A zoo in Bristol has welcomed two critically endangered primates with very distinctive voices – meaning visitors may hear them before they see them. Red ruffed lemurs growl, grunt and even scream.
The new arrivals, Benji and Pika, have settled into their habitat at Noah’s Ark Zoo Farm. Known for their striking rusty-red fur, red ruffed lemurs also have a distinctive white patch on the back of their heads and black markings on their arms, legs, and tails.
Benji and Pika’s calls are already echoing through the zoo, with bosses saying these vocal primates use their wide range of calls to communicate, mark their territory, and warn of potential threats.
Native to Madagascar, red ruffed lemurs are classified as “critically endangered” on the IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) Red List due to habitat destruction, hunting, and trapping. The list is a catalogue that keeps track of the global conservation status of animals and plant species.
A zoo spokesperson said: “Noah’s Ark Zoo Farm is proud to provide a safe and enriching environment for these remarkable primates while raising awareness about the conservation challenges they face.”
The zoo now has over 100 species of mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians and invertebrates at Noah’s Ark, with several classified as “endangered” or “vulnerable” on the IUCN Red List. These include Siamang Gibbons (endangered), Andean Bears (vulnerable), African lions (vulnerable), African elephants (vulnerable), Cotton Topped Tamarins (critically endangered) and Brazilian Tapirs (vulnerable).
Find out more at www.noahsarkzoofarm.co.uk