Endangered species like lemurs are disappearing fast enough due to deforestation and illegal trade in Madagascar. Many, but not all states in the U.S. prohibit ownership of exotic animals like kinkajous, monkeys and lemurs as pets. Most people aren't familiar with specific nutritional needs of the animal, or life expectancy. Many of these animals die from poor nutrition, disease, or become aggressive living in homes, or "enclosures" outside. Many online videos depict animals in diapers, eating pretzels, and listening to screaming children. These animals should be in the wild, or in controlled environments like the Duke Lemur Center, or Lemur Conservation where they can be cared for by trained professionals who care for their enrichment, as well as physical needs. 

Dealers in some states take babies from mother's before they have been weened. Lemurs are pack animals. They need to be around other lemurs, or they become too attached to one human and get aggressive towards other humans. Once their behavior turns sour, they are no longer wanted, but at this point difficult to place in a facility where they may not get along with other lemurs. Please help me to end exotic animals as pets nationally!