Do you remember the charismatic “King Julien” from the Madagascar saga ?
This eccentric and lively character was inspired by the ring-tailed lemur, the emblem of Madagascar. With its black-and-white ringed tail and quirky behaviour, this lemur is very real, and you can encounter it in its natural habitat.
Known as hira in Malagasy, ring-tailed lemurs are iconic inhabitants of the Red Island. Living in groups of up to 20 individuals, they display a highly interdependent social structure where females dominaten, a rare phenomenon among primates. Their behaviour, sometimes playful and sometimes mischievous, mirrors the most memorable scenes from the films. They can meow or purr as they groom one another, or bask in the sun with their arms stretched out as though in prayer.
These semi-arboreal lemurs inhabit the dry, spiny forests of southern Madagascar—an environment as striking as they are. However, you can also easily encounter them not far from urban areas, such as in the private Lemur’s Park. Measuring up to 1 metre (including their tails), these omnivores feed on fruits, leaves, and occasionally small insects.
Meeting King Juliens in person is far more rewarding and entertaining than watching them on screen. It’s a direct encounter with both nature and Malagasy culture. In some regions, local communities even revere these animals as spiritual ancestors, which contributes significantly to their conservation. Doesn’t that give the movies a whole new perspective ?
In Madagascar, you’ll have the chance to visit must-see locations to meet these extraordinary creatures, such as the Berenty Private Reserve, Isalo National Park, and the Anja Reserve.
Live this unforgettable experience like never before and step into the film that shaped our childhood. Get your cameras ready and embark on an extraordinary adventure where the fictional world of cinema meets the splendour of real life. King Julien is waiting for you ready to put on an unforgettable show ! And that’s not all the famous Fossa (Foussa ! Aaah, Foussa ooooh!) is also present. Madagascar is waiting for you!