Meet Tupelo and Aspen: The Red Ruffed Lemurs of Santa Fe College
Visitors to the Santa Fe College Teaching Zoo in Gainesville, Florida, have two new reasons to visit: Tupelo and Aspen. These teenage red ruffed lemurs, both born at the zoo, offer guests a unique opportunity to learn about primate behavior and conservation.
Understanding the Red Ruffed Lemur
Red ruffed lemurs are native to the islands of Madagascar. As nocturnal animals, they spend a significant portion of their day napping and lounging. But, their diet is highly specialized; they are frugivores, meaning their diet consists almost entirely of fruit.
Diet and Nutrition
About 90% of their diet is made up of fruit. While their favorites include bananas, figs, and raisins, keepers occasionally introduce vegetables to expand their palate. According to student keeper Thali Delchiaro, sweet potatoes are among their favorite vegetable treats.
Distinct Personalities: Tupelo vs. Aspen
While the species generally tends to be laid-back, Tupelo is a notable outlier. He is described as an extrovert with a bold and curious nature. Unlike many of his peers, Tupelo isn’t afraid to get close to visitors for inspection or photos, though he maintains a “super chill” overall personality.
Training and Animal Welfare
The staff at the Santa Fe College Teaching Zoo utilize a structured, step-by-step training guide to implement new behaviors and care plans. This process is essential for both the animals’ mental stimulation and the staff’s ability to provide care.
Daily Maintenance Behaviors
The lemurs practice “maintenance behaviors” every day, such as “target” and “touch” commands. These sessions serve two primary purposes:
- Enrichment: Keeping the animals stimulated and engaged in their environment.
- Welfare: Allowing keepers to perform health checks and maintenance with minimal stress to the animal.
Key Takeaways
- Species: Red ruffed lemurs from Madagascar.
- Diet: Primarily fruit (bananas, figs, raisins) with occasional vegetables like sweet potatoes.
- Location: Santa Fe College Teaching Zoo, Gainesville, Fla.
- Training: Daily maintenance behaviors (target and touch) for welfare and stimulation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are the lemurs born in captivity?
Yes, both Tupelo and Aspen were born at the Santa Fe College Teaching Zoo.
What is a frugivore?
A frugivore is an animal that feeds primarily on fruit, which makes up the vast majority of the red ruffed lemur’s diet.
How can I visit the lemurs?
The lemurs are located at the Santa Fe College Teaching Zoo. Visitors can consult the zoo’s animal list to plan their educational visit.
Looking Ahead
As ambassador animals, Tupelo and Aspen continue to play a vital role in wildlife education, helping students and visitors understand the complexities of primate care and the importance of conserving species from Madagascar.