We have some new arrivals … two red-ruffed lemurs. “Akisa” and “Adana” were born on April 21 at Busch Gardens, Tampa. The names were chosen from Malagasy words, which is the native language of Madagascar. Akisa means playful and she definitely fits her name. Adana means peaceful and she is the more reserved of the two. The trainers are calling them Kisa and Ada for short.
Although, their main diet is a variety of fruits and veggies they have some favorites. The trainers are very popular when they have bananas and grapes to offer. The team is welcomed each morning with the lemur’s very loud raucous call that can be heard up to a mile away.
Once the treats are gone, the girls want to play and be scratched. You know when a lemur is really comfortable with you when they offer their armpit for you to scratch. You can tell a good trainer when they are willing to do it.
The team and I are currently training the lemurs to go into their kennel. We are also getting them comfortable with a leash and harness. This will be extremely important when they begin going to education programs and media events. It is kind of hard for me to concentrate on training when Kisa keeps trying to steal the banana from my hand.
Two of our trainers flew to Florida recently to pick them up. They spent a few days working with Kisa and Ada’s Tampa trainers and made sure the girls were comfortable with them before bringing them back to Williamsburg.
Guests will be able to see the lemurs August 28 and 29 during Wild Days, but don’t be surprised if they make some appearances around the park before then.
Kendell
Animal Trainer at Busch Gardens
