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Ring-tailed lemur

At the Detroit Zoo
Male Finnegan and female Molly were confiscated from an exotic animal dealer in Texas in 2010. Their offspring, males Fajiry (Malagasy for “planet” or “star”) and Dallas, were born here in July of that year. They can be found with the black-and-white ruffed lemurs in their habitat near the Japanese macaques.

Description
The ring-tailed lemur can be easily distinguished by its long, black-and-white striped tail. The rest of its body is a light gray to light brown color with a white underside, and white hands and feet. It has a white face with black patches surrounding its eyes and a black muzzle.

 

Scientific name: Lemur catta
Continent: Africa
Habitat: Dry forests and brush in south and southwestern Madagascar
Size: 18 inches tall (not including the tail); the tail in 22 inches long
Weight: 5-8 pounds
Diet: Ring-tailed lemurs are herbivores and the majority of their diet is fruit; however, they also consume leaves, flowers, tree bark and sap.
Reproduction: Gestation four months; one or two offspring
Lifespan: 17 years
Conservation Status: Near Threatened

 
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FUN FACTS

Lemurs have a “dental comb” which is a special set of teeth used to groom their hair.

During mating season, male lemurs have “stink fights”. They determine which male is more powerful by covering their tails in smelly secretions and then waving them around.