Visitors to the Animal Zone may be treated to a glimpse of a rare pygmy Slow Loris.
The very rare animal has moved into the Animal Zone at the South Staffordshire College in Rodbaston as part of a conservation project.
The male pygmy Slow Loris is called Bao (which means protection in Vietnamese) and could be crucial in saving his species from extinction.
The animals are normally found in the tropical dry forests of Vietnam, Laos and parts of China and Cambodia. The species is threatened through habitat destruction and the wildlife trade.
Vicky Kirkman, senior keeper of primates at South Staffordshire College, said they are now hoping to find a female for breeding purposes.
She added: “The Slow Loris is rarely seen in zoos and our students will benefit greatly, getting actively involved in the day to day husbandry of the Loris and contributing to the scientific knowledge on the species through research observations.
“We are hoping to include Bao in a breeding programme which will allow students to observe the introductions to a female Loris, to watch the pregnancy develop and help with the youngsters’ diet formulation, diet preparation, and observations.”
Animal Zone manager David Riley added: “This is a very exciting conservation project to be part of and it’s hoped that in the near future a suitable partner may be found for Bao.”
Bao was born at London Zoo and then lived at Paignton Zoo before being donated to the college.
Another rare species, the Haitian Galliwasps lizard, gave birth at the Animal Zone in December. A female gave birth to 12 Galliwasps.