Date of Rescue: 10-25-2023 Date of Birth: 2014 Gender: MaleSpecies: Black and White Ruffed Lemur Diet: frugivores/herbivorous Lifespan: 19-32 years Annual Cost of Care: $6,500
Hello! I’m Lahy, a gentle and affectionate Black and White Ruffed Lemur. My journey with my beloved partner, Vady, led us to Sanctuary at Solid Rock. Here, we’ve been given names that symbolize our connection—mine means "husband," a fitting match to Vady's "wife." Our history together includes being a breeding pair in our previous home. When we didn’t succeed in having babies, we were given a chance for a new, happier life here at the sanctuary. In this serene environment. I am known for my sweet nature and particularly love when the animal care team gives me underarm scratches—it’s truly my favorite indulgence! I'm also quite vocal, a trait typical of my species. I often communicate my feelings through a variety of sounds, from deep, barking calls to wailing howls. Life here with Vady at Sanctuary at Solid Rock is peaceful and filled with attention and care. It’s a place where we feel safe, loved, and truly at home.
The Black and White Ruffed Lemur, scientifically known as *Varecia variegata*, is native to the eastern rainforests of Madagascar. These lemurs are notable for their striking appearance, characterized by vivid black and white fur and a distinctive ruff around their necks. They are among the largest in the lemur family and can be easily identified by their long, bushy tails and loud, resonant calls. Primarily frugivores, their diet largely consists of fruit, but they also consume nectar, leaves, and seeds. This diet makes them crucial for their ecosystem as they play a significant role in seed dispersal. Black and White Ruffed Lemurs are also known for their unique reproductive behavior; unlike most primates, they build nests for their young. Females usually give birth to 2 to 3 offspring after a gestation period of about 102 days. Socially, these lemurs live in groups ranging from 2 to 16 individuals, typically led by females in a matriarchal structure. They utilize a variety of vocalizations for communication, including deep barking calls when alarmed and wailing howls to defend their territory. These sounds are vital for maintaining group cohesion and territory in the dense rainforest. Currently classified as Critically Endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), the survival of Black and White Ruffed Lemurs is threatened by habitat destruction, hunting, and the illegal pet trade. As of 2023, there are fewer than 10,000 left in the wild.
Can you please help with our care and click on our wish list to buy specific items that we need? Your purchases are tax deductible and very much appreciated.
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The best way to help a sanctuary resident is to be a sponsor. Donations are tax deductible and will be used for our most pressing and critical needs.
Animal Friend $10 monthly or one time gift of $100 Digital adoption certificate Animal Supporter $25 monthly or one time gift of $250 Digital adoption certificateSponsor listing in our school yearbook Animal Guardian $50 monthly or one time gift of $500 Digital adoption certificate Sponsor listing in our school yearbook Brick wall plaque at our main School Campus Animal Hero $100 monthly or one time gift $1,200 Digital adoption certificate Sponsor listing in our school yearbook Brick wall plaque at our main School Campus Annual invitation for you and a guest to visit the Sanctuary. Animal Ambassador $250 monthly or one time gift $3,000 Digital adoption certificate Sponsor listing in our school yearbook Brick wall plaque at our main School Campus Annual invitation for you and a guest to a private afternoon at the Sanctuary, includes lunch and sponsor t-shirt.
