As Valentine’s Day approaches, the ring-tailed lemurs at Knockhatch Adventure Park in Hailsham, East Sussex, have been treated to a special festive feast. The park’s zookeepers prepared a carefully crafted menu designed to provide both nutrition and enrichment for the endangered primates.
Zookeeper Alana Laye-Flurrie, 25, created a Valentine’s-themed vegetable charcuterie featuring sweet potatoes, red peppers, and broccoli, all topped with fragrant red rose petals. The meal was designed to reflect the lemurs’ natural diet while adding a seasonal twist.
“Lemurs are herbivores, and in the wild, they eat flowers, stalks, and leaves,” said Ms Laye-Flurrie. “We chose these particular vegetables for their nutritional benefits, and the rose petals as a special Valentine’s touch. Sweet potatoes are a firm favourite among our troop, and the red peppers add a little variety.”
The Knockhatch ring-tailed lemurs are part of a conservation programme highlighting the threats these animals face in the wild. Native to Madagascar, their population has been severely impacted by deforestation, with an estimated 2,000 remaining in their natural habitat. The park’s troop has recently grown with the birth of two sets of rare twins, making enrichment activities like the Valentine’s feast even more important for their development.
Zookeepers placed the vibrant spread inside the lemur enclosure, sparking immediate curiosity from the troop. After a few tentative sniffs, the lemurs eagerly tucked into the meal, delighting visitors who had gathered to watch. The rose petals, in particular, proved to be a hit among the animals.
“It’s always rewarding to see the lemurs engaging with new forms of enrichment,” said Ms Laye-Flurrie. “This Valentine’s feast was no exception. They seemed to enjoy the different textures and colours, and it was wonderful to see them displaying their natural behaviours.”
The event also served to raise awareness of the plight of ring-tailed lemurs in the wild. As one of Madagascar’s most iconic species, they face ongoing threats from habitat destruction and the illegal pet trade. Knockhatch Adventure Park works to educate visitors about these issues while contributing to conservation efforts.
For now, the lemurs at Knockhatch will continue to enjoy their carefully curated diets and enrichment activities, with zookeepers constantly finding new ways to stimulate their curiosity. With the success of this Valentine’s treat, visitors may see more themed meals introduced in the future.
Knockhatch Adventure Park, home to a variety of animals and attractions, welcomes visitors throughout the year. More information on its conservation efforts and upcoming events can be found at www.knockhatch.com.