Did you know that Coquerel’s sifaka can leap over 20 feet from tree to tree?
Gaius: Male Coquerel’s Sifaka
These amazing animals are endangered and found only in the northwestern forests of Madagascar. They have strong legs that not only help them make these incredible long leaps but also assist in their typical locomotion style called vertical clinging and leaping. It is called this because they maintain an upright posture when moving. On the ground, they move in a distinct sideways hop. High up in the trees, they leap from branch to branch or tree trunk to tree trunk, swivel in mid-air, and then cling to whatever they land on.
Zenobia: Female Coquerel’s Sifaka
Interested in learning more about these leaping lemurs? Join the primate zookeepers on September 1, 2 & 3 from 9am-3pm in the Wortham World of Primates at the Houston Zoo for a Spotlight on Species event highlighting the Coquerel’s Sifaka as well as many other Madagascar species. In addition to speaking with zookeepers, visitors will have a chance to take part in several fun ‘lemur’ activities as well as support lemur conservation through the purchase of unique item from Madagascar and Houston Zoo animal paintings. Then see how your leaping skills measure up by visiting Sky Zone Sports (www.houston.skyzonesports.com) indoor trampoline park for “Leaping for Lemurs” on September 5th & 6th. They will donate 25% of the proceeds on these two days to lemur conservation in Madagascar. So come out and leap into action to help save these rare and beautiful animals!
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Wonderful exhibit! Lemurs are Madagascar flagship species, but many of them are endangered because their habitats are vanishing. Their conservation is a collective task which demand the involvemend of all of us. Here, I would like to express my deep appreciation to Houston Zoo and its devoted staff in raising finds for the conservation of lemurs in situ.