Mongoose Lemurs ~

The mongoose lemur is a small species of arboreal primate native to dry forests of northern Madagascar. Mongoose lemurs live in family groups consisting of a breeding pair and their offspring. Male and female mongoose lemurs are sexually dimorphic when it comes to their beards, meaning that we can tell males apart from females due to the color of their beards. Male mongoose lemurs have orange to red beards, and female mongoose lemurs have white beards. Male mongoose lemurs mark their territory by rubbing scent glands on top of their head on surfaces and will sometimes develop bald spots from this behavior.

The mongoose lemur primarily eats fruit in the wild but will also eat nectar and acts as an important pollinator and seed disperser in its native habitat. Mongoose lemurs, like all other lemurs, are endangered in the wild. Their populations have declined by 80% in the wild over the last 25 years due to deforestation and hunting. The Good Zoo participates in the mongoose lemur Species Survival Plan breeding program with other Association of Zoos and Aquariums accredited institutions to ensure a sustainable population of this rare species in human care.

At the zoo we care for one geriatric mongoose lemur, Alana, who lives with our geriatric ring-tailed lemur, Kenny. We feed the lemurs a high-fiber leaf-eater biscuit along with apples, yams, grapes, zucchini, and spinach and other greens. The lemurs’ favorite enrichment items include puzzle feeders, toys, new vines, play pieces to climb on, and interactive digital media such as electronic tablets! You can meet the lemurs and learn more about them by scheduling an animal encounter at the zoo.