Particle Data Platform
The Zooquarium Podcast

Why Are the Middle Fingers of Aye-Ayes So Long?

7/7/202614 min

Milo asks: Why Are the Middle Fingers of Aye-Ayes So Long? What a fascinating question about a fascinating animal! Mike and Chanel are joined by ecologist Tim Eppley, the Chief Conservation Officer for Wildlife Madagascar, to answer Milo's question and teach us more about these elusive animals!

Dr. Timothy Eppley is a conservation biologist and primatologist who has spent nearly two decades studying wildlife in Africa, with a particular focus on the lemurs and ecosystems of Madagascar. As Chief Conservation Officer for Wildlife Madagascar, he leads research and conservation programs that help protect some of the world's most endangered species while supporting local communities. Tim's passion for wildlife began at an early age and has taken him from studying bonobos and lemurs in the field to publishing more than 100 scientific papers and helping shape conservation efforts across Madagascar. He loves sharing stories about the incredible animals he works with and helping people discover why biodiversity matters.

Be sure to visit thezooquarium.com/podcast to download quizzes, activity sheets, and bonus materials, upload YOUR art, and submit YOUR animal questions!

RECOMMENDED: WATCH this episode on Apple Podcasts, YouTube and Spotify!

The Zooquarium releases episodes about different animals every other Tuesday with bonus content for each episode the following week. Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts so you’re informed when new episodes come out! Video versions are available on Apple Podcasts, YouTube, Spotify, and thezooquarium.com/podcast

Credits

Special thanks to

Milo & Milo's family, Dr. Tim Eppley, Michele Kraus Bennett, Cayley Pater, The Elakha Alliance, Teddy Albertson, and every single aye-aye!

Clips

Aye-aye Death Superstition
Percussive Foraging Explained
Elusive Forest Phantom
Tooth Combs & Second Tongues

Transcript preview

First 90 seconds

  1. Milo0:00

    Hi, I'm Milo. I am 10 years old, and I have a question. Why are the middle fingers of aye-ayes so long?

  2. Tim Eppley· Guest0:10

    [upbeat music] Open up the door to habitats you can explore with animals and more in the Zooquarium, Zooquarium. Zoo, Zoo, Zooquarium.

  3. Mike Bennett· Host0:36

    Milo, thank you so much for that question. Uh, [laughs] I know I personally do not know why aye-ayes middle fingers are so long, but that's why we have co-hosts. Chanel, welcome to Zooquarium Podcast. Good to see you.

  4. Chanel Hason· Host0:50

    [laughs] Great to see you, Mike, and thanks, Milo. What a unique question, and if you don't know what an aye-aye is, you should look it up. They are one of the most unusual looking lemurs in the world. They are the world's largest nocturnal primate, about 15 inches long, with a fluffy tail that is longer than their whole bodies. And thankfully, I have an expert to introduce you to today. We've got Dr. Tim Eppley, who is the Chief Conservation Officer for Wildlife Madagascar. Welcome, Tim.

  5. Tim Eppley· Guest1:24

    Hi, thanks for having me.

  6. Chanel Hason· Host1:25

    Thanks for coming today. Yeah. So we have a question from Milo

We value your privacy

We use cookies to understand how you use our platform and to improve your experience. Click "Accept All" to consent, or "Decline non-essential" to opt out of non-essential cookies. Read our Privacy Policy.