Do I need to buy a general admission ticket to join the encounter?

Yes. The Red Ruff Lemur Encounter is an add-on experience; customers must purchase a general admission ticket to access the park before joining the encounter.

What are the age requirements?

Participants must be at least 5 years old. Anyone under 18 must be accompanied by an adult for the duration of the encounter.

How many people join each session?

Groups are limited to a maximum of six participants to keep interactions calm and focused for both guests and animals.

Will the lemurs jump on me?

Lemurs may jump onto guests during the session, but interactions are supervised by Sonora and guided to minimize stress—for safety follow all instructions provided by the guide.

Can I take photos and videos?

Yes; photos and videos are allowed but please disable flash and avoid loud noises. The guide will advise optimal moments for photos during the session.

Is the encounter accessible for visitors with mobility needs?

Accessibility varies; the encounter requires stepping into the exhibit. Contact the park ahead of your visit to discuss accommodations or alternative viewing options.

Red Ruff Lemur Encounter: Hands-On Ringtail Experience in Bonham, Texas

At northtexassafaripark just outside Bonham, Texas, the Red Ruff Lemur Encounter delivers twenty minutes of hands-on primate time that feels larger than the clock. Led by guide Sonora, small groups of up to six guests step into the ring-tailed lemurs' exhibit to feed, pet, and sometimes wear a lemur as it jumps from branch to shoulder. The scene is energetic: black-and-white tails whip like flags, bright eyes scan for treats, and the animals' vocal chirps punctuate the air. This is close, supervised access to one of Madagascar's most recognizable primates without a transoceanic flight.

Practical and playful, the encounter balances visitor access with animal welfare. Ring-tailed lemurs are native to Madagascar; their striped tail and social troop structure make them ideal for education. At northtexassafaripark the behavior-driven approach means Sonora keeps the group small and the interaction guided—guests learn about lemur diets, social signals, and why habitat protection matters. The encounter is an add-on to general admission and best for visitors ages five and up; under-18s must be accompanied by an adult.

What makes this experience distinct in the region is its intimacy and focus. In North Texas, where wildlife attractions are often behind fences and observation platforms, the Red Ruff Lemur Encounter invites low-impact, hands-on learning that still prioritizes the animals' comfort. You won't find a standard petting-zoo script here: the guide times feedings to avoid overstimulation, and the limited group size limits stress on the troop. For families, photographers, and anyone curious about primate behavior, those twenty minutes are surprisingly instructive.

Because this is an add-on to a general admission ticket, plan to arrive early on busy weekends—the park recommends reserving the encounter in advance through the booking link. Maximum six participants keeps interactions calm and ensures hands-on time for everyone. The experience doubles as a mini-lesson: Sonora explains how ring-tailed lemurs use scent marking and tail displays, and why captive programs can support field conservation in Madagascar through education and fundraising.

Timing and logistics are straightforward. The encounter runs about 20 minutes and is booked as a supplement to park admission; check the referral booking link to reserve a slot. Wear neutral clothing (lemurs are less startled by muted tones), leave scented lotions at home, and come prepared to listen—Sonora will cue you when to offer food or extend a hand. Visitors with mobility needs should contact the park directly; the encounter requires stepping into the exhibit under supervision.

Beyond the brief encounter, plan to stroll the park's other exhibits and educational displays to round out your visit. The Red Ruff Lemur Encounter is a short, high-value stop that brings wild close, teaches stewardship, and leaves you with a story you'll tell long after you've left Bonham.