback" position on the back, still young and adorable babies, growing steadily!

We will continue to share updates on the healthy growth of the baby animals at our park. Please watch over them warmly.

*Viewing may not be possible depending on weather conditions and the baby animals' health.

For more details, click here↓↓

https://shaboten.co.jp/press/7331/

Izu Shaboten Zoo Official Website

https://izushaboten.com/