Chasing the Golden Bamboo Lemur

In the Heart of Ranomafana

Tucked away in the lush rainforests of Madagascar, Ranomafana National Park is a treasure trove of biodiversity. Among its many wonders is the elusive golden bamboo lemur, a creature so unique that it was only discovered in 1986 by primatologist Patricia Wright. This little primate is extraordinary, feeding almost exclusively on bamboo that contains cyanide, a feat that sets it apart from other species and highlights the incredible adaptability of Madagascar’s wildlife.

The golden Bambu Lemur is the size of a domestic cat

A Magical Encounter

Ranomafana National Park, established in 1991, spans over 160 square miles of lush rainforest. It’s renowned for its incredible biodiversity, home to numerous endemic species of flora and fauna. The park’s dense forests and river systems create a perfect environment for not just the golden bamboo lemur, but a variety of other unique wildlife as well. Nevertheless I had high hopes for a chance to see it.

The journey to find the golden bamboo lemur is no easy feat. Hiking through the dense, rain-soaked jungle for hours, with the canopy filtering the light into a soft, green glow, created a sense of anticipation and wonder. And then, finally, that magical moment arrived—spotting the lemur, its golden-brown fur blending perfectly with the bamboo. For a brief second, our eyes locked, and in that instant, all the challenges of the journey melt away, replaced by a profound connection with this incredible creature.

Barely visible behind the canopy at first

The sound of the rain still echoed gently in my ears, mingling with the scent of wet earth and moss. I could still picture the lemur nestled in the thicket of bamboo—its golden-brown fur almost blending into the greenery, but its eyes catching the light just enough to hold mine. In that moment, time stood still. There was no camera between us, no need to speak. Just a quiet recognition between two beings in a shared world.

It's moments like that—so fleeting, yet so profound—that remind me why I do this work and the sense of porpuse when I have proof to share it. Why we walk for hours through the rain. Why we protect places like Ranomafana. Because when you look into the eyes of a creature like that -even by a picture-, something shifts inside you. You stop seeing wildlife as separate. You understand that we’re deeply connected.

That’s the feeling I carry forward. A quiet fire to keep exploring, learning, and doing my part to ensure these encounters aren’t just memories—they’re possibilities for the future.

Explore and Protect

As I left the rainforest that day, I felt an even deeper appreciation for the delicate balance of life in Madagascar. Each encounter with all incredible creatures is a reminder of how vital it is to protect their home, ensuring that future generations can experience the same wonder. After all, it's these moments of connection that inspire us to keep exploring and protecting our beautiful planet.

What a privilege to se one of the only 1000 remaining out there...