You don’t need an excuse to fall in love with lemurs, but if you do, World Lemur Day’s as good an excuse as any! Photo: Michelle Kroll.
Days spent frolicking and sunbathing, nights cuddled up with family, juicy fruit and fresh veggies with every meal … the life of Canberra’s resident Black and White Ruffed Lemurs sure is a tough one.
There are five Ruffed Lemurs currently living at the National Zoo and Aquarium: dad Polo and his sons Maso, Mazao, Mahery and Tani.
The boys are a curious bunch who aren’t afraid to thoroughly investigate visitors, just in case bamboo or sweet potato treats are on the menu.
Polo tends to watch from above, ever the dedicated dad.
Region staff were lucky enough to step behind the scenes and meet the whole family on World Lemur Day, with zookeeper Hannah and primate team leader Liv.
“These guys are an arboreal species, spending most of their time up in the trees rather than on the ground,” Hannah said.
“They mainly eat fruit in the wild. At the zoo, we also give them a variety of leafy greens and veggies for extra nutrients and enrichment.
“Black and White Ruffed Lemurs usually live in matriarchal societies, which means the ladies are in charge. Bachelor groups like ours are uncommon, but Polo and his sons get along really well.”
During his time in the National Zoo and Aquarium’s breeding program, Polo fathered 12 infant lemurs. Most of them have now moved on to join other conservation programs.
“Polo made a wonderful contribution to conservation efforts for his species,” Liv said.
“He’s also a grandpa now, which is really fortunate. It’s certainly a legacy we’re very proud of here at the zoo.”
Like most plants and animals native to Madagascar, lemurs are found nowhere else in the world. They’re the oldest species of primate alive today, offering a glimpse into the evolution of other primates, including humans.
Black and White Ruffed Lemurs have a very distinctive alarm call. Half bark, half screech, it’s a striking sound that can be heard from almost a kilometre away.
They’re also the world’s largest pollinator, picking up pollen on the ruffs of fur around their faces and depositing it from tree to tree as they forage.
Madagascar is home to more than 100 lemur species. Unfortunately, a third of them are critically endangered.
Celebrated each year on the last Friday of October, World Lemur Day raises critical funds and awareness to support global conservation efforts.
“Sadly, many lemurs are on the brink of extinction,” Hannah said.
“Deforestation, poaching, and competition with invasive species make it incredibly difficult for families like Polo’s to thrive in the wild.
“They’re beautiful creatures with a lot of love to give and an important role in their native habitats. Humans are responsible for their continuous decline, so it’s our job to raise awareness and fight for them, too.”
Visitors can meet and interact with Polo and his family on Mondays, Fridays, and weekends.
But close encounters aren’t just fun for guests. Over the last four years, funds raised through activations like these have helped the National Zoo and Aquarium donate more than $1 million to conservation groups, charities, and welfare organisations in Australia and around the world.
For more information or to book an encounter with the Ruffed Lemur family, visit National Zoo & Aquarium Canberra.
