(Schnecksville, PA) –It is with heavy hearts the Lehigh Valley Zoo announces the death of its male mongoose lemur, Devlyn, who passed away peacefully in the company of his care staff.

At 23 years old, Devlyn exceeded the average life expectancy for his species – which is typically 21 years old. His keepers lovingly referred to him as a “very sweet lemur who enjoyed socialization time;” an important part of his daily enrichment.

Devlyn greatly contributed to the LV Zoo community and his species as mongoose lemurs are critically endangered. Mongoose lemurs are important pollinators due to their preference for flowers. Sadly, every species of lemurs is endangered due to being endemic only to Madagascar and several surrounding islands. They are highly susceptible to habitat threats; and slash-and-burn agriculture has affected their population numbers while fragmenting forests has prevented populations from mingling.

As part of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), LV Zoo works continuously to help save species through Species Survival Plans (SSP) in accordance with AZA and its conservation efforts. Currently, the zoo is working with the SSP on recommendations for a male and female lemur that are genetically compatible and could potentially contribute to the SSP in the future.

Devlyn’s spunky and curious personality will greatly be missed both by those who would often observe him climbing the tree on Lemur Island as well as by the staff who provided his care. The LV Zoo appreciates the community’s support during this difficult time.

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As a member-supported non-profit organization, Lehigh Valley Zoological Society was founded in 2004, but as a treasured community landmark, the Zoo’s history spans over a century. Founded in 1906 by General Harry C. Trexler, a local industrialist, the Lehigh Valley’s Trexler Game Preserve has educated and entertained more than five million people.
Accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), the Lehigh Valley Zoo hosts year-round, family-friendly events and activities, educational programs, and camps. With a mission to create a safe, engaging and enlightening wildlife experience for guests of all ages, the Zoo demonstrates leadership in the cultural, scientific and conservation communities. To learn more about Lehigh Valley Zoo, we invite you to visit our website, www.lvzoo.org, or follow us on Facebook and Twitter.