Zoo Ostrava Pioneers European Sanctuaries for Endangered Blue-Eyed Lemurs

Sclater’s lemur is the only primate species known to have blue eyes. The males have black fur, while the females are rusty brown. Like other lemurs, they are found only in Madagascar, specifically in a small region on the Sahamalaza Peninsula in the northwestern part of Madagascar. Although the exact size of their wild population isn’t completely clear, estimates suggest there are between 2,700 and 6,950 individuals. Alarmingly, there has been an 80% decline in their numbers over the past 25 years. The main threat to these lemurs is the loss of their natural habitat, primarily caused by agricultural activities (like deforestation and creating cattle pastures) and hunting. They are classified as endangered on the international Red List of Threatened Species Critically Endangered (Critically Endangered), which is the last classification before they are considered extinct in the wild (Extinct in the Wild).

Sclater’s lemur is one of the world’s most endangered primates

Zoos are working hard to sustain a population of Sclater’s lemurs through breeding programs, but the number of successful births is quite low. Right now, seven European zoos have a total of 19 individuals. The challenges in breeding stem from consistent low birth rates and high levels of young lemur mortality. Experience has shown that only those lemurs who are raised by their mothers reproduce successfully later on. The Ostrava Zoo has been breeding Sclater’s lemurs since 2004 and is one of the few places where this effort has met with success. So far, 12 cubs have been born at this zoo, with 4 of them successfully raised by their mothers. In 2005, Ostrava Zoo became a member of the non-profit organization AEECL (Association for Research and Conservation of Lemurs), which supports the global Sahamalaza rescue initiative. This project includes over 30 zoos and aims to safeguard the fragile biodiversity in Madagascar. The Sahamalaza project not only focuses on the conservation of Sclater’s lemurs but also aims to protect other unique Madagascan animals and plants, along with the overall ecosystem. Their efforts include building schools, improving farming practices, educating children, installing drinking wells, and reforesting areas.

Creating breeding centres as a last chance for rescue

Due to a dramatic decline in the number of these animals, zookeepers and the coordinator of the European Ex Situ Programme (EEP) for Sclater’s lemurs have decided that establishing breeding centres for this species is the last hope for saving them. These centres will gather several pairs of lemurs to encourage breeding. Two of these European centres have already been established: one at Mulhouse Zoo in France and another at Apenheul Primate Park in the Netherlands. The rescue project relies on the generous collaboration of four additional zoos that have lent out their animals for this important cause, which are very popular among zoo visitors. Along with these efforts, Ostrava Zoo contributed by sending a pair of Sclater’s lemurs to Mulhouse Zoo at the end of August 2025. Meanwhile, the older male remains in the breeding area at Ostrava. Other participating zoos include Zoo Cologne (Germany), Zoo La Palmyre, and Calviac Zoological Reserve (France).

World Lemur Day is observed on the last Friday of October. Its purpose is to raise awareness about the threats facing these unique Madagascan primates and to inspire people to take action to save lemurs from becoming completely extinct. The Zoological Garden and Botanical Park Ostrava has long been dedicated to protecting lemurs. All visitors to the Ostrava Zoo contribute to the effort to save Sclater’s lemurs through a donation of 5 crowns included in their admission fee, which supports the Sahamalaza project.