We’re always looking for new ways to keep our animals happy and healthy, and some recent technology in Lemurland is going to take things to the next level! Our playful lemurs will soon get to enjoy a new interactive enrichment that gives them the choice between audio or visual stimulation. The lemurs will be able to trigger visuals of things like underwater scenes, abstract shapes and wriggling worms or audio stimulation like rain sounds and music. Though we don’t yet know what songs the lemurs prefer (‘I like to Move It Move It’, perhaps?), we hope that they will enjoy their new toy. They even made the 6-o-clock news when STV came to film their antics in action.
Lemur Keeper Lesley Rodger said:
“I can’t wait to watch the lemurs interact with the new system. This is the first technology of its kind in Scotland and we’re really excited to see what it reveals about our lemurs and their behaviours. As well as being great for their welfare and keeping the lemurs entertained, the new system is an exciting research opportunity.”
Vital lemur research
Different enrichment throughout our enclosures is important as it encourages natural behaviours and helps to keep our animals active, both mentally and physically. Research has shown that giving animals choices within their enclosures is very beneficial for their mental wellbeing and this new project, led by Dr Ilyena Hirskyj-Douglas from the University of Glasgow, gives us a unique opportunity to learn more about our lemurs and the way they interact with their environment.
This kind of research is such an important part of what we do here at the park as it helps us to learn more about specific endangered species and how we can help them in the wild. Most lemur species in Madagascar are now listed as Critically Endangered and have lost much of their native habitat to agriculture and illegal logging.
If you’d like to find out more about how we’re helping lemurs and other endangered species, take a look at our conservation projects here.
