The lemurs are back!! The Metro Richmond Zoo is pleased to announce the opening of our new Lemur Loop expansion featuring three species of lemurs! This new section of the park includes 38 animals in 7 new habitats along 1,000 feet of unexplored path with 3 additional exhibits coming in the future. Our lemur species include the Red ruffed lemur, Black and White ruffed lemur, and the well-known Ring-tailed lemur.
The new exhibits are spacious and some utilize an open-air design with no top. Each lemur habitat has viewing windows so the curious primates can interact with guests up close. The most adorable twin Ring-tailed lemurs were born on March 19 and their mother Chili will occasionally bring them to the window. This expansion connects the train station to the path leading to the wolves. It’s in a peaceful, partly wooded area with a bridge over a small creek. Other animals to see along this trail include ostriches, Baird’s tapirs, Diana monkeys, De Brazza’s monkeys, and Spot-nosed monkeys.
Lemurs are the most endangered mammal group in the world. They are not monkeys, but a type of primate known as prosimians. Prosimians have characteristics that are considered more primitive than those of simians (monkeys and apes). All lemur species are native to Madagascar.
Lemurs have been in our care since the zoo opened in 1995. They lived in two previous areas until 2020 when we began moving them off exhibit while we worked on their improved habitats. It’s been a while since guests have seen them, so we are happy for their return!
This is the largest walking expansion to open since 2004. The route brings guests to the zoo’s edge, poised to push further into unused land when ready.
