Ruffed Lemurs
Lemurs are primitive primates found only on the island of Madagascar, just off the eastern coast of Africa. Lemurs are actually part of the “prosimian” group of primitive primates, meaning they (and a few other species) are most likely what all primates were before they evolved.
As of today, there are 105 total species and subspecies of lemur. Unfortunately, because Madagascar has been subject to mass deforestation and habitat fragmentation (in which a species’ preferred habitat is divided into such small portions that it is no longer a viable environment for said species), almost every type of lemur is classified somewhere on the endangered animal list. This is obviously devastating. If you would like to support the organizations attempting to prevent the extinction of lemurs, visit this page.
Lemurs are some of the sweetest, most lovable animals on the planet. Their brains aren’t as developed as their ape or New World monkey counterparts, so lemurs retain basic emotions without exhibiting the tricksy, willful behaviors of more intelligent animals. In other words, lemurs are essentially dogs that live in trees.
This ZooMommy’s personal favorite lemur species is the ruffed lemur. There are two main species: the black-and-white ruffed lemur and the red ruffed lemur. 90% of these lemurs’ natural habitats have been destroyed, and both the ruffed lemur species are currently classified as critically endangered.
Fortunately, their numbers in captivity are on the rise. Not only are these guys easy to socialize, they are also one of the larger lemur species—and so fluffy! Ruffed lemurs are perfect for educational purposes and shows. Adults are calm and crave love and affection more than anything. If a ruffed lemur develops a particularly strong connection with her handler, she will be comfortable in almost any situation, which is exactly the kind of trust both an animal and a handler need.
However, young ruffed lemurs are balls of energy, to say the least! Their loving nature starts early (there’s nothing like lemur kisses), but getting them to relax and be still takes a lot of work and patience. This means bath time is incredibly difficult! I stick with the wet wipes on these guys. Fortunately, they groom themselves very well in general.
As with every animal, bonding starts with the bottle. The most natural way to feed a baby lemur is by cradling her in one arm, letting her wrap her large hands and feet around the other while you hold the bottle. This gives you complete control over the position of the baby, allowing you to move her more vertically or horizontally as she eats so that she can’t aspirate the milk.
Ruffed lemurs grow incredibly quickly. Before you know it, they are eating fruit in-between bottles, and by the time they are 3 to 4 months old, they stop needing milk completely. It feels like one day they fit into the palm of your hand, and the next, they weigh 4 pounds! Before her first birthday, the ruffed lemur will reach her full weight, which can be as high as 9 pounds. Their fur, which is several inches thick, makes them appear even larger.
The ruffed lemur loves hugs and snuggles (this ZooMommy’s favorite thing, ever!), as well as sunbathing, grooming, and napping. When I worked at the zoo, I would spend as much time as possible with the lemurs. Not only was this good for my relationship with these animals, it also strengthened their bond with all people in general. Not to mention how enjoyable it was for me!
Lemurs are amazing animals to care for. Although they can be spirited and difficult during their first year, they exhibit a wonderful, wild curiosity that is incredible to watch. They are extremely trusting and bond easily with humans. I know I say I love every animal I write about, but I’m completely serious when I say the ruffed lemur is one of my absolute favorite exotic animals in the whole world.
Hugs and *lemur* kisses!
ZooMommy