Lemur catta

This lemur's present range is the southwestern portion of Madagascar where it is sometimes kept as a pet, making no attempt to escape.  All it needs are warmth and fruit.  In the wild it lives in a variety of habitats that are less forested than other lemurs.  It loves basking in the sun with legs extended, especially in the morning to absorb heat.  “Lemur” means ghost in Madagascar. 

 The Ring-tailed lemur is one of the more striking lemurs. They are diurnal in habit and tend to be more terrestrial as they do forage and travel on the ground. The 24” tail is not prehensile but plays a significant role in the various positions it assumes and has an important signaling behavior.  Ring-tails are the only true lemurs with “stink” glands on the inside of each wrist, and males have one at each armpit.  Males and females use a fascinating behavior in territorial disputes. In the territorial display or "stink fight", the tail is pulled across the scent glands then raised in a curve over their heads and shaken in the direction of the intruder.  They are also very vocal with up to 15 different calls including a cat like purr when contented. 

 Females are dominant within a group of up to 30 members.  Mutual grooming is important and is done with their teeth.  Their average lifespan is 18 years.

Casper was born in June 1988 at the Como Zoo in St. Paul, MN.  Casper is very friendly, with yellow eyes and a disfigured left hand.  The zoo diet for a lemur is 2 cups chopped fruit and lettuce, leaf-eater biscuits, and vionate on food.