Yo-Yo, the ring-tailed lemur

I just found out from the zoological sanctuary that my adopted 5-year-old male ring-tailed lemur's name is "Yo-Yo" (pictured above) and his twin sister's name is "Bungee". He also has another younger sis named "Kinsa."

Apparently, ring-tailed lemurs in a normal circumstances live in groups ranging from five to 30 individuals. Within a group, males and females have their own dominance hierarchies, but females generally dominate the males.

So with only his two sisters to pick on him endlessly, I imagine Yo-Yo has it pretty tough at the sanctuary. I can relate to being the only male (and dominated by women) in a household.

The secret to living with dominant women or female lemurs, Yo-Yo? Make it a point to have your own well-marked male space, Yo-Yo. Lemurs will often mark their territories (and each other) with their scent glands. I just use Giorgio Armani to mark mine. In aggressive encounters, lemurs will wave scent-smeared tails at their rivals -- like spraying your sweat-cologne in some other male's face.

Also, Yo-Yo, eat your primate biscuits, and fruits and veggies quickly. When the ladies see you eat too slow and peacefully, it spurs an urge in them to pick at you and/or start giving you things to do.

Lastly, remember how special you are, Yo-Yo. There are only 22 species left (of a total of 36) since arrival of humans on Madagascar 2,000 years ago. Ring-tailed lemurs are endangered as a species because of habitat destruction. David, the adoptive dad of Yo-Yo

Sent from my iPhone

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Don't panic: I'm now the proud dad of a lemur

Today, May 11, 2011, marks the day that I forgot to bring my towel, made an attempt at flying, also tried to stick a fish in my ear, and also adopted an adorable ringtailed lemur who lives under the shelter and protection of the Heritage Zoological Sanctuary in Prescott, Ariz.

Yes, I intend to post pictures soon! (of the lemur, not the other stuff) (the one above is from Wiki)

Today is also the 10th anniversary of the death of Douglas Adams, author of The Hitcher's Guide series and the person who I credit largely for piquing my interest in everything from reading, to writing, to science, to wondering if it's really possible to stick a fish in one's ear without it falling out, to environmental activism, and to appreciating our distant cousins, the lemurs.

In a way, I adopted a lemur to honor him. Because, as he once said, “To give real service you must add something which cannot be bought or measured with money, and that is sincerity and integrity.”

He also said, "In order to fly, all one must do is simply miss the ground." (and I failed!) 

My ringtailed lemur is an orphan and a twin, born in the sanctuary. He or she (as I don't know yet what sex the lemur is yet, or his or her name) has a loveable, playful personality whose only vice is the occasional shove he she gives to his or her twin.

I'm also told that when his or her mother died he or she huddled together with her brother or sister refusing to play for several days. It was out of fear and, perhaps, mourning.

Anyway, my lemur is an orphan no more. My kids will be so excited to hear they now have a lemur brother or sister. I think someone should also adopt or sponsor the other twin, please. (Visit the zoo website here.) 

If you don't know much about lemurs, the best thing to know is that they are only found on the island of Madagascar, and the second best thing to know is that you can learn a little about their story by watching the first part of the video below of a speech given by Douglas Adams entitled, "Parrots, the Universe and Everything."

Also, see BBC Nature video of David Attenborough's "Madagascar."

Also, see The Guardian's excellent piece: "So Long, Douglas Adams, and Thanks for All The Books."

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