Beloved Jovian, famously known as the lemur on PBS show Zoboomafoo, has died at 20 years old.
Jovian died at the Duke Lemur Center this past Monday, November 10, 2014. Jovian was the center’s most popular resident. While children and guests adored his personality, many older guests came in awe of a symbol of their childhood.
When creators Martin and Chris Kratt began looking for lemurs to feature in 1997, they came to the Duke Lemur Center. Martin was a zoology graduate at the college and had volunteered at the center. Jovian was only three when he was chosen, along with his parents Nigel and Flavia, to be featured as the show's star. He was described as “very gentle” by co-star Martin to the Duke Lemur Center.
Jovian’s health only began to decline this past year, reports News Observer. His playful demeanor slowly waned, and his death is believed to be the result of kidney failure.
On a brighter note, Jovian had a happy and long life. Jovian was a Coquerel’s Sifaka lemur, whom have a lifespan of roughly 18 years, according to The Bronx Zoo. Jovian lived a long, and productive life. Partner Pia, brother Julian, 7 living children, as well as four grandchildren (with an additional two expected) survive him.
Zoboomafoo was a popular American children’s television series hosted by Chris and Martin Kratt. The show ran from January 1999 to April of 2001. The show was designed to teach children, particularly young preschoolers, about the environment. The show is still aired in syndicate in some areas.
Full episodes can be found on Youtube. Please comment below with your thoughts and memories of the show.