TWO critically endangered white-belted ruffed lemurs have arrived at Chester Zoo in a bid to help save them from extinction.

The playful pair named Andry and Loky came to their new home after they were carefully matched up by conservationists.

Only found on the island of Madagascar the lemurs are one of the world’s rarest primates and their numbers have seen a sharp decline in recent years.

The population of lemurs has fallen by more than 80% in the last 21 years because of habitat destruction in the form of agriculture, logging, mining and hunting.

Assistant curator of Mammals and primatology expert at the zoo Dr Nick Davis said: “Andry and Loky have settled in really well with their playful neighbours, a group of ring-tailed lemurs.

"They both have bold personalities and are getting along famously; they can often be seen leaping through trees and vocalising to one another.

“These stunning animals have undergone a sharp decline in the wild, with their numbers hitting rock bottom.

"We’ve taken the decision to play a vital role in ensuring their continued survival, in case the worst should happen – extinction in the wild.

“All is not lost though, we have been working with project partners Madagasikara Voakajy in Madagascar, helping to engage with local communities, persuading them that the forests and the animals that live there are worth protecting.

"It’s certainly a long process, but looking ahead, it will shape the future of the island for generations.”

Conservationists at the zoo are working to protect the forests which are home to thousands of unique species that cannot be found anywhere else in the world.