The black and white ruffed lemur is a frugivore meaning an animal that feeds primarily on fruit. They have a life span of 15 years in nature and 20 years in captivity. They have a powerful cry which can rise to a howl to announce danger.

The black and white ruffed lemur are only found in the tropical forest of Madagascar, an island off the east coast of Africa. These lemurs live in the upper canopy of trees and are considered a threatened species due to deforestation and hunting.

The ruffed lemur live in female dominated groups usually consisting of two mating parents and their offspring. After a gestation period of 135 to 145 days, 3 to 6 babies are born. Unlike other lemurs, she does not keep her babies with her, she builds a nest in which she leaves the young while foraging for food.