Los Angeles ? Families herded into movie theaters for another trek with stranded zoo animals as the animated sequel “Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa” led the weekend with a $63.5 million debut, according to studio estimates Sunday.

The haul for the DreamWorks Animation comedy far surpassed the $47.2 million debut for “Madagascar” over Memorial Day weekend in 2005.

Premiering in second place with $19.3 million was the Universal Pictures comedy “Role Models,” starring Seann William Scott and Paul Rudd as immature adults sentenced to community service.

Estimated ticket sales for Friday through Sunday in the U.S. and Canada, according to Media By Numbers LLC.

1. “Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa,” $63.5 million.

2. “Role Models,” $19.3 million.

3. “High School Musical 3: Senior Year,” $9.3 million.

4. “Changeling,” $7.3 million.

5. “Zack and Miri Make a Porno,” $6.5 million.

6. “Soul Men,” $5.6 million.

7. “Saw V,” $4.2 million.

8. “The Haunting of Molly Hartley,” $3.5 million.

9. “The Secret Life of Bees,” $3.1 million.

10. “Eagle Eye,” $2.6 million.