Mystery Lemur Found Wandering Loose in Houston Park

Animal rescuers in Texas received a surprising call about a lemur wandering in a park. The report prompted curiosity, as they initially suspected it could be an unusual raccoon instead.

Toby's Wildlife Management & Pest Control announced on social media that their team was dispatched to investigate a reported lemur sighting in Bear Creek Park, Houston. The team expressed their astonishment, stating, "We were extremely skeptical and thought it may be a raccoon that was acting oddly, which could indicate rabies."

According to the caller, someone had collected the lemur but left the scene, only to return and abandon the animal again in the park.

As rescuers drove to the location, they were pulled over for speeding. The post explained, "We poked our head out the window, apologized for speeding, and explained who we were and where we were going." Thankfully, the police officer was relieved, stating, "OH GOOD!! I'm headed that way now and I NEED YOUR HELP! Follow me!" This led to the rescuers being safely escorted to the park.

Upon their arrival, the crew confirmed that the wandering animal was a ring-tailed lemur. This primate, native to Madagascar, appeared to be someone's pet due to its friendly demeanor, quickly climbing into the rescue team's car. "He is friendly and extremely smart. This is the wildest story in our over 23 years of experience," commented the rescue team.

In Texas, lemurs qualify as exotic pets, necessitating a permit for legal ownership. The lemur has been named Lenny by the rescuers. He will be evaluated for a microchip. If no permit-holding owner emerges, the rescue team intends to find him a new home at a sanctuary or zoo.