ENDANGERED Madagascan lemurs rescued in an undercover operation now have a new home created by Weston College staff and students.
Two of the furry black and white creatures were illegally-traded and then saved in a dramatic rescue in Northern Ireland - but they are living in an enclosure built by pupils.
Students from the construction and engineering centre of excellence spent three days building the new area to keep the father and son primates separate from ringtail lemurs at Tropiquaria in Watchet, Somerset.
Student Jason Wilkins, aged 37, of Weston, who worked on the lemur enclosure, decided to take the course after taking voluntary redundancy last April following a 19-year career with Inland Revenue.
He said: “I am really enjoying the course. I’ve always loved DIY but wanted to see if I could make a career out it. The lemurs were lovely gentle animals and it was great to use our skills to help.”
Last year a pet shop owner from Northern Ireland was arrested for attempting to sell four lemurs from the back of his van in a car park outside a shopping centre.
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