Rare twin pygmy slow lorises born at Lake Superior Zoo

The Lake Superior Zoo is delighted to announce the birth of twin pygmy slow lorises to parents Colby and Georgio.

(Lake Superior Zoo)

DULUTH, Min. — The Lake Superior Zoo is announcing the birth of twin pygmy slow lorises.

The infants were born on November 17, 2025 to parents Colby and Georgio.

The the zoo says the babies have been, “steadily growing, exploring, and meeting important developmental milestones during their first critical weeks of life”.

Colby and Georgio successfully raised their first set of twins in 2022.

The zoo said their second set of twins did not survive the early weeks of life.

Zoo staff says a critical piece of there work to help babies survive has been Colby’s weight management.  Research shows obesity in pygmy slow lorises can significantly increase infant mortality.  For the past year, staff monitored and modified Colby’s diet to help her reach a healthy maternal weight.  They say those improvements appear to be benefiting both Colby and her newborns.

Pygmy Slow Loris

(Lake Superior Zoo)

Staff are also providing supplemental formula feedings when Colby “parks” her infants, placing them in a safe spot while she eats or attends to her own needs.

During these periods, keepers weigh each infant, provide formula, and weigh them again to monitor progress.

Zoo staff are optimistic the infants will continue to survive and thrive.

There are currently 51 pygmy slow lorises Association of Zoos and Aquariums facilities, not counting the new twins.

The babies have a 36% mortality rate during the first 30 days.

Pygmy slow lorises are native to Vietnam, Laos, eastern Cambodia, and China, and are classified as Endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature. Habitat loss, hunting for traditional medical practices, and illegal wildlife trade continue to threaten the species in the wild.