The North Florida Wildlife Center in Jefferson County has two new residents — a pair of endangered red ruffed lemurs named Fetsy and Masiaka. The energetic, snack-loving duo aren't just crowd pleasers; they're part of a conservation effort that stretches all the way to Madagascar.
The center has partnered with conservation groups to direct a portion of the proceeds from every lemur encounter toward tree-planting efforts in Madagascar, where deforestation has dramatically reduced habitat for red ruffed lemurs and other lemur species.
Animal care specialist Madeline Wall explained that large stretches of forest critical to the lemurs' survival have been cleared, and the reforestation funding generated through these encounters is meant to help restore those habitats for multiple lemur species over time.
One of the two newcomers had an extra hurdle to clear before arriving — he was rejected by his mother and has since been paired with an older male lemur to learn proper social behaviors. Both animals are now being prepared for public encounters at the center.
This story was originally reported by WCTV.
