Critically endangered lemurs take up residency on Island

Bam and Bacca find new home at Curraghs

Two critically endangered lemurs have found a new home on the Isle of Man.

Bam and Bacca, who are now residents of Curraghs Wildlife Park, are part of a European breeding programme.

In the wild the Alaotran gentle lemurs are threatened by extinction with less than 2,500 thought to be left – predominantly in a small region of their native Madagascar.

General Manager Kathleen Graham said: “We’re really pleased to have this amazing species back at the park as it needs our help more than ever.

“We are also excited to be involved in the breeding programme and collect data that can help the Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust, who we support through our conservation fund, to protect them in the wild.”

The lemurs arrived from Apenheul Primate Park, in the Netherlands, with the Steam Packet Company assisting with the final leg of the journey.

The European Association of Zoos and Aquaria’s programme is currently sourcing female partners for the two males.