The National Zoo and Aquarium in Canberra is celebrating the birth of four baby black-and-white ruffed lemurs as part of an international breeding program.

The baby lemurs are about a month old.

The species usually only gives birth to two offspring in a litter, which means the birth of the additional lemurs is an important boost to the international breeding program.

The baby lemurs huddle in a corner at the National Zoo and Aquarium. ( Supplied: National Zoo & Aquarium )

Senior Wildlife manager Renee Osterloh said the four babies would eventually be sent to other zoos to continue the breeding program.

A species manager will look at the genetics of the lemurs, she said.

"Then they'll provide recommendations as to where these lemurs will go for future breeding."

The lemurs are native to Madagascar where deforestation and the pet and meat trade have threatened the survival of the species.