It is with a heavy heart the David Traylor Zoo has announced the passing of one of its oldest inhabitants.
Zoo Director Lisa Keith tells KVOE News Zoo staff had to make the difficult decision to euthanize 33-year-old Rodan (ROH-dan), a black and white ruffed Lemur, on Tuesday. Rodan came to the zoo back in 1989 with two brothers according to Keith.
Keith says euthanizing Rodan was not an easy decision, however, it was one they knew was coming over the past few years.
Keith says the median lifespan for the species is between 18-19 years old. According to Keith, Rodan is the second oldest Lemur within the Association of Zoos and Aquariums species survival plan.
Black and white ruffed lemurs are a critically endangered species and native to only the island of Madagascar. The David Traylor Zoo has worked in cooperation with the AZA to help cooperatively manage the species through the Species Survival Plan within accredited institutions.
Rodan leaves behind a female companion, Prissy, who came to the zoo in 2007. Keith says they are currently working with the AZA and will have a new male black and white ruffed lemur coming to the zoo in the spring.
