World's oldest known red ruffed lemur dies at Durham museum

Cynthia, the world's oldest known red ruffed lemur, died Thursday at the Museum of Life and Science, her home for more than a decade.

Cynthia had to be euthanized Thursday morning after suddenly declining health, the museum reports. She had turned 35 in March.

The museum's lemur exhibit is home to seven ring-tailed lemurs and two red ruffed lemurs. The habitat includes a climbing structure, tall trees, ropes and a camera that visitors can operate to get a closer view of these playful creatures.

Red ruffed lemurs are named after the thick ruff that spans their necks, according to the museum. They use a series of at least 12 different sounds to warn of predators. They also have very acute senses of smell, vision and hearing, the museum's website says.