If you are looking for a truly one-of-a-kind place in the Triangle, and you want to learn a thing or two, head over to the Duke Lemur Center.
History
Founded in 1966 by researchers at Duke University, the Duke Lemur Center is the second most diverse lemur population in the world. The only place on earth with a larger variety of lemurs is their native Madagascar.
What to Expect
The Duke Lemur Center is an 85-acre campus located west of Duke University. Once you are at the center you are greeted by a small office and gift shop before you walk out onto the grounds. Tours are currently self-paced with docents at each of the main areas. There are several areas to explore including outdoor exhibits and an indoor area that has special lighting to allow for viewing of the nocturnal animals.
There are currently 13 species of lemurs and bush babies represented at the Center, totaling over 200 animals.
The Duke Lemur Center is currently home to the following species:
- Aye-aye
- Black and White Ruffed Lemur
- Blue-eyed Black Lemur
- Collared Lemur
- Coquerel’s Sifaka
- Crowned Lemur
- Eastern Lesser Bamboo Lemur
- Fat-Tailed Dwarf Lemur
- Grey Mouse Lemur
- Mongoose Lemur
- Red-bellied Lemur
- Red-fronted Lemur
- Red Ruffed Lemur
- Ring-tailed Lemur
The Place
During our self-guided tour we explored three areas: The upper enclosures, the nocturnal house, and the wooded loop.
The upper enclosure area was our first visibility into the world of the lemur and we saw several species of lemurs all in a row. We watched them play and eat and interact with each other.
Next we visited the nocturnal house. The nocturnal animals are housed separately so the light in their environment can be controlled. During the human day time the animals are kept “in the dark” so they are active when visitors arrive. During human night time the lights in the nocturnal house are turned on so that the animals sleep. So that the animals are visible during the tour the nocturnal house is bathed in a red light that allows humans to see but doesn’t bother the animals.
The wooded loop was our third destination. These enclosures are located on a wooded walking path that allows visitors to stop and observe several species in a native-like natural environment.
Conclusion
We are blessed to have so many amazing places and spaces here in the Triangle and the Duke Lemur Center is definitely in my list of favorites. It’s a short drive from Raleigh, and well with the visit. There is no other place like it on earth, unless you have the chance to visit Madagascar.
For more information on tickets, history, or making a donation, visit the Duke Lemur Center Website.
