Ring-tailed lemur News

Displaying 1 - 8 of 8

Ring-tailed lemurs Tom Petty (left) and Birch hold onto a PVC "t-stand" in their outdoor yard.
April 07, 2023

How Do You Train a Lemur for Voluntary Radiographs? ›

At Lemur Island, school is always in session for our ring-tailed and black-and-white ruffed residents. Learn how primate keeper Lynne McMahan has trained the lemurs to voluntarily participate in awake radiographs!

Two ring-tailed lemurs with thick fur, yellow eyes, and ringed tails sit close together on a small wooden deck
October 22, 2022

Meet the Zoo’s Lemurs ›

Big bright eyes, bounding leaps and vivacious vocalizations—there’s no denying that lemurs are downright adorable! Every October, we celebrate World Lemur Day to raise awareness of these endangered primates from Madagascar. Meet our animal ambassadors—and learn how you can help their wild cousins—in...

Ring-tailed lemur Southside Johnny sits next to a hibiscus flower
October 28, 2021

Top Five Reasons to Leap Into World Lemur Day ›

We’re leaping for joy and celebrating World Lemur Day at Smithsonian’s National Zoo! This special holiday—which takes place the last Friday in October—is the perfect occasion for learning all about our lemur friends.

Collared lemur brothers Beemer (left) and Bentley (right).
September 03, 2021

Meet Bentley and Beemer, Our Collared Lemur Brothers ›

During your next visit to Smithsonian’s National Zoo, be on the lookout for two friendly new faces at Lemur Island! Three-year-old collared lemur brothers Bentley and Beemer made their debut at the end of July.

Black-and-white ruffed lemurs Aloke and Wiley nibble on their flower-themed fruitsicle cake.
April 07, 2021

Happy Birthday, Lemurs! ›

Our lemurs celebrated their birthdays April 6 with a gorgeous cherry blossom-themed cake! Get the story behind the celebration from primate keeper Emily Bricker.

Infant western lowland gorilla Moke sits on a rock in a yard with grass and shrubs
May 01, 2020

Bringing the Zoo to You: April 2020 Edition ›

Chirping cheetah cubs, a birthday party fit for a gorilla and a Madagascar hedgehog tenrec indulging in some self-care with a dust bath—all of these events (and more) made for an eventful month.

Two ring-tailed lemurs with thick fur, yellow eyes, and ringed tails sit close together on a small wooden deck
April 05, 2019

Featured Creature: Meet the Lemurs ›

Lemurs like to do more than move it, move it. At the Smithsonian’s National Zoo, these primates party! Every April, animal keepers throw a big birthday bash for the Zoo’s ring-tailed lemurs, black-and-white ruffed lemurs and red-fronted lemur to raise awareness about these critically endangered...

Ring-Tailed Lemurs
May 05, 2017

A Day in the Life of a Primate Keeper ›

Ever wondered what it would be like to care for an endangered animal? For the team who works with the Smithsonian's National Zoo's primates-- gibbons, siamangs, lemurs, orangutans and gorillas, among others-- the job entails thinking of creative ways to provide these intelligent animals with...