1901: first record of an individual in managed care
Housed at the Bronx Zoo
1901-1926
Few individuals in North America
Housed at three zoos: Bronx, Philadelphia, and the National Zoo
1927-1961
No records of ring-tailed lemurs in North American zoos
>1960
Increasingly common; now one of the most commonly housed lemurs
Husbandry and Breeding
Housing
Typically held in groups of 5-6
Reproduction less likely in smaller groups
Tame L. catta enjoy being petted and are affectionate to their keepers
Breed well in zoos
120 born in ISIS zoos from June 2000 to December 2000
Most thoroughly studied lemur
Current North American Population (from Grand 2015)
890 individuals, as of 20 Jan 2015
housed across 168 institutions
437 males, 406 females, and 47 unsexed individuals
San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance
Historical notes
1938: first ring-tailed lemur housed at the San Diego Zoo
1972: first ring-tailed lemur housed at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park (formerly Wild Animal Park)
Zoological Society of San Diego exhibited L. catta beginning in 1938 (Zoo) and in 1972 (Wild Animal Park)
Current population (from ZIMS 2015)
San Diego Zoo
2 individuals; one male, Matthew, and one female, Tweena
San Diego Zoo Safari Park
7 individuals; 1 male, 5 females, and 1 unsexed
On exhibit in Lemur Walk
An immersive experience where guests can walk along a path inside the exhibit and watch lemurs frolic among the trees, branches, and path around them.
Ring-tailed Lemur
Ring-tailed lemurs are highly vulnerable to long-term habitat disturbances. Formerly designated as vulnerable, the species is now classified as endangered. Isolated populations generally have low density. Suspected population reduction of >50% is expected to occurr over three generations (c. 36 years).
