If you thought the weirdest creatures on Earth thrived in murky oceans and thermal vents, think again.
Today, two of the world’s rarest and largest nocturnal primates, called aye-ayes, join the collection at the Denver Zoo.
Salem and Ozony, respectively female and male, are both 7 years old and extremely “unique looking,” according to a zoo news release.
The pair have sleek, monkey-like bodies and thick, fluffy tails. Saucer-like ears flank their pointy faces, and wiry hair rings their necks. Each aye-aye has long fingers; the middle digit can be up to three times longer than the others and is used to pluck bugs from holes in trees.
The zoo last had an aye-aye 10 years ago, when Ozony’s father, Mestopheles, visited on loan. His popularity paved the way for Salem and Ozony’s arrival.
Visitors can see the pair in the Emerald Forest building inside Primate Panorama at the Denver Zoo, one of only three zoos that exhibit them.
Salem and Ozony, who are among only 23 aye-ayes in North American institutions, are classified as endangered by the World Conservation Union due to habitat loss in their native Madagascar and illegal hunting.
Although some native populations believe aye-ayes are an evil omen, metro residents are encouraged to come down to the zoo and judge for themselves.
Liv Gold: 303-954-1311 or lgold@denverpost.com
