World Lemur Day

Yesterday was the first ever World Lemur Day. Students from Bangor University joined forces with the Welsh Mountain Zoo to raise awareness and funds for lemur conservation in Madagascar. Bangor University has close links with the Mangabe rainforest in eastern Madagascar. This new protected area is managed by the NGO Madagasikara Voakajy; a number of their staff have had training in Bangor. For example the manager of the Mangabe project Voahirana Randriamamonjy, did an MSc in conservation at Bangor University funded by the UK government’s Darwin Initiative.

The students all wore stripy lemur tails and organised lemur face painting, a lemur treasure hunt, and a colouring competition. They were also on hand to answer the public’s questions about lemur conservation at the ‘meet the lemurs’ enclosure: Lemur Lookout.

Julie Razafimanahaka, the director of Madagasikara Voakajy in Madagascar, says ‘We are delighted to have the support of the Welsh Mountain Zoo and Bangor University in our efforts to conserve lemurs in the Mangabe forests of Madagascar. It is wonderful that people in Wales can learn about our work, have a great day out and contribute to lemur conservation.’

Voahirana Randriamamonjy, who manages the Mangabe project says ‘I studied conservation at Bangor University so it is wonderful that the current crop of Bangor students are maintaining the links I set up between Madagascar and the Welsh Mountain Zoo and organised this brilliant event to educate children about the wonders of Madagascar’s wildlife.’

The day’s activities raised £140 for lemur conservation.

Publication date: 30 October 2014