Photos: Twin lemurs take a trip to the doctor

  • Breaking
  • 26/03/2012

By 3 News online staff

Twin black-and-white ruffed lemurs visited The Nest Te Kohanga for health checks at Wellington Zoo on Sunday.

Fi and Flavia were treated to a quick dental assessment, x-rays and blood tests.

"It was also a unique opportunity to feel their amazingly soft coat - which they keep well-groomed with a special grooming claw," says zoo spokesperson Libby Callander.

The Nest Te Kohanga is Wellington Zoo's animal hospital and centre for native wildlife. The main surgical rooms are fitted with large glass walls that allow zoo visitors to get a close-up view of the veterinary team at work.

The lemur sisters are both in good health, but will be back in The Nest for some dental work soon.

In the wild, black-and-white ruffed lemurs spend most of their time in the high canopy of the seasonal rainforests on the eastern side of Madagascar. They are only active in daylight hours. Their fluffy tails are longer than their bodies and used for balancing while moving through trees.

Wild black-and-white ruffed lemurs live for an average of 19 years, while those in captivity can live up to 36 years.

Fi and Flavia were born at Hamilton Zoo in 1999 and moved to Wellington Zoo in 2001.

"They're well known for their loud and raucous call, but will usually be seen quietly resting with their tails tucked around themselves," said Callander.

You can view photos of Fi and Flavia's time in The Nest by clicking on the link at the top of this article.

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source: newshub archive