A shy lemur from Britain is being urged to overcome his fears and woo his Australian companion to help their at-risk species survive.
The black-and-white ruffed lemurs, named Tsiky and Kintana, have moved in together as part of a breeding program at Altina Wildlife Park in southern New South Wales.
The species is native to Madagascar and is considered critically endangered due to deforestation and poaching, with fewer than 10,000 remaining.
The park’s animal manager, Rebecca Surian, said female Kintana had “masses of personality”, while male Tsiky was “shy but stunning”.
She said the program would help conserve the species.
“Fingers crossed Tsiky falls in love with Kintana really quickly,” she said.
“You know, dinner, roses, wine, chocolate and hopefully baby lemurs in the future.”Both animals settled into the Darlington Point zoo quickly, eating fruit and vegetables from their zookeeper’s hands within minutes of entering the enclosure.
Tsiky was transported to New South Wales from Hamerton Zoological Park in England, and Kintana from Queensland’s Darling Downs Zoo.
It is hoped the introduction of Tsiky will boost the genetic diversity of the Australian lemur population to make the species healthier and more durable.
“Australia being a nice big island means genetics are limited unless importation happens very often,” Ms Surian said.
“His offspring will then be sought after to be bred with other Australian animals that are not related to Kintana, so it will hopefully kickstart a few other breeding programs at zoos.”
In Malagasy, the language spoken in Madagascar, Tsiky means “to smile” and Kintana translates into “stars”.
