Bandro, the Alaotran gentle lemur   Scientific name:   Hapalemur alaotrensis Animal Type:   Mammal Location:   Lac Alaotra the largest lake in Madagascar Conservation Status:   Critically Endangered Diet:   Bamboo, variety of marsh vegetation & papyrus reeds       Bandro is greedy and always first to greet the keepers at feeding time.

Bandro, the Alaotran gentle lemur

Bandro is a lovely lemur who adores meal times! She is an extremely good mother and has produced seven offspring since arriving in Jersey.  Gerald Durrell described these lemurs as “honey-coloured teddy bears”.

Adopt now »

Alaotran gentle lemur Profile

This Critically Endangered lemur lives only in the papyrus and reed beds surrounding Madagascar’s largest lake - Lac Alaotra.

Known locally as ‘bandro’, it is the only primate in the world whose habitat is confined to wetlands, and it is currently being eaten to extinction. The successful captive breeding and research programme we began at Durrell in 1990 now involves eight other zoos and provides a ‘safety net’, should the worst happen in the wild.

Adopt now »

Threats and challenges to the Alaotran gentle lemur

Although legally protected in Madagascar, gentle lemurs are still poached in large numbers for cheap meat. Their habitat is burned repeatedly to drive terrified lemurs towards the poachers’ clubs, and to improve access to lakeside pools for fishermen. The tremendous habitat loss that was occurring in the past, through burning and marshland drainage for agriculture, has thankfully been slowed down.

Our education programme involving communities around the lake has begun to persuade local people that it is in their interest to protect their marshland and regenerate its vegetation. The lemurs now need their mercy. The most recent figures from monitoring work show an alarming trend - in the last five years, 30% of the wild population has been lost, which leaves about 5000 in the struggle for survival.

Adopt now »

Durrell's involvement with the Alaotran gentle lemur

Our Durrell Madagascar team has been working with the local government to help establish a new legally protected area. In 2003, the entire Lac Alaotra area, over 722,000 hectares, was designated a protected area under the Ramsar Convention, an international treaty for the conservation and wise use of wetlands and their resources. In addition, Durrell staff in conjunction with the local people, finalised the creation of a new 43, 000 hectare protected area centred around the lake, helping to further safeguard the lemur habitat.

Adopt now »

Adoption packs

Adopters will receive an adoption folder containing the following based on Bandro, the Alaotran gentle lemur:

What's included Bronze Silver Gold A certificate Photograph Fact sheet Birth certificate Animal stickers Two issues of our ‘On the Edge’ magazine per year Regular news via our electronic newsletter ‘eNews’ Complimentary ticket to visit Durrell wildlife park in Jersey Your name listed on our website - Updates about your animal per year - A chance to enjoy a tour with one of our experienced volunteer tour guides, and spend time with your animal and their keeper - - All for just £3 pm £10 pm £55 pm

*Per month

Adopt now »

Where will my Alaotran gentle lemur donation money go?

Our dedicated conservationists can continue to work tirelessly in threatened habitats in our strategic conservation areas of islands and highlands worldwide. They will also battle to protect and conserve as much wildlife as they can.

Adopt now

Please pay for your adoption by Direct Debit if you can. Direct Debits are cheaper for us to administer, letting us spend more of your money on our vital conservation work. Direct Debits are also better for you because payments are made automatically and can be spread across the year and you won't be bothered with renewal forms. It will simply roll over until you request otherwise. However, you can make a single payment if you prefer.

Click here to view and print the direct debit payment form » » | or download it »

Or use the fom below to make a single payment...