Have you noticed that the story of Madagascar wouldn’t be complete without Morty?
Indeed, what’s the point of talking about King Julian without his all-too-clingy partner at his feet?
Although he started out as a secondary character in the saga, Morty became a fixture in the sequels and spin-off series. But did you know that his real-life alter ego is just as cute, with big, round eyes?
Morty or Mort was inspired by the Microcebus murinus, a tiny but captivating lemur endemic to Madagascar. Weighing in at just 60 grams, this nocturnal, arboreal primate holds the title of largest among the microcebes, which include the world’s smallest primates. With his expressive eyes and incredible vivacity, he embodies the energy and playfulness we love about Morty.
It’s a VERY impressive animal, capable of slowing down its metabolism to survive the dry season, feeding alone at night, then regrouping to rest in the trees. This way of life, adapted to the prevailing conditions, combined with a high reproductive rate and an incredible capacity for adaptation, makes it one of Madagascar’s most abundant small mammals.
Yet the Microcèbe mignon faces serious challenges: deforestation, climate change and illegal catches threaten its future.
So, as we mentioned with King Julian, why settle for following Morty around the screen when you can explore his world in the forests of western and southern Madagascar? Explore the natural habitats of the Microcèbe mignon and observe this incredible survivor in his element. We invite you to an unforgettable adventure, as the real Morty awaits you for a unique encounter with Madagascan nature and biodiversity!