SINGAPORE - The Mandai Wildlife Group has reminded the public to avoid feeding animals at its attractions after a woman was photographed giving a red ruffed lemur a soft drink at the Singapore Zoo.
A photo posted by user Sgfollowsall on Instagram on March 15 shows a woman in a black jacket holding a can of soft drink to the primate’s mouth as she strokes its fur with her other hand. The post has garnered over 1,250 likes as at March 17.
In response to queries from The Straits Times, a Mandai Wildlife Group spokesperson confirmed the incident happened at the Fragile Forest walk-through biodome at the Singapore Zoo. The group did not provide details on the time and date of the incident.
The 20,000 cubic m biodome, which mimics a tropical rainforest habitat, has other free-ranging animals, such as the Malayan flying fox and the lesser mousedeer.
The red ruffed lemur, named Piddy, is classified as critically endangered in the Red List of Threatened Species compiled by the International Union for Conservation of Nature, which is a conservation group.
Piddy’s keepers said that she was “not affected” after consuming the soft drink.
However, the spokesperson has reiterated its policy for guests.
“Except in specific programmes which are managed by our animal care personnel, our park rules explicitly state that visitors are to refrain from touching and feeding the animals they encounter in the Mandai Wildlife Reserve’s parks and public spaces,” the spokesperson said.
It called on members of the public to practise social etiquette and be respectful towards animals and nature.
According to the Singapore Zoo’s website, the red ruffed lemur – known for its rust-red fur and jet-black face – is native to rainforests in the north-eastern part of Madagascar.
The primate usually grows to about 53cm and weigh about 3.6kg. They have a lifespan of 15 to 20 years in the wild, and up to 36 years in human care.
There are an estimated 29,000 to 52,000 red ruffed lemurs left in the wild, according to a 2020 ST report.
The species’ population is projected to decline by 80 per cent globally by 2048**,** according to wildlife conservation organisation New England Primate Conservancy.
It is threatened by habitat loss and illegal pet trades. In some areas, it may also be trapped and eaten as food.
In 2020, [twin red ruffed lemur babies](https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/twin-joy-for-singapore-zoo-with-birth-of-2-red-ruffed-lemur-babies) were born at the Singapore Zoo to its father, Bosco, and his mate Minnie.
The couple was specially matched for conservation breeding because of their compatibility.
* Sherlyn Sim is a journalist at The Straits Times who covers breaking news and current events.
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