Found only on the island of Madagascar, Black-and-White
Ruffed Lemurs are critically endangered. 
But twins born at the Mogo Zoo on October 6 offer a glimmer of hope for
the species.

The yet-to-be-named and sexed twins are being expertly cared
for by their parents.  According to
Animal Operations Manager Paul Whitehorn, “Tame’ and Itasi are being great
parents, and the youngsters are becoming so active and a delight to watch.”  Though the twins are still nursing, they are
already enjoying healthy fruits and veggies as part of their daily diet.

Unfortunately, the future for wild Black-and-White Ruffed Lemurs is bleak.  Classified as
Critically Endangered, these primates are threatened by habitat loss due to
slash-and-burn agriculture, logging, and mining.  Additionally, they are hunted by poachers for
their meat. 

Black-and-White Ruffed Lemurs are the only diurnal primates
to build nests.  Australia’s Mogo Zoo
participates in the Species Management Program to ensure the genetic diversity
of the captive population.

Photo Credit:  Mogo Zoo