Baby Ring-Tailed Lemur Pulled Away From Mother Prompts Officials to Seize 150 Animals from Dealer in Michigan

An animal dealer in Michigan had to surrender 150 animals to officials after he was reported to forcibly pull a baby ring-tail lemur from its mother.

Baby Ring-Tailed Lemur Pulled Away From Its Mother

A Monroe County man who has been charged with violating the Animal Welfare Act (AWA) and Endangered Species Act (ESA) will turn over nearly 150 animals.

Authorities claim that Zachery Keeler, of Even Keel Exotics LCC, and the Justice Department have reached an agreement to resolve the claims.

In order to interact with the public, Keeler allegedly separated a newborn ring-tailed lemur from its mother. Keeler then tried to sell the baby for $3,500, according to the lawsuit. Additionally, it alleges that he neglected to give his animals access to Animal and Plant Health Inspection Services as well as safe and sanitary surroundings and facilities.

The Animal Welfare Act and the Endangered Species Act, according to Assistant Attorney General Todd Kim, are crucial instruments for defending the most vulnerable animals. Even Keel Exotics failed to grant required access to inspectors, violated the basic care standards for the animals it kept, and illegally injured a young lemur, which is a protected endangered species.

Pet Lemurs and Trauma in Infant Lemurs

Even though the majority of pet lemurs sold in the US are domestically bred, the problem of the pet trade is still quite significant. On the day of birth, a baby lemur chosen to be a pet is taken from its mother. This traumatic early separation can have major long-term physiological and behavioral effects on the animal.

Lemurs require a prolonged time of maternal contact and instruction to be psychologically well, according to Cathy Williams, the Duke Lemur Center director of animal care and welfare.

For the first four months, lemur mothers carry their young continuously, and this contact is essential for optimal growth and behavior. A young lemur's brain development is irreversibly altered when it is taken away from its mother, and pet lemurs frequently experience severe social and psychological issues.

Dealer Surrenders 150 Animals

Ring-tailed lemurs, wallabies, porcupines, kinkajous, foxes, prairie dogs, and ground squirrels are just a few of the approximately 150 species that Keeler will be turning over to the authorities. He apparently also committed to never buying, selling, or doing any other animal-related business that is subject to AWA regulation.

APHIS is dedicated to providing the best solutions for animals protected under the Animal Welfare Act, according to Deputy Administrator Dr. Roxanne Mullaney for APHIS' Animal Care Program. This entails taking tough enforcement action against persistent, egregious lawbreakers and collaborating closely with APHIS partners to guarantee AWA compliance.

Animals were taken out of the Even Keel Exotics facility after an inspection by USDA-APHIS, which also looked into the issue. The Wildlife & Marine Resources Section of the Environment and Natural Resources Division submitted the complaint and the consent decree to the US District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan.