Following the launch of Papilio Forest, the zoo has created a new home for the lemurs, milled in-house using reclaimed wood gathered from within five miles of the zoo.
The new habitat is located adjacent to the butterfly house and forms part of what is set to become a natural walkway through the unique Indian Ocean island of Madagascar.
The relocation of the reptiles to an adjoining space unifies the overall experience and houses species supported by the zoo’s Malagasy conservation partners.
The seven-strong lemur family is settling well into its new habitat and is becoming increasingly familiar and comfortable with its surroundings.
Chris Mitchell, Chief Executive Officer of the Welsh Mountain Zoo, commented: “We’re so pleased to see the lemurs settle in so well, after all we designed the space with their welfare in mind. The lemur relocation is a key element in our Madagascar project and takes us a step closer to the completion of our most ambitious project in several years.
“Considerable thought and planning has been given to this project that will see the Welsh Mountain Zoo replicate a remarkable corner of the world, characterised by extraordinary biodiversity and unique wildlife. We hope to have the project completed later this year when all the elements will be thoughtfully brought together into a unified experience.”
‘Madagascar’ will comprise three distinct spaces.
Upon entry, the first experience, ‘Papilio Forest’, presents a tropical environment filled with an array of butterflies, where visitors can observe the development of butterflies from egg, caterpillar and pupa to adult. The journey then continues into the reptile house, home to snakes, chameleons, spider tortoises, tarantulas and more.
The recently completed third phase is the new lemur enclosure, which brings together the wider Madagascan landscape.
The aim of the transformation is to bring the sounds and experience of Madagascar even closer to visitors.
Additional sensory elements will be introduced over the coming months to elevate the experience further.
The zoo has embarked on an ambitious development programme for the coming years, designed to enhance the visitor experience while sharing vital conservation messages and learning opportunities.