Lemurs are among the most endangered primates in the world, with over 100 species native exclusively to Madagascar. Zoo populations serve a critical conservation role but require sophisticated social and environmental management.
Lemur welfare in zoos depends critically on social group integrity. Removing individuals from established groups causes significant stress and disrupts complex dominance hierarchies. Female hierarchy in ring-tailed lemurs means management must account for social rank when introducing new animals. Scent marking opportunities are behavioural necessities, not optional enrichment — lack of suitable substrate causes frustration. Seasonal animals like lemurs require photoperiod management to allow natural hormonal cycles including breeding season and the torpor-like periods of fat-tailed dwarf lemurs. Welfare assessment should track scent-marking frequency, grooming networks, and agonistic behaviour rates as indicators of social stability.