Habitat Madagascar
Lehigh Valley Zoo is excited to announce that Habitat Madagascar is now open! This brand new exhibit provides both indoor and outdoor habitats for mongoose lemurs, red ruffed lemurs, and leopard tortoises; as well as additional behind-the-scenes living space for them when they are off-exhibit.
This modern habitat is climate controlled to ensure the optimum environment for the lemurs and tortoises year round. The animals will be able to spend time in their outdoor habitat during the warmer, in-season months at the Zoo. They will also be able to be viewed by guests during the colder months of the year in the indoor exhibit space. This indoor space includes the Lehigh Valley Reilly Children’s Hospital Nursery which we hope will be occupied by future lemur moms and babies! Our goal is to provide our lemurs with a habitat conducive to breeding, where guests will also get a close-up look of our newest additions.
Lemurs and Tortoises
Mongoose lemurs are considered critically endangered according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature’s (IUCN) Red List. Human activity is negatively impacting lemur populations and their home on the island of Madagascar is diminishing at an alarming rate. In fact, it’s estimated that about 1-2% of Madagascar’s forests are destroyed each year, and only about 10% of Madagascar’s forests remain. Slash-and-burn agriculture, clearing land for cattle, and charcoal production are destroying these precious forest ecosystems. By establishing a breeding exhibit, the Zoo will be helping to contribute to the survival of this species into the future.
In addition to habitat destruction, both lemurs and tortoises are poached by people in the wild and sold, in some cases into the illegal, exotic pet trade. The exotic pet trade puts both animals and humans at risk through the spread of zoonotic diseases. The Zoo hopes to provide messaging within this new exhibit that highlights these challenges and educates our guests on how to better support species to ensure their future survival.
Donate Today
Community support remains crucial for Lehigh Valley Zoo to continue to provide the high level of care and habitats for the animal residents under our devoted care.
ADOPT An Animal
Symbolically adopt a mongoose lemur or a leopard tortoise (or both!) Each ADOPT An Animal package comes with a lovable plush of your adopted animal, a photo of the animal, an animal fact sheet, a certificate of adoption, and daytime admission tickets to the Zoo!
