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Lemurs are some of the most amazing primates in the world. These furry animals are only found in Madagascar, an island off the coast of Africa. On this episode of The Children’s Hour, the Kids Crew and Katie Stone meet Faye Goodwin, an educator from the Duke Lemur Center in North Carolina. Together they explore what makes lemurs unique, how they live, and the challenges they face in the wild.

We discover that lemurs are the earliest primates on Earth, and that our family tree connects to theirs going back more than 65 million years. Listeners find out why lemurs are often mistaken for other animals, what makes their noses “wet,” and how their special tooth comb helps them groom. We also learn about ring-tailed lemurs and their “stink fights,” the role of their long tails in climbing cliffs, and what they eat—from fruits and leaves to bugs and even flowers.

The show explains why Madagascar is the only place in the world where lemurs live naturally, and how humans cutting down forests has put them in danger. Faye Goodwin describes how the Duke Lemur Center works to save these animals by studying them, protecting their habitat, and helping people in Madagascar find ways to grow food without destroying more forest. 

Listeners learn about megalatipus, extinct giant lemurs, as well as predators like the fossa, and how climate change is affecting the survival of lemurs as a species.

We also hear from Extinction Diaries, who explain just how endangered lemurs are and why it’s so important to act now. This episode is full of surprising facts, fascinating science, and real-world solutions that show how everyone can help protect lemurs.

Lemurs was written and produced by our Executive Producer, Katie Stone, with production help from Sarah Gabrielli and Thaniel Lentz. Amber Shiel writes our learning guides, which you can find at childrenshour.org.

Our theme music is by C.K. Barlow.

The Children’s Hour is produced by The Children’s Hour Inc., a New Mexico nonprofit organization, and distributed by Native Voice One, the Native American Radio Network. © 2025 The Children’s Hour Inc. All Rights Reserved

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