Week 7: Nesting Box Breakthrough

Even weeks after the installation of nesting boxes in the exhibits, the lemurs had yet to actually enter the nesting boxes. Instead, they would use the top of the boxes as a perch. With the change from shaving to hay as a cushion, the lemurs have begun to reside inside the nesting boxes. While it is a possibility that seasons have influenced their behavior as they often give birth around spring and nests are used as a safe place for the babies to stay, such a sudden shift immediately after the change in materials suggests otherwise.

I’m not completely sure why straw would make such a huge change, and I could not find anything online that might explain it. Straw seems to be the standard over shaving, but it is also unclear why that is true. Ally enjoys munching on the straw, so that may play a part. While I might not be able to explain why the lemurs prefer it, it is certainly a welcome improvement. Such a small change can make a huge difference, which just proves the importance of every tiny adjustment.

Here are some photos of Ally enjoying the nesting box (featuring sleepy Razoky).

Unfortunately, I could not get any photos of Meva in the nesting box, but she has been sighted multiple times.