Ring-Tailed Lemur

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Step into the world of our ring-tailed lemurs and unlock the wonders of these extraordinary creatures

A group of ring-tailed lemurs huddling together

The ring-tailed lemur is easily recognisable with their extremely long, heavily furred tail, covered with black and white rings which allows the animal to take long leaps when moving between trees. The ring-tailed lemurs are of high scientific interest due to their use of tools in daily life as well as excellent problem-solving skills.

Ring-tailed lemurs are one of the most vocal primates and have a complex array of distinct vocalisations. Their repertoire includes purrs, clicks, yaps, wails, moans and many more sounds.

They are very social and are usually seen in groups of 12-20 individuals. The females are dominant within these groups, winning all disputes with males.

Quick facts

Distribution:

Southwestern Madagascar

Habitat:

Rainforests, scrublands

Conservation Status:

Near Threatened

Fun fact

When sunbathing, these animals adopt a yoga-like posture, sitting on their haunches and stretching out their legs to warm up their underside

Frequently asked questions

Ring-tailed lemurs primarily eat fruit, vegetables, leaves, flowers, and insects.

Ring-tailed lemur infants take about 135 days to develop before they are born, with typically one to two infants born at a time.

Ring-tailed lemurs have a lifespan of approximately 15 to 20 years in the wild and 25 to 30 years in captivity.

Potential predators of ring-tailed lemurs include raptors, snakes, and introduced dogs and cats.

A girl hand-feeding a ring-tailed lemur during an encounter at Hamilton Zoo

Lemur Encounter

Immerse yourself in the fascinating world of the ring-tailed lemurs

Witness these incredible creatures up close and personal as you join our experienced keepers for an unforgettable feeding time experience.

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