Two critically endangered black-and-white ruffed lemurs have arrived at Zoo Atlanta from the Central Park Zoo, sent south on a breeding recommendation from the Association of Zoos and Aquariums.
Sora and Kairi, both two-year-old males and brothers, reached Atlanta on July 23, 2026. They will live in the zoo’s Living Treehouse alongside Luna, the resident female black-and-white ruffed lemur.
Why two males for one female
The pairing follows lemur social structure rather than working against it. Females are dominant in lemur societies and sit at the center of the group’s social dynamics, so it is normal for a female to have several male mates.
The brothers are not on view yet. They are completing a routine behind-the-scenes quarantine before moving into the Living Treehouse. After that they will meet Luna, then gradually the other lemurs sharing the habitat: ringtailed lemurs Julius and Neal, and crowned lemurs Sava and Xonsu.
Those introductions take time. Zoo Atlanta runs them gradually, pacing each step to the social dynamics and comfort of the individual animals involved.
A species running out of room
Every one of the more than 100 lemur species lives only on Madagascar, and a great many are at risk of extinction. Black-and-white ruffed lemurs (Varecia variegata) are listed as Critically Endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature.
Deforestation is the main pressure, on an island that is one of the planet’s best-known biodiversity hotspots. The second is collection for the illegal pet trade.
“SSP recommendations such as theirs are vital to the long-term success and viability of animal populations in zoological care,” said Gina Ferrie, PhD, Vice President of Collections and Conservation. “And each time our Members and guests experience meeting an endangered species, especially a species as endangered as black-and-white-ruffed lemurs are, we have an opportunity to share more about the challenges facing that species’ counterparts in the wild, where our help is more needed than ever.”
The pet trade problem
Zoo Atlanta used the arrival to make a point about the trade in wild animals, which it called an emerging conservation crisis across many species.
Animals taken from the wild for buyers often suffer badly, and many do not survive capture and transport. Primates in particular need specialized care that makes them unsuitable as pets. The AZA runs a public campaign on the issue at NotAPet.net.
Zoo Atlanta is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums.
Common questions about black-and-white ruffed lemurs
Where do black-and-white ruffed lemurs live?
Only on Madagascar. All of the more than 100 lemur species are found on that island and nowhere else in the wild.
Are black-and-white ruffed lemurs endangered?
They are listed as Critically Endangered by the IUCN. Their main threats are deforestation and collection for the illegal pet trade.
When will Sora and Kairi be visible to visitors?
Not immediately. Both are completing a routine quarantine behind the scenes before they move into the Living Treehouse and begin gradual introductions to the lemurs already living there.
