A collared lemur became Billy No Mates when fellow primates picked a fight and expelled him from their gang.
But quick-thinking keepers came up with a bright idea to re-introduce Pipkin to his old pals in Lemur Wood.
Assistant Section Head of Primates, Pat Stevens, explained: “Primates recognise each other’s scent and this plays a huge role in patterns of dominance within a social hierarchy.
“Until the fallout Pipkin was the social leader in his group, but as all lemurs smell the same, we decided to use a bit of baby talcum powder to get him back in with his friends and accepted again.
“We gave all of the lemurs a good soaking with a hosepipe before applying the talc and were then able to reintroduce Pipkin they were all far too occupied with the new smell to start a fight.”
She added:?”It worked like magic and Pipkin is now much happier.”Lemur Wood is home to more than 30 free-roaming lemurs.
The species originates from the island of Madagascar and is endangered due to habitat destruction.
CAPTIONS: TOP: Assistant Section Head of Primates, Pat Stevens, showers baby talc over ruffed lemurs.
LEFT: Black and white ruffed lemur, Pipkin, returns to his mates in Lemur Wood.
