Ring-tailed lemurs

Two Ring-tailed lemurs call the Palo Alto Junior Museum & Zoo home. Keep reading to learn about their history and species! 

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Ring-tailed Lemurs Fun Facts 

• Ring-tailed lemurs are known for their long tail, measuring about 2 feet in length. 
• They are currently classified as Endangered on the IUCN Red List. 
• Male ring-tailed lemurs have dark colored scent glands on the inside of their wrists and chests. 
• Ring-tailed lemurs have special dentition in their teeth that helps with grooming. 
• Ring-tailed lemurs are native to the island of Madagascar. They can often be found in forests, dry scrublands, and spiny bush areas in southern and southwestern Madagascar. 
• They are highly social and live in matriarchal groups. They are also known for their sunbathing behavior, often sitting upright with their arms outstretched to soak up the sun - a behavior called "sun-worshipping". 
• In the wild, they typically live up to 16-20 years and in managed care for up to 25-30 years. Our pair is doing really well for their advanced age: our female Shug is 20 and our male Val is 30. 

Palo Alto Junior Museum & Zoo Lemurs 

Val Val (short for Valgius) is a 30-year-old male ring-tailed lemur with a big personality and an even bigger love for banana-flavored yogurt, blueberries, and grapes. At 30, Val is doing very well for his advanced age, as most male ring-tailed lemurs in human care live up to 25-30 years. Because of his age, you might notice Val moving a bit slowly and stiffly around his space, but he's still curious and observant.  Come say hello to this remarkable lemur!

Shug Shug (short for Meshuginah) is a 20-year-old female ring-tailed lemur who recently arrived from the Fresno Chaffee Zoo. Born in 2005, Shug had an unusual start to life, as she was recued from the exotic pet trade. Shug found her way to the Fresno Chaffee Zoo, where she lived until her move to the Palo Alto Junior Museum & Zoo in 2025. She loves yogurt and playing with hanging enrichment toys, which help keep her active and mentally stimulated.  Shug's story is a reminder that wild animals don't belong in the pet trade. Lemurs and other exotic animals have very specific needs that can't be met in a home environment. We're happy Shug is now in an place where she can thrive and be appreciated for the unique animal she is.

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