Red Funnel Adopt Lemurs
Red Funnel Adopt Lemurs
On 26 May Red Jet passengers were joined by some rather unusual cargo as baby lemurs were whisked to the Isle of Wight Zoo, near Sandown.
After they were rejected by their mother, the new-born baby Red Ruffed Lemurs were rushed from the Peasant Foundation, in Reading, to Southampton in an incubator. The Isle of Wight Zoo were called in to provide emergency hand-rearing support as the zoo and primate care team are experienced in this area, currently caring for over 20 individual lemurs.
Red Funnel leapt to Zoo's aid providing the full red carpet treatment for the furry creatures, helping not only with speedy transport but with the filling up hot water bottles to keep the vulnerable babies warm during their crossing.
The Zoo is now very proud to be looking after two adorable young Red Ruffed Lemurs, and after playing such a key part in getting the babies to the Island to ensure thir survival Red Funnel are very proud to be adopting them. In celebration of the adoption Red Funnel are offering passengers te chance to name the babies and win the chance to experience painting with some of the other lemur residents at the Zoo!
About Lemurs
These primitive primates, known as prosimians, evolved before the more highly developed simians, the monkeys and apes, so lemurs have their own personal characteristics. The most obvious difference is the small head, pointed muzzle and wet, dog-like nose. This provides them with a much better sense of smell than we possess, since vision is the dominant sense in the flat-faced primates.
They do not have fully opposable thumbs and cannot use their hands for grooming. Lemurs are also the only primates that can purr, sounding just like kittens when contented.
Lemurs & Madagascar
Lemurs are only found in Madagascar. Fossil remains have been found in North America and Europe indicating that they were once widespread both in the northern and southern hemispheres. They were driven to extinction in all areas other than Madagascar as they could not compete with the smarter monkeys and apes which evolved later.
As these larger primates were never able to make it across the Mozambique Channel the lemurs were able to gradually 'radiate' out into many different species. About 40 to 45 species existed 2000 years ago. Archaeoindris was the largest and is believed to have been the size of today's adult male gorilla. One third of lemur species are now extinct with at least another ten classified as 'Critically Endangered'.
About Isle of Wight Zoo
Home to Britain's largest collection of tigers, the award winning Isle of Wight Zoo has been a dedicated ally to the tiger for over a quarter of a century. The Zoo also cares for a wide range of other animals including lions, leopards, jaguars, lemurs, monkeys, snakes, spiders and lizards.
All animals are housed in a wide variety of naturalistic enclosures that encourage them to display their natural behaviours. During your visit you can take in The Tiger Sanctuary, Lemurland and Nature's Nightmares, the Zoo's newly opened Kanha Enclosure has recently been described as one of the best new zoo enclosures in the world.
Discounted tickets to the Isle of Wight Zoo are available in advance from Red Funnel.
Name our Lemurs and WIN!
Competition now closed. Watch this space for the winner's magical encounter with our baby lemurs!
Win an up close and personal encounter with the newly named lemurs, a Silver membership pass a canvas painting by the ring-tailed lemur group, and free return travel for a car and up to 6 people.
To be in with a chance to win, simply suggest a name for our baby lemurs - we don't yet know if they are male or female, so please suggest one male and one female name. Perhaps you could suggest a traditional french or malagasy name in recognition of the lemurs madagascan roots?
Terms and Conditions
1. Only one name per gender may be submitted per person
2. All entries must be sent electronically
3. Include your name, address and telephone number with your entry.
4. There will be no cash alternative to the prizes; the judges’ decision is final and no correspondence will be entered into by the judges.
5. The competition is not open to members of IOW Zoo or Red Funnel staff and their immediate family
6. The prize of a complimentary visit to the zoo, and associated ‘up-close-and-personal’ encounter with the lemurs is offered for a maximum of 4 persons per participant (inclusive of the winner), is subject to Health and Safety consideration (and signing of a disclaimer) and must be pre-booked. This prize is available until 31 December 2009
7. The prize of a complimentary return car ferry ticket for up to 6 persons is subject to availably, is valid until December 2010 and must be pre-booked . Red Funnel conditions of carriage apply
8. Prize closes midnight 31 October 2009