Podcast Summary: Robin's Nest from American Humane

Episode Title: Hope for Lemurs: Prof. Ratsimbazafy on Conservation, Community, and the Future
Host: Dr. Robin Ganzert
Guest: Professor Jonah Ratsimbazafy
Date: October 6, 2025

Episode Overview

This episode of Robin's Nest spotlights the conservation efforts of Professor Jonah Ratsimbazafy, a globally renowned primatologist from Madagascar. The conversation centers on the dire situation facing lemurs—one of the most endangered mammals on the planet—and the urgent, community-driven efforts to save them. Professor Jonah shares his personal journey, the critical threats facing lemurs, the unique role lemurs play in Madagascar’s ecosystem, and how global partnerships—with research institutions, zoos, and local communities—form the backbone of effective conservation.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Professor Jonah’s Journey into Lemur Conservation

• Personal Origin Story:
  • Professor Jonah began his scientific path as a paleontologist studying fossils. His shift to conservation came from witnessing lemurs trapped and dying in the wild, prompting him to switch from studying dead lemurs to saving the living ([01:52]):
    • Quote:

      "I saw lemurs trapped. Trapped and died. And I said, I told myself, let me save the living lemurs. But the dead lemurs can wait under the ground until I am ready."
      — Jonah Ratsimbazafy ([02:34])

• Emotional Connection:
  • Lemurs are not just animals to him—they are "a world patrimony." He emphasizes their critical importance to the Malagasy ecosystem.

2. The Unique Importance of Lemurs in Madagascar

• Endemic Significance:
  • Lemurs are found only in Madagascar.
  • Their ecological role is vital: they disperse seeds and maintain forest integrity.
    • Quote:

      "If lemurs disappear, all Madagascar ecosystem collapse. Because lemurs disperse seeds. And lemurs maintain the integrity of the forest."
      — Jonah Ratsimbazafy ([03:09])

• Vivid Description of Madagascar’s Uniqueness ([05:28]):
  • Jonah captures why Madagascar is so special, highlighting that its natural wonders surpass cultural landmarks in uniqueness.
    • Quote:

      "We do not have Statute of Liberty... we do not have the Wall of China. But we have lemurs."
      — Jonah Ratsimbazafy ([05:32])

3. Major Threats to Lemurs' Survival

• Stark Statistics:
  • Over 90% of lemur species are on the brink of extinction ([06:12]).
  • Less than 10% of Madagascar’s original forest remains.
  • At the current rate, all forests—and thus, all lemurs—could be gone in 30–35 years ([06:22], [08:02]).
    • Quote:

      "Within the next 35 years, if the current speed of deforestation remains the same, There is no forest left in Madagascar. 35 years. That is tomorrow."
      — Jonah Ratsimbazafy ([08:29])

• Specific Threats:
  • Deforestation due to "slash and burn" agriculture.
  • Hunting.
  • Climate change.
  • Poverty-driven resource use: "Starving stomach has no ears" ([09:54]).

4. Obstacles and Strategic Solutions

• Collaboration is Key:
  • Conservation requires joint efforts: researchers, zoos, and especially local communities ([09:16]).
  • Government support exists, but poverty and basic human needs create challenges; locals prioritize feeding their families over long-term conservation.
  • Empowerment and education of local communities are essential.
• Role of Good Zoos and Research:
  • Zoos like the Houston Zoo partner on the ground to support both conservation science and community development ([11:03]).
  • Zoos contribute by:
    • Supporting in-field research.
    • Providing safe environments for breeding and eventual reintroduction.
    • Funding local education and empowerment efforts.
    • Spreading global awareness.
    • Quote:

      "The zoo is a safe place... and actually, today there are many zoo leaders to reintroduce animals back to the world, back to their native habitat."
      — Jonah Ratsimbazafy ([11:03])

• Education and Youth:
  • Professor Jonah focuses on training and inspiring the next generation.
  • Conservation is a "circle... between many people" ([12:43]).

5. The Keisling Prize & Global Impact

• Recognition and Opportunity:
  • Professor Jonah is a finalist for the Keisling Prize, which empowers him to amplify his efforts and train more young Malagasy conservationists ([14:26]).
    • Quote:

      "With the Kisling Prize, I can train the young generation to make the difference. This is incredible opportunity."
      — Jonah Ratsimbazafy ([14:43])

• Inspired by Lemurs: “Lemur Therapy”:
  • Jonah believes lemurs offer therapeutic value, helping relieve stress simply by their presence ([15:27]).
    • Quote:

      "If I am stressed, if people are stressed, go and see the lemurs... and your stress is gone."
      — Jonah Ratsimbazafy ([15:36])

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Existential Urgency:
  • "Within the next 35 years, if the current speed of deforestation remains the same, There is no forest left in Madagascar. 35 years. That is tomorrow."
    —Jonah Ratsimbazafy ([08:29])
• Human-Poverty Link:
  • "Starving stomach has no ears."
    —Jonah Ratsimbazafy ([09:54])
• Conservation Philosophy:
  • "Conservation is not a person concerned. It is a circle of conservation between many people."
    —Jonah Ratsimbazafy ([12:43])
• Hopeful Vision:
  • "Before my eyes will close forever, I want to see the change. And the change will happen and we will turn our vision into action."
    —Jonah Ratsimbazafy ([16:53])

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Professor Jonah’s Lemur Origin Story – [01:52]
• Madagascar’s Uniqueness & Lemurs’ Role – [05:28]
• Alarming Extinction Threats & Deforestation Stats – [06:12], [08:02]
• Collaboration: The Team Effort Approach to Conservation – [09:16]
• The Socioeconomic Challenge – [09:54]
• Zoo Partnerships and Community Empowerment – [11:03]
• Role of Education and Youth in Conservation – [12:43]
• The Keisling Prize and its Impact – [14:26]
• “Lemur Therapy” and Conservation Hope – [15:27]
• Closing, Professor Jonah’s Legacy Dream – [16:53]

Episode Tone and Language

• The tone is heartfelt, urgent, and hopeful—interspersed with humor and real emotion.
• Professor Jonah speaks with passionate clarity about both the science and soul of his mission: “I could not stand for their call, asking me help. Because they are endangered.” ([02:14])
• Dr. Ganzert matches with warmth and admiration, highlighting Professor Jonah as both an inspiration and a catalyst for systemic, global change.

Conclusion

This episode is a profound testament to the struggle and hope embodied in global conservation work. Through Professor Jonah’s story, listeners gain both a sobering understanding of the lemur’s plight and a sense of how interconnected, community-based action—bolstered by well-run zoos, dedicated researchers, and inspired youth—can turn the tide. The message is clear: heartbreak and hope coexist in conservation, but together, real change is possible—before it’s too late.