The Duke Lemur Center has named Albus, a one-year-old Coquerel’s sifaka, as its 2024 Lemur of the Year.
He succeeds last year’s inaugural winner, blue-eyed black lemur Kidman.
Albus was born in December 2023 and spent his first year as part of the center’s summer tour program. According to a news release, Albus quickly became a favorite with visitors, growing from an infant to a young adult during his time on tour.
Visitors of all ages have cited Albus as their favorite lemur from the tour, and a plush Coquerel’s sifaka has become one of the center’s best selling items.
Albus has participated in non-invasive research on infant grip strength, a study which might shed light on the evolution of primates’ grasping hands. He also takes part in positive reinforcement training and has learned how to voluntarily pose for a tail shave.
He was selected as the center’s Lemur of the Year following a poll sent to Duke Lemur Center staff. Technicians, veterinarians, researchers, educators and administrators were given the opportunity to nominate a lemur for the award.
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