A new exhibit at Turtle Back Zoo swaps sea lions for one of the planet’s most endangered animals. Surprise: they’re adorable, too.
The West Orange zoo opened a brand new lemur exhibit on Tuesday, home to three species: ring-tailed lemurs, red ruffed lemurs, and brown collared lemurs, according to Patch.
Lemurs are considered one of the most endangered mammals in the world—found only on the island of Madagascar. There are over 100 species that have evolved to fill nearly every habitat on the island. Habitat destruction and hunting have pushed the group closer to extinction—some estimates suggest 90% of all lemur species could face extinction within the next two decades.
The lemurs share their new home with an unlikely neighbor: Aldabra tortoises. The reptiles from the Seychelles are among the largest tortoise species in the world. They may not be as cute and cuddly as their new roommates, but they’re just as impressive—some Aldabra tortoises live well over 100 years.
Prior to the arrival of lemurs, the exhibit used to house Sea Lion Sound before the zoo’s last sea lion was relocated to another accredited facility two years ago. The old pool was reworked with rockwork and landscaping that mimics the rocky coastlines and forests of Madagascar.
Don’t worry: the indoor touch tank featuring sharks and stingrays remains.
The project cost roughly $3.9 million in total, funded through $1 million from the Essex County Capital Budget and a $2.7 million grant from the Essex County Recreation and Open Space Trust Fund Advisory Board.
The new exhibit represents the Turtle Back Zoo’s first habitat built specifically around conservation messaging. For most visitors, it’ll be the closest they ever get to Madagascar.
Not bad for a Tuesday in West Orange.
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