Lemurs leap into newly-renovated habitat at Assiniboine Park Zoo

Four ring-tailed lemurs at the Assiniboine Park Zoo on Feb. 15, 2025. (Dan Timmerman/CTV News Winnipeg)

Visitors to the Assiniboine Park Zoo can expect to see some new faces.

On Saturday, the zoo announced the arrival of four ring-tailed lemurs. The lemurs come from the Toronto Zoo and will live in a newly-renovated habitat inside Toucan Ridge.

The new group includes 11-year-old male lemur Rusty, along with three females: 11-year-old Lasonia, 13-year-old Ruby, and 14-year-old Lily.

The zoo said Rusty is receiving veterinary care for a neurological condition he developed before coming to Winnipeg. “While his condition is not a concern for the other lemurs or animals in Toucan Ridge, it may affect his appearance and behaviour at times or require care behind the scenes,” the zoo said in a release.

The lemurs are the zoo’s first since 2011. They arrived on a recommendation from the Association of Zoos & Aquariums Species Survival Plan.

“We are looking forward to introducing visitors to all the new animals at the zoo, including the ring-tailed lemurs,” said animal curator Jackie Enberg in the statement.

The zoo also said it welcomed several other animals in the fall, including three red pandas, a great horned owl, and a domestic yak named Louise.

“Winter is a great time to visit, and we hope everyone enjoys learning about these amazing species,” Enberg said.