In honor of Island Of Lemurs: Madagascar opening in IMAX theaters, I headed on over to Jungle Island in Miami this past Monday.
While I was there I was able to learn about Lemurs and I was also to interact with them.
I was also able to interview renowned Latina Anthropologist, and Lemur expert, Mireya Mayor.
What makes Lemurs so fascinating?
Well…they come in array of colors and sizes. There are more than 90 species. They are amazing and spectacular animals all living in very different habitats. They are very social and smart. There are so many cool things about them that it’s hard to list.
Any interesting facts about Lemurs?
The male ring tailed lemurs will aim stink at another male and the stinkiest male wins. They are amazing dancers and some of them are incredible singers.
So is it true that some of them like to move it move it?
Some of them definitely like to move it move it and I will say that some of them are better dancer than others. But I probably shouldn’t say which so that I won’t hurt their feelings. Depicting them as dancers isn’t necessarily a lie.
Have you seen the movie Island Of Lemurs: Madagascar?
Yes, many times
Do you think Island Of Lemurs: Madagascar accurately portrays lemurs and their danger of becoming extinct?
The biggest complaint I’ve heard about the film is that people wish it was longer because it is so entertaining and captivating.
It definitely covers the really important points in a way that kids and adults alike are learning about a magical and mysterious place and these amazing animals with weird behaviors and features. It really captures the sad and the happy and that’s the reality…The movie was able to capture things I thought they would never be able to do because it’s logistically challenging to capture the special moments. The imagery is like no other documentary.
Why are Lemurs in danger of becoming extinct?
There are a lot of threats to the lemurs. You have an overly populated place that practices something called slash and burn agriculture where they slash and burn the forest down to grow rice, which is the main staple for the people there. Because the soil in Madagascar is so poor in nutrients they can only yield one or two crops so they have to burn another big patch of forests. So the reality is that less than 10 percent of the original forest is still there.
What do you hope is the biggest takeaway from the movie?
I hope people walk away feeling very inspired… And that people ask themselves “what can I do to help?”.
What is one of the key messages of Island Of Lemurs: Madagascar?
The movie really emphasizes the dangers and the threats to the lemurs, the allure and mystery of the lemurs and about how you can follow your dreams.
What can we do to help?
Simply bringing awareness and being informed. Awareness is key
Want to learn more about Lemurs, then you should definitely watch Island Of Lemurs: Madagascar which is now in theaters!
