This sibling trio of lemurs arrived to Back to Nature in April 2008. Their mother was a victim of the wildlife pet trade and these 3 are the result of captive breeding. Because they are dependent on humans, were bred in captivity and are not native to Florida; Whimsa, Honeybear, and Thumbelina are non-releasable. Whimsa is the assumed leader of the “troop”. They are now “educational ambassadors” for the effects of captive breeding and the wildlife pet trade. Lemurs are highly social animals and these siblings enjoy daily enrichment activities that stimulate and enhance their natural behaviors.
*During the winter months the lemurs will often be seen sunbathing during the warmest part of the day. This has been recognized as lemur “sun worshipping”.
Facts about Ring Tailed Lemurs
The ring-tailed lemur (Lemur catta) is a large strepsirrhine primate and the most recognized lemur due to its long, black and white ringed tail. It belongs to Lemuridae, one of five lemur families, and is the only member of the Lemur genus. Like all lemurs it is native to the island of Madagascar. 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. To keep warm and reaffirm social bonds, groups will huddle together. Like other lemurs, this species relies strongly on its sense of smell and marks its territory with scent glands. As one of the most vocal primates, the ring-tailed lemur uses numerous vocalizations including group cohesion and alarm calls.
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