Duke University Lemur Center

The Duke University Lemur Center in Durham, North Carolina, is the world's largest sanctuary for rare and endangered prosimian primates, most notably lemurs. Established in 1966, the center houses a significant population of lemurs outside their native Madagascar. With a focus on research, education, and conservation, the Duke Lemur Center aims to advance science and help protect these fascinating animals from extinction.

Visitors to the Duke Lemur Center can embark on various tours like the Lemurs Live, Walking with Lemurs, and Behind the Scenes tours. Each tour offers a unique opportunity to observe and learn about the center's various lemur species in their naturalistic habitats. From the playful ring-tailed lemurs to the captivating aye-aye, visitors can marvel at the center's remarkable collection of prosimians while gaining valuable insight into their behaviors, biology, and conservation needs.

The Duke Lemur Center plays a crucial role in lemur conservation locally and in Madagascar. Locally, it serves as a genetic reserve for endangered lemur species, participating in Species Survival Plan programs. In Madagascar, the center conducts field research, collaborates with local communities on sustainable development projects, and runs reforestation initiatives to restore the lemurs' natural habitats. Through these efforts, the center aims to safeguard the future of lemurs and their ecosystems.