Resist temptation … resist temptation …. Usually I use that mantra in the bake shop, but this time it was when I came across a beautiful pair of Ring-Tailed Lemurs for sale. Of course a quick glance in my wallet might have dissuaded me much more quickly than the mantra! Watching these cute, furry creatures cavort around their cage stuck with me long after I made my purchases and went home.

The ring-tail lemur is a primate that originates from Madagascar. The body is about 16-18 inches long and the tail is an impressive 24 inches long. They eat bark, flowers, insects, leaves, and tree sap. Ring-tail lemurs are very active and can live in excess of 20 years.

The legality of owning a lemur is dependent upon what state (US) you live in. It is illegal in many states to own any type of primate. Other states require bonds, registration, or partially restrict ownership (based on type). Always check your local laws before purchasing any type of exotic mammal.

Owning a primate can be very challenging. The lemur is very active (also meaning destructive), physically strong and cannot be litter or potty trained. They are social animals which will require a significant amount of your time or the addition of companion. They require a special diet and a lot of room to roam. Sexual maturity also causes their personalities to change. The lemur will begin attempting to establish dominance over their companions – you included. (Dominance behavior includes biting and scratching.). Finding a knowledgeable veterinarian can also be quite difficult.

Many universities and primate research centers do not advocate keeping primates of any type as a pet. The sad truth is many people are taken in by the cuteness and neediness of the animal when it is a baby, but they are not able to provide the type of care and interaction a lemur (any primate for that matter) requires -- especially as it grows into maturity. Many of the lemurs end up in sanctuaries or zoos. Keeping a lemur as an exotic pet is definitely not for the novice pet owner.

Despite the many drawbacks given, there are successful lemur caretakers in the private sector. If owning a lemur sounds enticing to you, please do your homework and take the time to learn everything you can before purchasing. The time, financial, and ethical commitments involved in lemur ownership are substantial and should not be undertaken on a whim such as love at first sight.

Want to know more? Try this book from Amazon.com: Mammals of Madagascar

Buy Lemurs posters and prints at Art.com