The Greensboro Science Center is home to a troop of six ring-tailed lemurs: Rita, Royce, Reese, Rocky, Rambo, and Rosco.
Ring-tailed lemurs are known to be a matriarchal society, meaning the heads of their social organizations are always female. Our troop is led by Rita, with Reese as her second-in-command.
KEEPER NOTES
While not totally uncommon, lemur twins are somewhat of a rare occurance. We at the GSC are lucky to care for our twins Rocky and Rambo, who celebrate their birthday on March 8th!
Our troop receives a variety of fresh fruits, veggies, lettuces, and primate biscuits which are packed with vitamins, minerals and fiber.
They receive daily operant conditioning training (or positive reinforcement). These behaviors include actions such as showing their hands or bellies. Training them to voluntarily show their limbs allows for our keepers to spot injuries and treat them quickly.
Our lemurs receive enrichment twice each day. Some of their favorites include new climbing structures and novelty food items like honey or applesauce!
Ring-tailed lemurs are often featured on our behind-the-scenes Zoo Trek experience! Click here to learn more.
Native to Southwestern Madagascar, in arid, open areas and forest canopies.
Herbivore, but varies by species; fruits, fruit seeds, flowers, leaves, tree sap, small animals and insects.
Length
15 - 18 inches
Weight
5 - 7.5 lbs.
15 - 20 years in the wild; 25+ in zoos
Breeding season is mid-April to mid-May. Females mate with multiple males. Gestation lasts 4.5 months. Typically, they only give birth to one offspring, but twins are not uncommon if food is plentiful.
Lemurs, who are unique to Madagascar, are threatened due to habitat loss from slash-and-burn farming, illegal logging, hunting, and trapping. Capturing them for the pet trade and hunting them for food have emerged as new threats.
Lemurs are able to leap from tree to tree because of their remarkable athletic ability and frog-like legs, which unfold like springs. They can travel 25-30 feet in one leap!