Meet Our Bushbaby Brothers

What creature can turn its head 180 degrees, use its oversized ears like natural satellite dishes, and mark its territory and social partners with urine? The answer is the southern lesser galago, also known as the Moholi bushbaby.

Two brothers, Mopani and Damara, recently arrived at the Small Mammal House and quickly adapted to their new surroundings. These fascinating nocturnal primates have unique behaviors, impressive adaptations, and charming personalities. Keepers Kara Ingraham and Ann Gutowski share more about these remarkable animals.

Surprising Facts About Galagos

One behavior that often surprises visitors is urine washing. Both male and female galagos urinate on their hands and then spread the scent around their environment to mark territory.

They may also rub this scent onto other members of their social group, helping reinforce relationships and communication between individuals. While this behavior may seem unusual to humans, scent marking is an essential way for galagos to interact and share information.

Galagos also have incredible physical abilities. They can rotate their heads up to 180 degrees, allowing them to look around without moving their bodies. Their large ears are constantly adjusting and moving, working much like satellite receivers to detect sounds from different directions.

The Personalities of Mopani and Damara

Both brothers are energetic, curious, and adventurous. They are always eager to investigate their surroundings and explore new things.

So far, keepers have not noticed major personality differences between them. However, Damara sometimes appears slightly more cautious, taking a little extra time before approaching new situations or people.

How Keepers Identify the Two Brothers

Mopani and Damara look extremely similar, which can make telling them apart challenging.

To help distinguish between the brothers, keepers use a small shaved area near the end of Damara’s tail as an identifying mark. This allows staff to quickly recognize which galago they are observing.

What Do Southern Lesser Galagos Eat?

In their natural habitat, southern lesser galagos mainly feed on insects, fruits, and tree sap. They often gather around acacia trees, where they can collect and enjoy the nutritious sap.

At the Zoo, Mopani and Damara receive a varied diet that includes primate biscuits, vegetables, insects, and gum Arabic, a commercial product made from tree sap.

Although they enjoy different foods, insects are their favorite treat and they eagerly search for them whenever they are offered.

Favorite Enrichment Activities

Mopani and Damara especially enjoy activities involving insects. They love solving puzzle feeders and searching through foraging containers that hide bugs.

Their natural curiosity and determination make enrichment activities especially engaging for them. They also enjoy exploring different hiding areas, so keepers provide a variety of hammocks and shelters that can be changed regularly.

Another favorite activity is observing visitors through the glass. These little primates often spend time watching people, showing that their curiosity extends beyond their own environment.

Learning Important Healthcare Behaviors

As part of their daily care routine, Mopani and Damara are learning behaviors that allow them to participate voluntarily in their own healthcare.

One important skill they are practicing is stepping onto a scale when asked. Regular weight checks help keepers monitor their health, notice changes, and make adjustments to their diet if needed. Their cooperation is rewarded with their favorite treats—delicious insects.

They are also learning how to enter a clear transport box used for visits to the Zoo’s veterinary hospital. Keepers place treats inside the box to help them understand that it is a safe and comfortable space.

The goal is for the brothers to willingly enter the carrier on cue, making future medical examinations and transportation easier and less stressful.

How to Spot Galagos at the Zoo

Although southern lesser galagos are naturally nocturnal, visitors can see Mopani and Damara active during the daytime because their habitat uses a special reverse lighting schedule.

During regular Zoo hours, their enclosure is illuminated with red light, which the galagos do not perceive well. To them, the environment feels like nighttime, encouraging their natural behaviors.

When visitors arrive, they may see the brothers searching for insects, exploring enrichment activities, marking with urine washing, or relaxing near the viewing glass while observing people.

At night, galagos typically forage alone, while during the day they rest together and sleep closely beside one another.

Why Sharing Their Story Matters

Even travelers who visit the native range of southern lesser galagos in the savannah woodlands of southern Africa rarely have the chance to see these small nocturnal primates up close.

Through Mopani and Damara, Zoo visitors can develop a deeper understanding and appreciation for this unique species. Their playful behavior and active personalities help inspire people to learn more about bushbabies and the challenges they face.

Many galago species are affected by threats such as habitat destruction, capture for the illegal pet trade, and predators.

How You Can Help Protect Galagos

Everyone can contribute to protecting wildlife by following simple conservation practices. Reducing waste, reusing materials, and recycling help protect natural habitats.

When traveling, choose responsible ecotourism options and support organizations dedicated to wildlife conservation. Avoid close-contact experiences with primates, as these animals do not make suitable pets and human interaction can harm them.

Making thoughtful purchasing choices is also important. Avoid buying products made from animals, as these items may contribute to poaching and illegal wildlife trafficking.

Discover the World of Southern Lesser Galagos

Few people ever have the opportunity to encounter southern lesser galagos in person. A visit to the Small Mammal House offers a rare chance to meet Mopani and Damara and discover what makes these animals so special.

For those unable to visit in person, sharing their story with friends and family is another meaningful way to introduce others to these fascinating and unique primates.