Two black-and-white ruffed lemurs have been paired together at the Altina Wildlife Park near Darlington Point.

The species is critically endangered due to poaching and deforestation and one is from England and will provide genetic diversity to the Australian lemur population.

Tsiky and Kintana have moved in together as part of a breeding program at the Park.

The species is native to Madagascar and is considered critically endangered due to deforestation and poaching, with fewer than 10,000 remaining.

Altina’s animal manager, Rebecca Surian, said female Kintana had “masses of personality”, while male Tsiky was “shy but stunning”.

She said the program would help conserve the species.

“Fingers crossed Tsiky falls in love with Kintana really quickly,” she said.

Both animals settled into the Darlington Point zoo quickly, eating fruit and vegetables from their zookeeper’s hands within minutes of entering the enclosure.

Tsiky was transported to NSW from Hamerton Zoological Park in England,and Kintana from Queensland’s Darling Downs Zoo.

It is hoped the introduction of Tsiky will boost the genetic diversity of the Australian lemur population to make the species healthier and more durable.

“Australia being a nice big island means genetics are limited unless importation happens very often,” Ms Surian said.

“His offspring will then be sought after to be bred with other Australian animals that are not related to Kintana, so it will hopefully kickstart a few other breeding programs at zoos.” 

This article appeared in the Narrandera Argus, 2 November 2023.