The Mischievous Ring-Tailed Lemur
Deep in the zoo’s primate section, a group of lively ring-tailed lemurs captivates visitors with their acrobatics, but none is as mischievous as Tiko. With his long, striped tail and wide, curious eyes, Tiko is the leader of the troop and a favorite among visitors. Known for his boundless energy, he’s often seen leaping between branches or playfully tugging on ropes in his enclosure.
Tiko’s story is one of survival and adaptation. Native to Madagascar, ring-tailed lemurs like him face significant threats from habitat destruction and illegal wildlife trade. Tiko’s arrival at the zoo was part of a conservation initiative to protect and breed endangered species. Since then, he has not only thrived but also become a symbol of resilience.
Tiko’s keepers often set up enrichment activities to keep him and his troop mentally and physically active. From foraging puzzles to swinging platforms, these activities mimic the challenges lemurs face in the wild. During educational talks, visitors learn about Tiko’s role in his troop and the critical need to protect Madagascar’s unique biodiversity.