Skip to Main Content

Ring-tailed lemur

Let's learn

The sun-worshipers of the lemur world! This super social animal likes nothing more than relaxing in the sun with friends. Unlike many other lemurs, the ring-tailed lemur can often be found sunbathing in a Buddha-like pose – both on the ground and in trees.

The ring-tailed lemur is a bit of an eco-warrior too! Living in groups of between 5 and 25, the females are dominant and lead their groups on foraging expeditions. As the lemurs travel, they help to disperse undigested seeds in their excrement, performing a vital ecological role on their native island of Madagascar.

Their distinctive black and white tails come in handy when foraging as well, as the lead lemur will hold it straight in the air like a flag, ensuring everyone in the group can see them and stay together.

Conservation status | Endangered

Fact Sheet

Scientific name

Lemur catta

Family

Lemuridae

Order

Primates

Lifespan

16 to 27 years

Newsletter Signup

Sign up for our monthly newsletter to stay up to date with latest park news, updates on the animals and events.