Ghosts of the Forest

Lemurs are strange and beguiling creatures. More than 100 species exist, but they're all confined to the island of Madagascar. Within those 100 species exist a range of variation. Some are nocturnal, some diurnal and some a bit of both. Sifakas are known by their unique sideways jumping method of ground travel, while the Lac Alaotra gentle lemur has been spotted swimming. Many lemur species communicate via scent projection and vocalization, and they all have big eyes and friendly faces, making them the most charismatic of charismatic megafauna. Because of lemurs' confined range and the encroachment of human beings, some projections indicate that perhaps 90 percent of those species will confront extinction in the next 25 years. Patricia C. Wright is a pioneer in the field of lemur study, and she's equally a trailblazer in lemur conservation. The new IMAX movie Island of Lemurs: Madagascar brings her work in both areas to the forefront in a family-friendly manner. Island of Lemurs, which is narrated by Morgan Freeman, is screened daily at the Saint Louis Science Center-OMNIMAX (5050 Oakland Avenue; 314-289-4424 or www.slsc.org). Tickets are $8 to $9.
May 24-Nov. 6, 10 a.m., 2014