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Lemurs

Ring-tailed Lemur

L. catta

Family: Lemuridae 
Genus: Lemur
Conservation Status: Endangered 
Habitat: Madagascar 

The ring-tailed lemur is a strepsirrhine primate and the most recognized lemur species due to its long black and white ringed tail. Like all lemurs, it is native solely to the island of Madagascar near the coast of Africa. It is omnivorous, spends most of its time on the ground, and is active exclusively in daylight hours. 

The ring-tailed lemur is highly social, living in groups of up to 30 individuals. It is also female dominant, which is common among lemurs. To keep warm and to bond socially, groups will huddle together (called a lemur ball). The ring-tailed lemur will also sunbathe, sitting upright facing its underside, with its thinner white fur towards the sun in a pose that looks like they are meditating. The ring-tailed lemur is listed as Endangered on the IUCN Red List and is suffering from habitat destruction in the wild. But, they are fairly common is zoos and other captive facilities, with more than 2,000 individuals. It typically lives 16 to 19 years in the wild and up to 27 years in captivity.

Thank you to our special sponsors!

We would like to thank 84 Lumber and Triple B Builders who helped provide materials and labor for our amazing lemur enclosure.