Balthasar Höttges

We are delighted that Balthasar Höttges has taken over the sponsorship of the Demidoff's dwarf galago(Galago demidoff).

This small primate species belongs to the Galago family (Galagidae), which is probably only represented on the African continent south of the Sahara with 16-18 species. Some people are more familiar with the small semi-monkeys as "bush babies" - a name they owe to the distinctive infant-like cries that at least the larger species emit in certain situations. In addition, the large eyes in the petite face, which are characteristic of nocturnal animals, contribute to the childlike expression of the bush babies.

Other galago characteristics include a long tail, which is used to stabilise balance, long hind legs and elongated tarsal bones - galagos are thus ideally equipped for running and jumping in more or less dense vegetation.

The Demidoff's dwarf galagos, which measure just 10-12 cm from head to rump, are not only the smallest species of galago, but also the smallest primate species in Africa. They mainly inhabit the rainforests of West and Central Africa. They prefer to stay in the denser vegetation at the edges of forests or around tree clearings and run nimbly through the finest branches on their small, skilful hands and feet in search of food - mainly beetles, moths, grasshoppers or even fruit and tree sap.