Lemur found by Turlock resident now at Sacramento Zoo
Officials: Ring-tailed lemur likely part of illegal pet trade
A ring-tailed lemur found in the backyard of a Turlock home is now a resident at the Sacramento Zoo, officials said Thursday.
The Sacramento Zoo was contacted in December by a Turlock resident about a strange animal he found in his backyard.
He had done research on the Internet and felt confident the animal was a ring-tailed lemur, which is an endangered primate species.
The lemur was captured by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife and take to the Sacramento Zoo.
The lemur passed his quarantine period, had a full veterinary examination, received necessary vaccinations and a clean bill of health, zoo officials said.
However, from his behavior, it is clear the lemur has not lived with other lemurs and was likely obtained as part of an illegal pet trade, according to officials.
Ring-tailed lemurs are found only on the island of Madagascar, and it is illegal to possess lemurs in the state of California without a permit from the Department of Fish and Wildlife.
The Sacramento Zoo specializes in the care of exotic species and is well-equipped to care for the needs of the non-human primates. However, those who own them as pets are rarely able to manage the same level of care lemurs need, zoo officials said.
The zoo will be working to place the lemur in an appropriate home with other animals.