Potter Park Zoo Welcomes Northern Tree Shrew Pups
Potter Park Zoo is excited to welcome two northern tree shrew (Tupaia belangeri) pups, born Jan. 13, 2025! This marks the first successful litter for parents Caper (4 years old) and Katherine (2 years old), who were paired as part of a Species Survival Plan (SSP) to support the conservation of this unique species.
During their initial health check, our veterinary team recorded the pups’ weights at 12 grams and 13 grams, both appearing healthy and growing.
“Katherine has been an excellent first-time mom,” said Dr. Ronan Eustace, Animal Health Director at Potter Park Zoo. “Now that the pups have emerged from the nest, we’re excited for visitors to observe them as they explore their environment.”
A Rare Look at a Fascinating Species
The northern tree shrew (Tupaia belangeri) is a small, energetic mammal native to forests and shrublands of Southeast Asia, including parts of China, Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, and Vietnam. Despite their name, tree shrews are not actually shrews but belong to their own unique order, Scandentia. They have slender bodies, long bushy tails, and pointed snouts, resembling a mix between a squirrel and a shrew. Their fur is typically brown or grayish with a lighter underside, helping them blend into their forest habitats. Known for their agility and sharp senses, northern tree shrews are excellent climbers and spend much of their time foraging for insects and fruit.
Northern tree shrews have one of the most unique parenting styles of any mammal. Their mothers nurse them only once every 48 hours, leaving the pups alone in their nest between feedings. For the first month of life, the pups remained hidden inside their nest. Now that they have emerged, they are nearly adult-sized and actively climbing, foraging, and exploring their habitat.
“This is a fantastic opportunity for guests to see this energetic species in action,” said Animal Care Supervisor Pat Fountain. “We’re excited to share their journey with our community.”
See Them at Potter Park Zoo!
The northern tree shrew pups have emerged from their nest and are now on exhibit in the Feline & Primate House. Visitors are encouraged to stop by and watch them as they navigate their habitat, interact with each other, and showcase their natural behaviors.
For more updates, follow Potter Park Zoo on social media or visit www.potterparkzoo.org.
