My next few DLC posts are going to be dedicated to the lemur species that are not as well known as the sifakas and ring-tailed lemurs. I'd like to begin with Varecia, the ruffed lemurs. The DLC houses two species: Varecia variegata variegata (black-and-white ruffed lemurs) and Varecia rubra (red ruffed lemurs). I bet you can tell which one's which in the pictures below :)
The ruffed lemurs are the largest and most frugivorous (fruit-eating) members of the Lemuridae family. They are easy to distinguish because they have longer faces than other lemurs, striking coloration, and distinctive, very loud, and highly used calls. We heard these guys nearly every night while staying at the cabin haha. What I admired about these lemurs was just how |
lazy they were: these mild-mannered fluffy guys had access to free range in the acres of land around their enclosures and they chose not to. They would rather just hang out at snack on fruit all day, which reminded me of Winnie the Pooh in an odd way. While they are experts in chilling, these ruffed lemurs are also quite intelligent. We were able to watch a black-and-white in the middle of her experimental trial (pictured above). A red box would appear on the screen and, over time, the lemurs learn that if they click the red box they receive a treat that is dispensed from the bottom of the black contraption. Eventually multiple boxes appear on the screen in different colors, and the lemurs learn to select only the red boxes for treats.
We were able to see some red ruffed babies too! These guys were absolutely adorable, and so inquisitive (of course, they may have just been looking for some fruity handouts haha). The triplets were kept with their mom and dad: mom had them parked in a little cubby on the side of the enclosure when we first arrived, but dad apparently wanted to show off his kids. As soon as he came over, the juveniles emerged and started to romp around (see picture below). And just look at those incredible ear tufts and tails! The ruffed lemurs truly appear to be stuffed animals come to life, including their personalities haha.
We were able to see some red ruffed babies too! These guys were absolutely adorable, and so inquisitive (of course, they may have just been looking for some fruity handouts haha). The triplets were kept with their mom and dad: mom had them parked in a little cubby on the side of the enclosure when we first arrived, but dad apparently wanted to show off his kids. As soon as he came over, the juveniles emerged and started to romp around (see picture below). And just look at those incredible ear tufts and tails! The ruffed lemurs truly appear to be stuffed animals come to life, including their personalities haha.