Taxonomic Name: Lemur catta

Conservation Status: Endangered

Wild range: Forests, rocky areas, and shrubs in southern and southwestern Madagascar

Diet: Primarily fruits and leaves

Longevity: 12 years in the wild

Size: 39 to 46 cm (15 – 18 in)

Weight: 2.2 kg (4.9 lbs)

Fun Fact: A group of lemurs is called a troop and consists of 15 to 20 members. In lemur troops, females lead! If an argument within the troop emerges, the female lemur will always win.

APZ Location: Toucan Ridge

Conservation Story: Ring-tailed lemur population numbers are decreasing due to habitat loss, hunting and illegal capture in the pet trade in Madagascar. They continue to be threatened because their habitat is affected by extreme weather, such as droughts, cyclones, and warmer temperatures.

On your next visit to the Zoo, stop by Toucan Ridge and say hi to our troop of ring-tailed lemurs: Ruby, Lasonia, Lily, and Rusty!