Lemurs’ Park. Lemurs on a daytrip from Antananarivo
How to see lemurs on a daytrip from Antananarivo? Lemurs' Park is a private park, located at the gates of the capital, where you can also watch a dozen species of endemic birds and chameleons, turtles, etc. The site is also a botanical park. The lemurs in this park are free, so it´s not a Zoo. It's a good place to visit if you haven't had the chance to see lemurs elsewhere, or if you need one final lemur fix before you go!
This place is not only an ecotourism montage made by any love of green color and targeting a clientele with high purchasing power. It also has a history that, by some sides and all proportions kept, is not reminiscent of the good Samaritan. Unlike closely since the beginning, many rescued dealt with Lemurs' Park are lemurs saved from abuse. They found here a biotope specially designed to restore their normal life conditions. Most of the animals are former pets or individuals that were threatened in their natural habitat, and the reserve has a breeding program together with other private sanctuaries.
The reserve sits within a lush botanical garden, where pine forests shelter some 70 species of endemic plants. Nestled on a bend of the River Katsaoka, the 5-hectare park is a beautiful and tranquil spot.
You will find nine species of lemur at this private reserve, there are about 50 individual lemurs including Coquerel sifakas, ring-tailed lemurs and black-and-white ruffed lemurs, Mongoose Lemur, Common Brown Lemur, Crowned sifaka, Eastern lesser bamboo Lemur.
Even tho the park is small, and the lemurs are harmless will you be accompanied by a knowledgeable guide, that will tell you everything you need to know, so you will have no problem getting a close-up photo or even a selfie with some of them. Don’t get too close to the lemurs or try to feed them, even though they are highly used to people now.
There´s a small restaurant and souvenir shop at the entrance to the park. The restaurant sells simple dishes and cold drinks. The Souvenir shop sells the same things at you will find in any Maki shop in the city center, but at a higher price here. But the profit here goes straight back to the park.
Watch more photos about Lemurs' Park here.