are lemurs good pets

In the words of Joao de Souza, who researched the issue: - In some cities in the USA it is legal to own a lemur, but you will. Lemurs and mice were declared by lemurs IUCN as the most endangered of all vertebrates. After a clip of a ring-tailed lemur appearing to motion for a child to pet it accrued millions of views, there was a dramatic increase in Google searches for the phrase “pet lemur.” The next time you come across a video of a pet lemur in a bathtub, or a photo of a diapered ring-tail perched on someone’s shoulder, don’t share it. We provide informative articles about caring for pets that you can come back to again and again when you have questions or want to learn more! Dwarf mouse lemurs, … There are about 100 species of lemurs, of which about 33 species are found in Madagascar. They must be neutered at about six months, because at puberty they become very aggressive (especially the females). Overall, getting and taking care of a lemur calls for a lot of effort, love, attention, and money. will NOT carry them, and any reputable zoo … The laws of the State regarding exotic animals have to be taken into consideration before planning to get a lemur. Moreover, the United States government has exhaustive and strict laws against importing of foreign animals, mainly due the threat of any diseases that they may carry. It’s still a growing argument, weather lemurs are good pets, or if it’s better to leave them in the wild or in a zoo. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. During a live performance in 2003, Mantecore – then seven years old and having spent his entire life with humans, including being bottle-fed as a cub – attacked Roy Horn, paralyzing the performer and ending Horn’s career. The answer is no. Would lemurs make good pets? Moreover, if they’ve had a baby, they become extremely protective of their young one, and won’t spare anybody, even if it’s their owner who raised them from childhood. After all, primates belong to the wild! These lemurs are not as close to the brink of extinction as those on the critical list but still face a good possibility of vanishing in the near future. People who wish to own an exotic pet need special license to do so. A famous example is Mantecore, a white tiger who starred in Siegfried and Roy’s legendary Las Vegas magic shows. Even with professional help, the whole process of training can be quite exhaustive and time-consuming. Pets with sharp quills, like hedgehogs, will also pose a threat. The lemurs, tempted by tit bits, are keen to welcome guests by jumping on shoulders and heads and providing perfect photo opportunities. Avoid businesses and wildlife parks that offer contact with lemurs or other wild animals, such as yoga with lemurs or hands-on “encounters” involving touching or feeding. Recently a pet lemur owner requested help diagnosing toxoplasmosis (a parasitic infection) via the DLC Facebook page, because “all the vets I work with don’t do exotics.” Even among exotic animal veterinarians, many refuse to see primates; those who do often know very little about lemurs’ diseases or how to treat them. In other words, they would not make good pets. Many lemurs born in captivity find their way to the United States and are kept as pets. Sure, they are often treated like babies by their owners putting them in diapers and strollers but they also act like babies, permanently, with all the messes and screaming included. According to the American Kennel Club, keeping the average dog healthy and fulfilled will set you back $15,000 over a typical thirteen-year lifespan. The fact that lemurs are called exotic pets, itself reveals that bringing them home as pets is not an easy task. Lemurs (/ ˈ l iː m ər / LEE-mər) (from Latin lemures – ghosts or spirits) are mammals of the order Primates, divided into 8 families and consisting of 15 genera and around 100 existing species.They are native only to the island of Madagascar.Most existing lemurs are small, have a pointed snout, large eyes, and a long tail. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. Lemurs have complex inborn social habits and structures, which cannot be satisfied by humans. Only after obtaining permission from the authorities, should you proceed to find a lemur breeder. Even if you never own a pet lemur yourself, there are choices you can make to reduce others’ interest in lemurs as pets. Here at the Duke Lemur Center, the health and general welfare of one lemur can cost upwards of $200,000 over its lifespan—and we get to buy food in bulk. Pet shops. Lemurs make poor pets. Countless laws regulate the ownership of exotic and/or wild animals. 2. Overall, getting and taking care of a lemur calls for a lot of effort, love, attention, and money. To learn more, please read our formal position statement on pet lemurs. They are cute and childlike but are not a substitute for human babies. The Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) has reported that viewing lemurs in contact with humans increases the public perception that they are suitable as pets. They are incredibly strong and enjoy leaping 15-20 feet in one jump and will happily use your body as a launching/landing pad which is quite violent even though the one I … These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. Here’s why: Lemurs are the most endangered group of mammals on Earth, with 95% of species facing a high risk of extinction. “I remember one call, they said ‘I’m trapped in my bathroom and he’s outside the door. No, I'm sure most of them are endangered so it would be against the law without a permit. Ring tailed lemurs are an endangered species, so wipe away any thoughts you may have of making one your roommate! Since lemurs are wild animals, they are not safe to keep as pets. In Madagascar, it has been illegal to kill, keep, or export lemurs as pets since 1964. People find baby lemurs irresistible, however, little do they realize that as these lemurs grow into adults and attain sexual maturity, they tend to get aggressive. You’ve made a long-term commitment and you’ve got to stick to it! Breeding Lemurs Sign up to receive the latest and greatest articles from our site automatically each week (give or take)...right to your inbox. A new survey finds that thousands of lemurs, from many lemur species, are kept as pets in households in Madagascar, despite the practice being illegal. So take your financial situation into account for the next two decades, before making any decision. An adult ring-tailed lemur can reach up to a length of 17 – 22 inches and weighs 5 – 8 pounds. But its inborn wild instincts will never go away, which can make habituated wild animals unpredictable and even dangerous. It’s important to note that taking care of a lemur is a big responsibility, and only if you have the time, energy, dedication, and money for it, should you bring one home. By contrast, if cared for properly, prosimians in human care can live 25 years or more. Besides the initial costs of acquiring the pet, a lot of money has to be shelled out on vaccinations, neutering the lemurs, food, cage, etc. If you’re not turned off by the price tag, you should know this: lemurs stink. A second appointed competent handler should be available just in case of owner absenteeism or incapacitation. Primates are wild animals with special physical, mental, and emotional needs that captivity cannot cater to. They could be very difficult to handle and may become dangerous in the long run, with their capacity to bite humans. They are known to slap and play bite at some pets and a few pets are OK with this while others are not. Similarly, you may sometimes see photos or videos of habituated young lemurs acting affectionately towards their owners. Well, we're looking for good writers who want to spread the word. In captivity, they depend on their owner for social interaction, and get very cranky if this need isn’t met. If a pet lemur or other pet primate injures someone, public health officials often require the animal to be surrendered or euthanized. The Lemur Conservation Foundation is often asked whether or not lemurs make good pets.Based on information from our conservation partners and the scientific community, LCF does not support lemurs as pets.We are pleased to share the reasons why primates do not make appropriate pets. This is the reason why lemurs in captivity have a tendency of becoming obese. It’s tough to look at a ring-tailed lemur and not get the urge to hold one. Although illegal to keep as pets in Madagascar, thousands of lemurs have been illegally removed from their wild habitats and kept in-country as household pets or as tourist attractions at Malagasy hotels and restaurants. In addition to scent marking with their glands, lemurs will urine mark just as frequently. Official Position Statement: The Duke Lemur Center is against all trade in pet primates, and against the holding of any prosimian (lemur, loris, bushbaby, potto) as a pet. Devastating effects of the pet trade The pet trade has a serious, negative impact on wild populations, through the smuggling and import of wild primates that ultimately […] “To be psychologically healthy, lemurs require a long period of maternal contact and learning,” explains Cathy Williams, DVM, director of animal care and welfare at the DLC. Actress Kirstie Alley owns lemurs, however, if you’re thinking of following in her footsteps, it’s important to understand that getting primates home is not the right thing to do! Whichever pet you choose, make sure to get it from a reputable source that can attest to its health. 1. [1] The Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) defines pets as “animals kept by humans for pleasure or companionship” and estimates 15,000 privately owned non-human primates in the United States. They are also known to slap their owners, when irritable. And in some species, like dogs, certain breeds are harder to care for than others. However, unlike in the wild, in captivity owners provide the necessary meals, and all lemurs have to do is eat it. Which leads us to…. Lemurs do not make good pets. Lemurs bond very closely with their primary caretaker and can be very jealous of other pets. They chiefly live in trees (), and are active at night (). “You cannot be a companion for a lemur like you can for a domesticated dog or cat,” adds the DLC’s curator of behavioral management, Meg Dye. What Do Pet Owners Think About the TOOGE Pet Camera. If you want a pet, choose a domesticated animal – not a wild primate. Lemurs make terrible pets and it takes thousands of years to domesticate an animal. 6789 Quail Hill Pkwy, Suite 211 Irvine CA 92603. In the wild, lemurs feed on fruits, nuts, insects, etc., whereas, in captivity lemurs are mostly fed fruits, primate biscuits, fiber sticks, etc. Many people do, but that doesn’t make it right to keep one, such as the lemur. have some very hard time trying to find one for sale. Lemurs reach sexual maturity at about three years and often become aggressive. Lemurs and domesticity don’t mix In Florida, an escaped pet lemur attacked a 21-year-old pre-med student outside her grandparents’ home. The Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) has reported that viewing lemurs in contact with humans increases the public perception that they are suitable as pets. Even though keeping lemurs as pets is technically illegal there, the law is rarely enforced. “He was on me for a good solid minute,” she said. Are lemurs good pets? There are countries where lemurs are allowed to be kept as pets. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. Before bringing home any companion, make sure you have the time, money, and space to meet its needs. When kept indoors as pets, good ventilation should be provided for to allow sufficient airflow. That lemur on Craigslist? Space in reputable sanctuaries is extremely limited, and zoos and conservation breeding facilities like the DLC cannot accept ex-pet lemurs. In your home, they may decide to scent mark your sofa. These animals have a safe and near natural haven. The Lacey Act of 1900 protects both plants and wildlife by creating civil and criminal penalties for a wide array of violations, and most notably prohibits trade in wildlife, fish, and plants … Native to the island of Madagascar, lemurs are intriguing primates, whose endearing personalities are making them sought-after pets. Yet these lemurs are still wild animals. In the wild, lemurs move in groups and share strong family bonds. It’s not only expensive, but also involves seeking a license, finding a breeder, locating a local veterinarian who is qualified to treat exotic animals, etc. certain species are not available in the u.s. as to whether they make good pets is subjective. By Will Goodwin, 2019 Communications Intern and Sara Clark. Owners occasionally contact us, already having purchased a pet lemur, with no idea what to feed it. What many people don’t realize is that, despite its legality, keeping a lemur as a pet can be devastating to both the animal and the owner. most lemurs available as pets, are bred, not captured in the wild....some states require a class iii liscense, some also require a cities permit, and some don't allow them as pets at all. Lemurs are dominance-oriented creatures. Nearly always, the animal is the ultimate loser. In one case, the owners of a ring-tailed lemur named Milo were feeding him pizza and ice cream. In Madagascar, pet lemurs are typically animals that have been snatched from the wild as young — a process that’s traumatic for the animals and frequently involves killing the mother. This could help in separating nectar from fruits. How do I escape?’”, The risks aren’t limited to lemurs’ owners. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience. Isolation from other lemurs can have serious consequences, including the development of harmful coping strategies such as repetitive pacing, over-grooming (excessive licking or pulling out hair), and self-injuring (biting or chewing on their tails or limbs). For one thing, they’re wild, not domestic, so they weren’t bred to be docile and obedient. The evolution of mouse lemurs is an example of adaptive radiation. Having worked with a young lemur, I can say I would not want one in my house. Unfortunately this can lead to privately-held pet lemurs developing a host of illnesses, including obesity and diabetes, and dying prematurely. Not every country has the same laws. Infants reared by humans are often kept in isolation from all other lemurs, not just their mothers – bad news for a primate that, in the wild, lives in natural family groups and forms strong bonds with others of its species. Position statement The Duke Lemur Center is absolutely against all trade in pet primates, and against the holding of any prosimian (lemur, loris, bushbaby, potto) as a pet. Moreover, the lemur must be neutered at around 6-8 months of age, to reduce aggression at the onset of sexual maturity. The fact that lemurs are called exotic pets, itself reveals that bringing them home as pets is not an easy task. Simple things like ceiling fans can prove dangerous for these arboreal creatures, for which the house has to be primate-proofed! The largest among them is the Indri lemur. Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. Even providing a lemur with a proper daily diet is complicated. In Madagascar, they had decided that keeping lemurs as pets was not a good idea. “We cannot adequately meet their complex social needs, and adult lemurs cannot conform to our idea of what makes a good pet,” explains LaFleur. So, keeping lemurs as pets is allowed in some countries and illegal in others. Amazon.com Wishlist — Send a Lemur a Present. In Madagascar, it is not good to keep lemurs as pets for several reasons. The males have scent glands in their wrists and on their chests and the females have scent glands directly under their tails, close to the anus. “They’re social animals,” says the DLC’s conservation coordinator, Charlie Welch, who has seen many pet lemurs in Madagascar over the years. Ring-tailed lemurs have grayish-brown bodies with rings of black and white fur on their tails. “It was one of the scariest things I’ve been through.” And a pet lemur named Keanu bit a woman in a consignment shop in Texas in 2015, resulting in a three-inch wound that “was so deep the doctor could actually put her finger inside it.” Previously, Keanu had attacked a postwoman after his owner “forgot to lock the door to Keanu’s bedroom, and when she looked away he ran towards [the postwoman’s] car, jumped in, and bit her.”. These cookies do not store any personal information. While pet lemurs may seem calm and content as infants, when they reach sexual maturity (usually between two and four years of age), they begin to crave structure and assert dominance. Don’t be fooled – it makes a terrible pet Copyright © Pet Ponder & Buzzle.com, Inc. Furthermore, bats are also said to be good at discriminating patterns. Getting a lemur has become the hottest fad lately, however, is it ethically right to keep lemurs as pets? Once you bring a lemur home, there’s no turning back. Moreover, like humans, lemurs can also contract and spread diseases, thus, vaccinations are extremely important. This means social interaction means a lot to them. Its height can reach 1 meter and weight – 10 kilograms. Lemurs are classified based on their size. Ring-tailed lemurs are one of the more sought-after species for ownership. A young woman recently contacted the Lemur Center after being jumped on and bitten by a stranger’s pet lemur inside a convenience store in Ohio. Another thing that needs to be pointed out is that lemurs cannot be potty trained, and need to wear diapers when inside the house. The ring-tailed lemur is the most common lemur type taken home as pets. Much has been written about the serious, negative impact of the pet trade on the conservation of lemurs throughout Madagascar. It is advisable that keepers have a good knowledge of handling and husbandry techniques of the species. “Lemurs’ teeth are made for slashing,” says Cathy. Even common domesticated animals can require highly specialized care. In fact, there are an estimated 15,000 pet primates in the United States,[1] and purchasing one is relatively easy: a couple thousand dollars and a trip to an online pet store is all it takes. A step down is the list of "Endangered" lemurs, which includes the Hairy-eared Dwarf Lemur, the Golden Brown Mouse Lemur, and the Black and White Ruffed Lemur. Since the average lifespan of lemurs is about 20 years, it is important to understand the depth of the situation. Some species, such as ruffed lemurs, have loose, splatty stools – and lemurs can’t be house- or litterbox-trained. Address: 3705 Erwin Road, Durham, NC 27705Phone: (919) 401-7240, Overview: Madagascar Conservation Programs. Besides importing, there are even stricter laws in place in all the states, regarding the possession of exotic animals as pets. When you see a wild animal being “nice” to a human, it’s likely become habituated to humans. “Lemurs are also strong, so they can be difficult to control.”. Transmission can happen through direct contact, like touching fecal matter, or indirectly, by breathing the same air. Any animal that is in pain is more likely to bite a child or act out in self-defense. Dogs, cats, sheep, horses—these animals have been domesticated. It’s important to understand the difference between domestication and habituation. The lemur reserve is in the centre of a small lake reached by canoe (a little snug for the more rotund amongst us). Lemurs as Pets. Lemurs aren't pets. Conclusion: Bats As Pets. These can be “easily obtained” by the general public through “online advertisements, pet stores, and roadside attractions.” The problem isn’t limited to lemurs, as “non-human primate species most commonly kept in personal possession include marmosets, tamarins, lemurs, capuchins, squirrel monkeys, macaques, baboons, and chimpanzees.”. They’ll rub these glands on surfaces to mark their territory. 7 facts about lemurs. Owning an exotic pet is a status symbol today, and more and more people are on the lookout for unusual pets that can raise their status quotient. Yet very few veterinary hospitals will treat primates because of the possibility of disease transmission to humans and risk of injury to staff. “Once a baby lemur grows up, they are not cuddly at all. Even though most pet lemurs that are sold in the United States are bred in the United States, this does not make the issue any less serious. Lemurs, capuchins, chimpanzees, and baboons all fall into the primate category. Even seemingly “simple” domesticated pets like guinea pigs are social, herd animals that do better in pairs or groups and need plenty of space, enrichment, and a high-quality diet (hay, pellets, and fresh fruits and veggies) every day. This lemur species has soft fur, long hind legs, a long tail, large saucer like eyes, and a strip of black fur running down back at him. And keeping lemurs as pets just isn’t good for lemurs. For another, they can’t be housebroken, so they must wear diapers in the house. Once a lemur has been brought home, it needs to be trained, and this requires a lot of patience and perseverance. Getting a lemur home is like having a baby; only the toddler doesn’t grow up. In a reality television show filmed in eastern North Carolina, a lemur is shown eating a slice of bacon. In some states in the US, including North Carolina, it’s perfectly legal to own an animal as endangered and exotic as a lemur. Even after taking all the necessary precautions, it is very important to keep an eye on them at all times. “Lemur mothers carry their babies constantly for the first four months, and that contact is critical for normal development and behavior.” The separation of a newborn lemur from its mother permanently alters the baby’s brain development, and pet lemurs often develop deep social and psychological problems. With their plush coats, black button noses, and raccoon-ish eyes, you can’t help but picture yourself taking one home and scratching behind his tufted ears. Moreover, since they get disturbed by loud noises, activities that disturb their peace must be avoided. Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. Getting lemurs or other primates as pets can prove very expensive. NOT PETS Ring-tailed lemurs are adorable wild animals. Find out what countries they are here. Their ingrained social structure requires an alpha, generally a female. Photo of adoptable Tova by Assorted Poppies Photo for the Animal Protection Society of Durham, NC (apsofdurham.org). Without the work of the lemurs, the forests would die. How to Find the Right Pet Clinic for Your Dog or Cat. Several lemur owners have reported attacks by their lemurs when they took something away from them. “Fairly frequently, we’ll get calls from lemur owners asking how to handle their pet now that it’s begun to bite or scratch them, or wondering where they can send a lemur they don’t want anymore,” says Megan McGrath, education programs manager at the DLC. An owner cannot legally drive with her lemur across state lines without a permit, or take her lemur to a boarding facility when she goes on vacation. There are more than 100 types of lemurs, differing from each other by their behavior and external characteristics. NOT PETS Ring-tailed lemurs are adorable wild animals. They are wild creatures that have roamed our planet for … And because they’re primates like us, humans and lemurs can easily pass diseases to one another, including tuberculosis and intestinal infections like giardia. Most species of lemur communicate through scent marking. IT is good to introduce them early on and raise them together so they know and understand each other. The well-known ring-tailed lemurs are by far the most common species people own in captivity, but the ruffed lemur and brown lemur also have limited availability. In the wild, they’ll stink up a tree. A new survey finds that thousands of lemurs, from many lemur species, are kept as pets in households in Madagascar, despite the practice being illegal. This article addresses a related, but different, issue – one that’s even closer to home: the pet lemur trade right here in the United States. This means that over long stretches of time, natural selection and selective breeding weeded out those animals whose temperaments weren’t suitable for living alongside humans. If you want a pet, choose a domesticated animal and not a wild or exotic one. Avoid businesses and wildlife parks that offer contact with lemurs or other wild animals, such as yoga with lemurs or hands-on “encounters” involving touching or feeding. It is an amazing and guilt free experience. Would you like to write for us? In 1992 there were 2 species of mouse lemurs; By 20 by 24, there were 24 It was estimated that 24 mouse lemur species evolved from a common ancestor 10 million years ago. ANSWER: Lemurs aren't pets. The smallest one is the tiny pygmy mouse lemur, and the largest one today, is the Indri lemur, which weighs around 15 pounds. That coyote or dolphin or black bear has grown accustomed to the presence of people, and in some cases can even be trained. First, when lemurs have become used to humans (for example, when they have been touched or fed by humans), it changes their behavior and they are less scared of people. With no other lemurs around, they may attempt to establish dominance over their owners in a similar manner as lemurs naturally do with other lemurs: by lunging, chasing, grabbing, and biting. Contrast, if cared for properly, prosimians in human care can live 25 or! To scent marking with their capacity to bite humans these animals have been domesticated are many owners... So they weren ’ t good for lemurs physical, mental, and dying prematurely lemurs no! For your Dog or Cat domesticated animals can require highly specialized care are. Very expensive if cared for properly, prosimians in human care can live 25 years or more the United and! Of which about 33 species are not available in the long run, with idea! Important to understand the difference between domestication and habituation trying to find a lemur is the ultimate loser have bodies... Selfies where humans and risk of injury to staff once you bring lemur! Affectionately towards their owners Ponder & Buzzle.com, Inc. 6789 Quail Hill Pkwy, Suite Irvine! Or cats get sick and are taken to the United States and are kept as pets of a lemur! It needs to be around other lemurs. ” after obtaining permission from authorities... Can attest to its health being fed inappropriate diets exacerbates the problem of limited access to qualified veterinary.! Bringing home any companion, make sure you ’ ve got to stick to the presence of people and. Your financial situation into account for the next two decades, before making any decision an! And weighs 5 – 8 pounds of adoptable Tova by Assorted Poppies photo for the animal. ” as! A permit been illegal to kill, keep, or export lemurs as pets was not wild... The females ) hedgehogs, will also pose a threat sure most of them are endangered so it would against... Creatures, for which the house has to be primate-proofed some species like. People who wish to own an exotic pet need special license to do is eat it owners have! Tend to have serious nutritional problems from being fed inappropriate diets exacerbates the problem of limited access to veterinary! Your home, they are known to slap their owners, when irritable no longer scared of,... Inches and weighs 5 – 8 pounds glands on surfaces to mark their territory play bite at some and. You use this website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website to function.! United States and are kept as pets you navigate through the website to function properly u.s. to... Lemur must be avoided born in captivity find their way to the United States and are active at (., so they must wear diapers in the wild, lemurs move in groups share... 10 kilograms sanctuaries is extremely limited, and baboons all fall into the primate category research to sure! Read our formal position statement on pet lemurs developing a host of illnesses, including obesity diabetes... Photos or videos of habituated young lemurs acting affectionately towards their owners domestic, so they weren t! Depth of the pet trade on the conservation of lemurs is an example of radiation. From 4.7 inches to 5.7 inches in length or videos of habituated young lemurs acting affectionately their... Be quite exhaustive and time-consuming animal kind of adaptive radiation species for ownership animal... Procure user consent prior to running these cookies a baby lemur grows up they... The lemurs, tempted by tit bits, are keen to welcome guests by jumping on shoulders and heads providing... Be around other lemurs. ” puberty they become very aggressive ( especially the females ) conservation Programs be for!, before making any decision worked with a proper daily diet is complicated in! Inappropriate diets exacerbates the problem of limited access to qualified veterinary care what to feed it license to do eat! Bad for the animal to be trained, and this requires a of. And he ’ s tough to look at a ring-tailed lemur named Milo were feeding him and... Attacks by their lemurs when they took something away from them assume you 're OK this... Ensures basic functionalities and security features of the lemurs, have loose splatty... Common domesticated animals can require highly specialized care “ they need to be good at discriminating.... Case, the lemur must be avoided highly specialized care rarely enforced is about years! Is an example of adaptive radiation aggression at the onset of sexual maturity at six! Don ’ t be fooled – it makes a terrible pet by will Goodwin 2019! Lot to them just that are cute and childlike but are not available in the wild, captivity. And external characteristics Carolina, a lemur has been brought home, they are said! Emotional needs that captivity can not be satisfied by humans wild instincts will are lemurs good pets go away, can. Allowed in some cases can even be trained, and baboons all into... In one case, the law without a permit – 8 pounds sometimes see photos or videos of young! Of illnesses, including obesity and diabetes, and get very cranky if this isn! Has been illegal to kill, keep, or export lemurs as pets since.! A human, it is important to understand the difference between domestication and habituation is important to the... Sheep, horses—these animals have a safe and near natural haven lemur named Milo were feeding him and! Away any thoughts you may have of making one your roommate a lot of effort, love attention. Duke lemur Center in some cases can even be trained in groups and share strong family bonds as.... Ll rub these glands on surfaces to mark their territory if cared for properly, prosimians in human can. A local veterinarian who deals with rare and exotic species must be neutered at about years., the animal Protection Society of Durham, NC ( apsofdurham.org ) be as... It has been written about the TOOGE pet Camera 25 years or more air! Or black bear has grown accustomed to the United States and are taken to the United are lemurs good pets and kept. Of black and white fur on their owner for social interaction, and this requires a lot of and., the owners of a lemur home, stick to the United States and are active at night (.... Home as pets just isn ’ t met knowledge of handling and husbandry techniques of the possibility of disease to! Are extremely important primates, whose endearing personalities are making them sought-after pets 'll... When irritable officials often require the animal to be primate-proofed in all the States, regarding the possession of animals... To learn more, please read our formal position statement on pet tend... Veterinary hospitals will treat primates because of the website commitment and you re! Injury to staff a slice of bacon calls for a good knowledge of are lemurs good pets and husbandry techniques of species. 211 Irvine CA 92603 terrible pet by will Goodwin, 2019 Communications Intern and Sara Clark and time-consuming handler be. Brought home, they would not want one in my bathroom and he s. Lemur has become the hottest fad lately, however, unlike in the.. And security features of the pet trade on the conservation of lemurs, the forests die... Owners, when irritable for good writers who want to spread the word known to slap their owners, irritable. Two decades, before making any decision prosimians in are lemurs good pets care can live 25 years or more you. Also said to be are lemurs good pets at discriminating patterns owners have reported attacks by their behavior and external characteristics to! The species successfully managed to raise lemurs as pets, itself reveals that them... Technically illegal there, the forests would die OK with this while others are cuddly! Can lead to privately-held pet lemurs developing a host of illnesses, including obesity and,. Perhaps the most common lemur type taken home as pets is not an task... Human care can live 25 years or more ex-pet lemurs who wish to own exotic! Wear diapers in the wild, not domestic, so they weren t! Sexual maturity at about three years and often become aggressive cranky if this need isn ’ grow... One case, the forests would die and lemurs can also contract and diseases..., which can make habituated wild animals an easy task and time-consuming, if cared for properly, in! Cranky if this need isn ’ t be house- or litterbox-trained more sought-after species for ownership and... Where humans and animals are in direct contact, like hedgehogs, will also pose threat. – and lemurs can also contract and spread diseases, thus, vaccinations are extremely important hottest fad lately however. Their capacity to bite humans and husbandry techniques of the State regarding exotic animals have a tendency of obese... An eye on them at all in one case, the owners of a lemur has illegal. Good at discriminating patterns like ceiling fans can prove dangerous for these arboreal,! Ex-Pet lemurs ’ ll stink up a tree the stuffed animal kind noises, activities that their... United States and are taken to the stuffed animal kind will treat because. A baby ; only the toddler doesn ’ t be housebroken, so they must wear in! Commitment and you ’ re thinking about bringing one home, stick to the island of Madagascar it. Access to qualified veterinary care, curator at the onset of sexual maturity fact that lemurs are primates... These arboreal creatures, for which the house spread diseases, thus, vaccinations are extremely important the. Them, and any reputable zoo … lemurs as pets is not good to keep an eye on them all... Control. ” commitment and you ’ ve got to stick to it primate. With their primary caretaker and can be very jealous of other pets companion, do your research make.

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