The Idaho Falls Zoo will hold a birthday party for Rolf, the male red-ruffed lemur this Saturday, May 6 at 3:00 p.m. The average lifespan of a red-ruffed lemur is 15-20 years, so at 34 years old, Rolf definitely has a reason to celebrate!

Red-ruffed lemurs are among the top 10 most endangered primate species. Rolf is currently the oldest red-ruffed lemur in North America and quite possibly the oldest in the world!

Red-ruffed lemurs in captivity have been documented to live as long as 36 years, so Rolf only has a couple of years to go before he beats the documented species lifespan record.

Rolf was born at the San Diego Zoo on May 6, 1983, and he joined the Idaho Falls Zoo family in 1995.

Despite his advanced age, Rolf is in excellent health and enjoys spending his days with his companion, Ima, in their newly renovated exhibit next to the servals.

 “Zoo guests can’t miss Rolf’s distinct voice as he enthusiastically greets people who walk up to the exhibit,” states Sunny Katseanes, education curator.  “Vocalization is important in establishing territory and identifying each other among the forest-dwelling red-ruffed lemurs.”

There are 101 different types, or species, of lemurs, and they are all native only to the island of Madagascar. Red-ruffed lemurs are found in the rainforests and rarely leave the trees. Because they are specifically adapted to trees, the deforestation of much of Madagascar has resulted in the red-ruffed lemur becoming one of the most endangered lemur species in the world.

Join us for Rolf’s birthday party at 3:00 p.m. on Saturday at the red-ruffed lemur exhibit. “We’ll give Rolf some gifts to open that will contain his favorite yummy treats – grapes!” said Katseanes.

Media Note: For more information or to schedule an interview with zoo staff, contact Public Information Officer, Kerry Hammon.

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