The Lincoln Children's Zoo is attempting a feat no one else in the country will do this year. They're breading ring-tailed lemurs.

"These are an SSP or Species Survival Plan animal, organized by the National Zoo Association," said John Chapo, President of the Lincoln Children's Zoo. "Last year, only 20 of these were born in zoos in the United States."

This year, that number could be even lower.

"We believe that we're the only planned mating for this year for the ring-tailed lemur in the United States so it's really important that our male breed with the three females," said Chapo.

This group of six is made up of four females and two males. Last year, staff at an Idaho Zoo sent 'Reece,' the only adult male, to Lincoln in the hopes of breeding with the three adult females. But it's not as easy as it sounds.

"The keepers work for months doing introductions, making certain that when they're meeting, that somebody wasn't overly aggressive so they meet through mesh to make sure that no injuries can take part," said Chapo.

Zookeepers are hoping that with a couple of successful pregnancies, they'll be able to continue that life cycle.

"We have the opportunity to keep the species from extinction. The Lincoln Children's Zoo here in Lincoln, Nebraska has their hand in saving a very endangered animal," said Chapo.

The lemurs are checked frequently for any noticeable weight gain that could hint at a pregnancy. Zookeepers say it's possible at least one is already pregnant.

"We're keeping our fingers crossed," said Chapo. "It's about a three to four month gestation that if they were successful, maybe springtime at the zoo when the zoo opens up on April 14th, we might have some neat little leaping lemurs."

If the zoo is lucky enough to be home to baby lemurs, they won't stay here forever.

Chapo says, "Once they are born and they've been raised and weened by mom, they will leave and continue the genes. We're managing genes decades ahead. We're thinking not about just today but always about tomorrow."

Working toward a future where the lemurs are not just a thing of the past.