It’s Pup to You: Help Name Happy Hollow’s Red-Ruffed Lemurs! 

August 22, 2023

The two males are the first of this critically endangered species born at Happy Hollow in 14 years.

Two male red-ruffed lemur pups were born at Happy Hollow Park & Zoo on Friday, May 19 — a special start to Mother’s Day weekend for first-time lemur mom, Ally. Now, the community is invited to participate in naming the Zoo’s newest additions. 

Red-ruffed lemurs are named for the rusty-colored tufts of hair lining their ears and faces. The species is considered critically endangered in the wild due to habitat loss, wildlife trafficking, and climate change. Their natural habitat is limited to a small area of northeast Madagascar, where they inhabit tropical, moist lowland forest. 

“The birth of these pups is critical to both the survival of the red-ruffed lemur species and educating the public about their story,” said Amber Rindy, Happy Hollow Zoo Manager, “Nothing is more inspirational than seeing an endangered animal up close and making a connection. Our visitors will leave Happy Hollow inspired to take action to help the species and protect the world around them.” 

The prospective names for the new lemur pups all have special meanings in Malagasy, the national language of Madagascar. Everyone can vote on the prospective names for the new lemur pups, and the two names that receive the most votes will be the winners.

The six choices are: 

• Záza (Meaning: kid)  
• Fiti (Meaning: love) 
• Fiaro (Meaning: that which protects) 
• Maharo (Meaning: protect/defend) 
• Toky (Meaning: confidence) 
• Noro (Meaning: light/source of life) 

Cast your vote by Monday, August 28. The winning names will be announced on Wednesday, August 30. 

The two lemur pups live as a family unit at Happy Hollow with their mom, Ally, and dad, Razoky, as they would naturally if they lived in the wild. Razoky’s mom, now the pup’s grandmother, Meva, lives in the neighboring habitat. In the wild, red-ruffed lemurs live in matriarchal groups of two to 30 individuals. 

Happy Hollow Park & Zoo has been continuously accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums for over 30 years and participates in Species Survival Plan programs to safeguard animals like red-ruffed lemurs against extinction. These programs work to maintain and improve the genetic diversity of animals that are born in zoos while educating and inspiring the next generation of conservationists. 

Happy Hollow is currently open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. seven days a week, and lucky guests can catch a glimpse of the pups in the red-ruffed ruffed lemur habitat in the Zoo on the Hill.