We like to move it, move it - Dancing lemurs stage special tribute Madagascar's King Julien

By DAILY MAIL REPORTER

We like to move it, move it: These Sifaka lemurs dance across their feeding ground in the Ifotaka forest of Madagascar


These lemurs have staged their own special tribute to King Julien XIII from the Disney film Madagascar with an extraordinary dance routine.

The moves are not just for entertainment though, this Sifaka lemur family uses the technique to travel around their territory in the Ifotaka forest of Madagascar, Africa.

It's a case of 'Strictly Run Dancing' for these animas, as the quickest way for them to avoid predators and reach their foraging grounds is to spring onto their hind legs and raise their arms to balance.


Nice moves: The 'dancing' is reminiscent of the dance moves by King Julien XIII from the Disney film Madagascar


These pictures show the lemurs 'dancing' across their feeding ground. Once settled in the trees Sifakas can then happily eat plants and enjoy the day while safely off the ground.

One of the pictures shows a lemur pirouetting just like a ballet dancer while another looks like it's pulling of a disco move just like John Travolta in 70s blockbuster Saturday Night Fever.

A third shows how a female is even able to prance as a tiny baby clings to her.


Travelling in style: The dance moves are actually the best way for the animals to move quickly and avoid predators


British wildlife photographers Matt Burrard-Lucas, 21 and brother Will, 27, both from London, who captured these amazing shots, had to wait a year to gain access to the Sifaka's territory due to political instability in the region.

'The political situation in Madagascar has been unstable so we were prevented from travelling to the country,' Will said.

'But when we got there we enjoyed the sights of the Sifaka lemurs.



Inspiration: King Julien XIII who featured in Disney funny film Madagascar showing off his own moves


'Once we arrived we spent several weeks with the Sifakas, learning their behaviour and letting them get used to us.

'They were very amusing to work with, extremely playful and unpredictable.'
The Sifaka's name comes from their distinctive call that sounds like 'shafik'.

Living throughout the forests of Madagascar and are unique to the island, they are highly social and live in troops of up to 40 individuals, but are threatened by increased human encroachment into their feeding grounds.


source :dailymail