Lemur Exhibit Grand Opening
Introducing two black-and-white ruffed lemurs, Pepe and Nuit!
“The new lemur habitat is a magnificent addition to Reid Park Zoo” states Jason Jacobs, Zoo Administrator. “Zoo staff is to be commended for renovating a dilapidated exhibit and updating it with new mesh for ease of viewing. The landscaping and
enrichment features create a vibrant habitat for lemurs, and allow us to support the AZA’s breeding program for
this species.”
Black-and-white ruffed lemurs are native only to the rain forest habitat of Madagascar. Human encroachment
and habitat loss due to logging, agriculture, and mining all threaten this critically endangered species.
The pair of lemurs came to Tucson from other zoos for the purpose of breeding. The male, Pepe (age 5), came to Reid
Park Zoo from Gladys Porter Zoo in Texas. The female, Nuit (age 3), arrived from Saint Louis Zoo. Zoos
accredited by the association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) work cooperatively to make careful animal care
and breeding decisions for many threatened and endangered species.