Julia Lankford
Senior Keeper
Myakka City, Florida
Julia graduated from Clemson University in May 2024 with a bachelor’s degree in Wildlife and Fisheries Biology. She joined the Lemur Conservation Foundation as a full-time keeper in November 2024.
Her journey in animal husbandry began in 2021 with an internship at the Greensboro Science Center, followed by a pivotal role as a husbandry intern at the Duke Lemur Center, where her passion for lemur conservation first took root.
Julia continued to build her experience through internships at a wildlife rehabilitation center and the Topeka Zoo. Over the years, she has worked with 14 species of lemurs and a variety of other primates, including orangutans, patas monkeys, and bush babies – though lemurs remain her favorite.
“Working in an environment like this is incredibly demanding but deeply rewarding,” Julia said. “Lemurs are among the most endangered mammals on Earth, and I’m proud to be part of the work we’re doing at LCF – both here in Florida and in Madagascar – to protect these remarkable animals.”