Lemurs are also the smallest primates on Earth, their maximum length is 5 -6 inches (13-15 cm ) and they weigh an average of 30 grams. They are now endangered mammals on Earth.
Their cost:
Lemurs are very expensive.
The cost of a baby lemur is around 2500 dollars although this can vary and ruffed lemurs even cost more which is around 4500 – 6000 dollars. However, their needs can cost much higher i.e. their enclosure, veterinary bills, and their continuous need for enrichment. Owning a lemur is a pride in itself. They may cost higher but being exotic pets, they are worth it. For instance, a lemur’s food, vet care, and extra extensive care can cost around 3000 dollars per year.
Lemurs need a wide variety of expensive fresh fruits which again add more to their maintenance. A lemur will consume a range of green leafy vegetables, and various fruits according to their breed. Their diet includes carrots, bananas, melons, sweet potatoes, and even flowers. Their food needs cost 10 – 25 dollars each week. An outside enclosure will cost another 200-400 dollars depending on its size.
Other most important things are their toys, blankets, hammocks, and bathing accessories extremely needed for their enclosure and can cost up to 50 dollars. Even lemurs can’t be trained so properly, so they will need diapers as well, which can cost about 8-10 dollars.
So the health and general welfare of lemurs can cost up to 2 lakh dollars over its lifespan which does not even include the initial price. And even if it is harder to find a vet who is ready to work with your lemur and if it does then definitely it gonna charge you much more than they would to treat a cat or a dog. They can live up to 25 years or more if proper care is taken. The overall conclusion according to the above information is that lemurs are really very expensive and they should only be brought if you are wealthy enough to give them an adequate environment.
Is it a good idea to make lemurs pet:
There is no doubt that lemurs are adorable creatures but it is not a good choice to make them pets. The most important factor is their cost which we have already discussed that they are way too expensive. Not their cost only they can’t be trained properly as well like a dog or a cat. Even with time, they become dangerous and aggressive. They are vocal animals and can be very loud and screechy sometimes.
Their presence also increases the risk of diseases as they can easily transmit disease to you through parasites or viruses.
Lemurs are smelly pets. Both males and females are scents marked with chest and anal glands. Male lemurs even have special scent glands due to which they smell bad. They also have loose poop to disperse seeds in the wild and they also can’t be house – train. Due to this, they become very messy. If you are someone who loves hygiene or cleanliness, then you shouldn’t buy lemurs.
Unlike a cat or a dog, lemurs are not domestic animals. They are wild animals and they also want to be in that wild, free environment. They also like to stay in groups means a lemur will need more lemurs to be happy and social at your place. Owning a single lemur is cruel to its health. Even separating an infant lemur from its mother will result in depression, abnormal behaviors, self-mutilation, and aggression.
Question 1) Is it legal to own a lemur?
Answer: In some states in the US, it is perfectly legal to own a lemur. But in some countries, it is illegal also. So you must check before buying one.
Question 2) Can lemurs hurt people?
Answer: Yes, lemurs can bite, scratch, and can cause serious injury to humans.
Question 3) Can lemurs be maintained at a low cost?
Answer: It is not possible but if you try to do so, it will be an injustice to them because they won’t get enough necessities.
Question 4) What diseases do lemur carry?
Answer: Some parasites are present in their furs like pinworms and tapeworms which can cause diarrhea, dehydration, and weight loss in humans. They can also cause plague, typhus, and scabies.
