Montreal Biodome Receives VIP Visitors from Madagascar

Francine Senécal, Vice-Chair of the Ville de Montréal Executive Committee and member responsible for sports, recreation and Montréal's Nature Museums, is proud to announce that, from June 21 to November 16, the Montréal Biodôme will be presenting a habitat typical of the island of Madagascar. Visitors will be able to admire geckos, frogs, fish and especially ring-tailed lemurs, primates like those in the popular children's TV series Zooboomafoo. Creating a habitat representing an ecosystem typical of the island of Madagascar is an excellent way to introduce Montréal Biodôme visitors to biodiversity and its importance for our planet's health.

"The city of Montréal plays a leading role in developing and promoting initiatives related to biodiversity, both here at home and internationally.
Our Administration thinks it is urgent that we act, because our planet is losing both plant and animal species. This exhibition is in line with that focus," explained Francine Senécal.

The habitat will start with a carved wooden house typical of those in Madagascar. But as soon as visitors step through the door, they'll be plunged into a whole new world - a semi-arid habitat from southwest Madagascar opens up before them. Only a low wall will separate visitors from plants typical of the region and ring-tailed lemurs, primates known for their long striped tails and found only in Madagascar.

There will also be various references to the local cultural heritage, along with vivariums and an aquarium for a close-up view of animals typical of the region. Since 2008 is the Year of the Frog, these creatures will of course be in the spotlight. And visitors can also examine a little baobab, Madagascar's national tree.

Throughout the exhibition, interpretation panels will provide interesting details on these plants and animals found nowhere else in the world. A nature interpreter will be on hand on the path to answer visitors'
questions.

Malagasy art and popular traditions will be showcased in images by two photographers, Julien Passerini and Marcel Muller, and thanks to a number of items on loan from the École Malgache de Montréal.

About Madagascar
Madagascar has unique flora and fauna, and is one of the countries with the greatest biodiversity. In fact, more than 80% of the plants and animals identified in Madagascar are found nowhere else. This natural wealth is threatened by habitat destruction, however, to the point that a number of species are at risk of disappearing forever, before they have even been discovered.

A temporary habitat
In 2008, visitors will be able to immerse themselves in nature, Madagascar-style. The Biodôme created a first temporary habitat back in 2005, a mini-ecosystem devoted to giant bats from Asia. The excellent response from the public encouraged the Biodôme to set up a dryland habitat featuring prairie dogs, roadrunners and burrowing owls in 2006 and 2007.

It's an opportunity you won't want to miss!