Programs and results
What we aim to solve
More than 98% of the 100+ species of lemur on the planet are threatened or endangered.
Our programs
What are the organization's current programs, how do they measure success, and who do the programs serve?
Managed Breeding
The Lemur Conservation Foundation works to conserve and protect five lemur species at its reserve in Myakka City, FL and 11 found in the two protected areas in Madagascar supported by LCF. Today, 95% of the world’s lemur population is bordering on extinction. In Florida, the Foundation's managed breeding program is vital to preserving a genetic safety net for wild lemur populations. From 2014 to 2018, LCF experienced a remarkable baby boom. During this five-year time period, the total number of lemur births was 35, equal to the total number of births during the entire first 15 years of LCF's history. In 2018, LCF welcomed important additions to the collared and mongoose lemur populations. These births were particularly significant because of the status of these populations. With collared lemurs designated as endangered and mongoose lemurs as critically endangered, every infant helps to ensure the survival of their species. Successful births continued; the latest, Frezy, a red ruffed lemur, was born on May 25, 2020.
Education and Research
Scientific study is central to LCF's mission. Accredited by the AZA, the Myakka City, FL reserve encompasses fenced forests where many of the lemurs range freely. This habitat invites authentic behaviors, enabling scientific research and field training program opportunities to study lemur colonies under natural conditions. Approved projects include access to the Mianatra Center for Lemur Studies and the Anne & Walter Bladstrom Library, more than 20 areas of inhabited forest and enclosures, on-site housing and logistical support. Professors bring students to the reserve for intensive field schools incorporated into for-credit courses at their universities. Students observer lemurs in a controlled but natural setting, allowing future primatologists to gain valuable, first-hand field experience. A robsut internship program attracts students from around the country. LCF also conducts age- and audience-specific classes and presentations to discuss how Madagascar's environmental crisis impacts the island's ability to sustain viable populations. LCF uses social media and technology to promote engagement and learning about lemurs, conservation and science. Its Mianatra Center for Lemur Studies combines office and meeting space with the Anne & Walter Bladstrom Library as a valuable educational resource.
The Ako Conservation Education Program
The Ako Conservation Education Program is an international environmental education program for grades K-5. This global success story started with a picture book titled Ny Aiay Ako (Ako the Aye-Aye), written by renowned primatologist and lemur biologist Dr. Alison Jolly. This single story has since grown into a six-book series with accompanying lesson plans, posters, and other educational materials.
Students love to dive into the Ako Program where story
and science converge. Fun and engaging
activities highlight key biological concepts such as food webs, animal
behavior, and taxonomy. The Ako Lemur
Lesson Plans meet national science education standards and also include a wide
range of other subjects from math to art. By encouraging environmental awareness, understanding, and appreciation,
the Ako Program will truly inspire students to connect with nature and motivate
conservation action.
This opportunity is made possible by Nature’s Path EnviroKidz, the Jolly family, UNICEF, the Liz Claiborne and Art Ortenberg Foundation, and the McCrae Conservation and Education Fund. This collaborative effort makes it possible to provide free Ako Conservation Education Kits to qualifying schools and/or educators.
Each Kit includes the following materials which allow teachers to engage students to make a positive difference for lemurs and other wildlife:
6 Ako Children's Books
6 Lemur Habitat Posters
21 Ako Lemur Lesson Plans
1 Ako Educator's Guide
1 Ako Aye-Aye Plush
Essential Oils - for use in the Ako lesson Survival Scents
Madagascar
LCF is working to protect Anjanharibe-Sud Special reserve in Madagascar and the 11 lemurs that call the it home. LCF is working with the Madagascar National Parks to increase park protection and in the communities surrounding the reserve to develop ways to decrease the reliance on forest resources. Dr. Erik Patel is also conducting lemur surveys to get a better understanding of the current status of the lemurs in the reserve, including the critically endangered silky sifaka and indri.
Where we work
Accreditations
Association of Zoos and Aquariums- Accreditation
External reviews

Photos
Videos
Our results
How does this organization measure their results? It's a hard question but an important one.
Number of animals in collection
This metric is no longer tracked.Totals By Year
Related Program
Managed Breeding
Type of Metric
Context - describing the issue we work on
Direction of Success
Increasing
Context Notes
Figures do not include animals permanently transferred or on loan to other Association of Zoos and Aquarium affiliated agencies. Seven lemurs were born in 2021; the current reserve population is 51.
Our Sustainable Development Goals
Learn more about Sustainable Development Goals.
Goals & Strategy
Reports and documents
Download strategic planLearn about the organization's key goals, strategies, capabilities, and progress.
Charting impact
Four powerful questions that require reflection about what really matters - results.
What is the organization aiming to accomplish?
The Lemur Conservation Foundation aims to ensure the survival of lemurs into the next century and beyond.
What are the organization's key strategies for making this happen?
The Lemur Conservation Foundation aims to grow existing and implement new programs to increase lemur populations and promote the conservation of rainforests. We will do this by working collaboratively with like-minded individuals and organizations around the globe and by providing high-quality educational, conservation and animal husbandry programs.
What are the organization's capabilities for doing this?
We have highly-trained and motivated staff in the United States and Madagascar, a skilled and dedicated board of directors and financial support.
What have they accomplished so far and what's next?
Financials
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Operations
The people, governance practices, and partners that make the organization tick.
Connect with nonprofit leaders
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- Analyze a variety of pre-calculated financial metrics
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Connect with nonprofit leaders
SubscribeBuild relationships with key people who manage and lead nonprofit organizations with GuideStar Pro. Try a low commitment monthly plan today.
- Analyze a variety of pre-calculated financial metrics
- Access beautifully interactive analysis and comparison tools
- Compare nonprofit financials to similar organizations
Want to see how you can enhance your nonprofit research and unlock more insights? Learn More about GuideStar Pro.
Lemur Conservation Foundation
Board of directorsas of 1/26/2022
Scott Riviere
Community Volunteer
Term: 2013 - 2022
John Alexander
Community Volunteer
Scott Riviere
Community Volunteer
Charlene Wolff
Tria Consulting LLC
Penelope Bodry-Sanders
Community Volunteer
Patricia Pantello
volunteer
Elizabeth Moore
Community Volunteer
John Freeman
Raymond James
Razia Said
Malagasy Artist
Jessie Williams
Health Care
Katharine McKenna
Artist
George Amato
American Museum of Natural History
Diane Ledder
Retired
Ann Fries
Retired
Organizational demographics
Who works and leads organizations that serve our diverse communities? GuideStar partnered on this section with CHANGE Philanthropy and Equity in the Center.
Leadership
The organization's leader identifies as:
Race & ethnicity
No data
Gender identity
No data
No data
Sexual orientation
No data
Disability
No data