Richard Branson: Virging Tycoon hoped to fly 23 lemurs but three of the animals were confiscated by officials

Sir Richard Branson (left) hoped to import lemurs (right) to his Caribbean island but was prevented by officials

Sir Richard Branson was stopped in his latest bid to export lemurs to his £60million private Caribbean island.

The Virgin tycoon hoped to fly 23 lemurs, which were born and bred at a private British zoo, to Necker Island.

But three of the animals were seized by officials at Gatwick airport and confiscated because the paperwork did not add up.

 A fourth was also not allowed to fly because it became ill after a TB jab.

It was reported Sir Richard, 62, is hoping to preserve the endangered lemurs, which are found only on the African island of Madagascar.

 

But according to a wildlife expert, introducing the non-native species to a new area could be damaging.

Sir Richard's private Necker Island where he hopes to preserve the endangered lemurs

Christoph Schwitzer told The Sun newspaper: 'They need a fenced-in enclosure where they can’t be a problem to the native fauna and flora.'

A spokeswoman for billionaire Sir Richard confirmed the 19 lemurs had arrived on Necker, taking the total there to 37.

Of the three held back, she told The Sun: 'We expect them to follow shortly.'