We have a long-standing interest in Madagascar, which reflects in the animals we have at the zoo.
We have so many lemurs that they have their own page!
Madagascan Giant Jumping Rats
We currently have a pair of Madagascan jumping rats, Kirindy (female) and Kuzco (male). They are approximately the size of a chinchilla, and if frightened they can jump up the a metre into the air.
They are classed as an
Endangered Species and are part of a breeding programme to build a population in zoos. So far 16 zoos are
taking part, including the Isle of Wight Zoo.
Meller's Ducks
We also have a breeding pair of Meller's ducks. For many years
scientists overlooked these birds, as they resemble a female mallard. However on close inspection they have slightly different bills, and they also differ from mallards in that males have the same colouring as females.
They have now been confirmed as an
Endangered Species, and the Isle of Wight Zoo is participating in their breeding programme.
Lesser Tenrecs
Tenres are small mammals that look like hedgehogs but are actually
unrelated to them. They eat insects, and are able to curl up like hedgehogs. At the moment they are not considered threatened, and have a conservation status of
Least Concern.
Madagascan Day Gecko
Madagascan day geckos are bright green and can grow up to 22cm in length. The are currently classed as a
Vulnerable Species.
Standing's Gecko
Standing's day geckos are a
vulnerable species. They are green and can grown up to 28cm.
Madagascan Tree Boa
The Madagascan tree boa is a
Vulnerable Species of snake. They can grow to five feet long.
Madagascan Hissing Cockroach
Madagascan hissing cockroaches are a wingless variety of cockroach that are are able to hiss by forcing air through tiny holes called spiracles. They usually live off-show, but in the Summer we sometimes use them for bug handling sessions. They do not yet have an official conservation status.