Lemur Conservation Foundation

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 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

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.