06/11/2026
It's a family affair for our newest residents! 🤩
The Buffalo Zoo is excited to announce the arrival of five black-and-white ruffed lemurs, all of which come from the Roosevelt Park Zoo in Minot, North Dakota on a Species Survival Plan (SSP) recommendation from the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA).
The lemurs, which consist of a father and four of his offspring, are now on exhibit regularly in the Vanishing Animals South section of the Zoo alongside our pair of radiated tortoises.
The Zoo’s new lemur family is headed by dad Huey, 20, who was born on April 7, 2006. He has produced 12 offspring in his life, including the four who will reside alongside him in Buffalo:
-Connor, a 7-year-old male born on April 4, 2019
-Lucas, a 7-year-old male born on April 4, 2019
-Mikey, a 6-year-old male born on March 29, 2020
-Olivia, a 6-year-old female born on March 29, 2020
All five lemurs were originally born at the Philadelphia Zoo.
Keepers have noted that Huey tends to keep to himself and spend time away from his children, while lone female Olivia appears to be the dominant one of the bunch. Mikey is often Olivia’s sidekick in her shenanigans, while Connor and Lucas are playful as well.
Black-and-white ruffed lemurs are considered critically endangered in the wild by the International Union for Conservation of Nature, and are a prime example of why conservation work is so critical.
Native only to Madagascar, their population has reduced by an estimated 80 percent over the past three decades. Logging, slash-and-burn agriculture and development all have played a role in their decline, and their large size as well as diurnal activities make them an easier target for illegal hunting.
Protecting habitats is critical to ensure the survival of not just black-and-white ruffed lemurs, but all lemurs. It is estimated that 95% of lemur species are endangered, with a third considered critically endangered.
The Buffalo Zoo is proud to support efforts seeking to save lemurs, and the new family will serve as powerful ambassadors for their wild counterparts to educate visitors on the importance of conservation, and what we all can do to help.
