This post written by Lynn Killam
Our new baby Ring-tailed lemur (recently christened “Howie”) is now 8 weeks old and growing up fast! He began life as a tiny replica of his mother Cairrean, clinging tightly to her belly, and has transformed into a pint-sized rodeo rider who sticks to his mama’s back like a pro as she navigates the exhibit. In the past couple of weeks, he has been getting off mom and delighting guests and keepers alike with his antics: bounding across vertical vines and branches and hopping into tree limbs, with the occasional fall into the grass as he misjudges his landing spot. He will pop back up unhurt and bounce back onto the safety of his mother’s fur, or occasionally, his papa’s back.
As you observe our lemur family, look for grooming behavior. Grooming is a bonding technique that all primates engage in, and it is quite pleasurable for the groomer and the “groomee”. Little Howie grooms his mother’s furry ears with gusto, and she will reciprocate by combing him thoroughly with her grooming teeth.
Little Howie seems curious about everything: from the wild grackles and doves that light on branches near him, to the Hottentot teals and Madagascar big-headed turtles who inhabit the exhibit with him. Travis the Crowned lemur and Beet the Red-fronted lemur also share their home with the Ring-tails, and they have surveyed each other with great interest. Howie’s father Tango is extremely protective of his new son, and has been seen scent-marking vigorously when Travis or Beet come too near.
Howie is starting to sample solid foods, although is still nursing. Come to the zoo to watch him grow and develop over the next few months!
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