Lemurs are the world's most endangered group of mammals, facing habitat loss and hunting in Madagascar while welfare in captivity varies widely.
Wild lemurs face existential threats from deforestation and hunting, representing one of the worst conservation crises globally. Captive lemurs - whether in zoos, research facilities, or as illegal pets - often suffer from inappropriate diet, social isolation, and inadequate space. The illegal pet trade subjects lemurs to extreme stress during capture and transport, with high mortality rates. Even well-managed captive populations struggle to provide the complex social and environmental stimulation these intelligent primates require. Conservation of wild habitat is ultimately essential for lemur welfare at scale.