Ring-Tailed Lemur Stolen!

21-year-old ring-tailed Lemur stolen from San Francisco Zoo

A ring-tailed lemur named Maki was stolen from the San Francisco Zoo & Gardens overnight, police said Wednesday. “We understand that lemurs are adorable animals, but Maki is a highly endangered animal that requires special care. We are asking the public for help in his return," Dr. Jason Watters, zoo executive vice president of animal behavior and wellness, said in a statement.

Ring-tailed lemurs are true to their names, their tails are some-what alike to those of skunks but with 13 alternating black and white bands. These ring-tailed Lemurs usually are found and live in Madagascar, these are a species of lemurs which are one of the endangered species.

There are a lot of reasons someone might steal a lemur. They usually are found in Madagascar, making them exotic. Exotic animals can go on sale for a high price. They are appealing and adorable, and seem like the perfect pet to cuddle with. But the truth is that you should NEVER buy an exotic animal. They belong in the wild, and a house or backyard won't cut it. Zoos have professionals to take care of lemurs, but you can't raise them in a regular household. Additionally, lemurs are endangered and are going to need special care to be rehabilitated. If you want to buy even a fish from your local pet store, ask where and how it was caught. Was it raised in captivity? Great! It wasn't captured from the wild! Show your support by buying our "Wild" t-shirts and masks! Coming Soon!

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The animal was spotted by a woman in Daly City, south of San Francisco, around 5 p.m., and Maki was captured and returned to the zoo, San Francisco police said in a statement. Daly City police said the animal was found in a church playground about four miles from the zoo.

Edit:

Maki, the 21-year-old ring-tailed lemur stolen from the San Francisco Zoo this week, was found safe in a nearby city Thursday, and an arrest has been made, the police said.

Credits: Wikipedia, NBC news, and Twitter

Quick Lemur Facts:

  • Lifespan: 16-19 years (in the wild)

  • Scientific Name: Lemur Catta

  • Conservation Status: Endangered

  • Trophic level: Omnivorous

  • Mass: 4.9 Ibs (adult)

  • Length: 15 - 18 in (adult)

  • Natural Home: Madagascar