Conservation Status: Endangered
The ring-tailed lemur is a large primate (but not a monkey) and the most recognized lemur due to its long black and white ringed tail. Like all lemurs it is endemic to the island of Madagascar off the coast of Africa. It is omnivorous and the most terrestrial of lemurs. The animal is diurnal, being 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, a trait common among lemurs. To keep warm and reaffirm social bonds, 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 meditative pose.
Despite being listed as Endangered by the IUCN Red List and suffering from habitat destruction, the ring-tailed lemur reproduces readily in captivity and is the most populous lemur in zoos worldwide, numbering 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 helped construct the amazing enclosure. We would also like to thank the International Exotic Animal Sanctuary (IEAS) for helping us feed the lemurs every week by donating produce.