Tucked away in the woodlands of Durham, North Carolina, the Duke Lemur Center is home to the world’s most diverse population of lemurs outside of Madagascar. A leader in conservation and scientific discovery, this unique center allows visitors to explore the fascinating world of lemurs through educational programs, immersive tours, and hands-on learning experiences.

Recommended For

The Duke Lemur Center is ideal for:

  • Families and children looking for a fun and educational wildlife encounter.
  • Animal lovers passionate about conservation and endangered species.
  • Science and biology enthusiasts interested in behavior, genetics, and ecology.
  • Photographers seeking to capture animals in naturalistic settings.
  • Educators and homeschoolers looking for innovative learning experiences.

What Is the Duke Lemur Center?

  • Founded as the Duke University Primate Center, it now houses over 250 animals across 21 species, including lemurs, lorises, and tarsiers.
  • A world-class facility focused on conservation, behavioral science, physiology, genomics, and paleontology.
  • Promotes the protection of the world’s most endangered group of mammals—lemurs.

Visitor Experiences

  • By appointment only: Visitors must book a guided tour in advance.
  • Tours run 7 days a week and may be booked up to 3 weeks in advance for weekdays and 5 weekends in advance during spring and summer.

Featured Tours

  • Lemurs Live! Tour: Great for ages 7+, this guided tour introduces 10 lemur species and their unique traits.
  • Lemurs Live! Twilight Tour: Watch lemurs during their most active twilight hours and see rare aye-ayes in natural light.
  • Walking with Lemurs: A 90-minute experience where guests can walk among lemurs in natural enclosures.
  • Behind-the-Scenes Tour: Learn how the center operates and view behind-the-scenes animal care.
  • Lemur Keeper for a Day: Assist staff with feeding, enrichment, and lemur care duties.
  • Painting with Lemurs: Watch lemurs create colorful artwork as part of their enrichment program.
  • A Photographer’s Dream: Capture stunning photos of lemurs with guidance from staff photographer David Haring.

Educational Programs

  • Lemur Learning Labs: Hands-on science activities focused on lemur research and conservation.
  • Homeschool Academy: A six-session program for middle school students covering primatology, husbandry, and more.
  • Lemur S.C.O.U.T. Program: Tailored for scouts and guides to deepen conservation awareness.
  • Camps & Workshops: Includes science, art, and writing camps such as:
    • Leaping Lemurs! Track Out Science Camp
    • Leaping Lemurs! Summer Science Camp
    • Play Wild Camp and Year-round creative camps

Planning Your Visit

  • Location: 3705 Erwin Road, Durham, North Carolina 27705
  • Phone: 919-489-3364
  • Website: lemur.duke.edu
  • Tour Info: Tours available by reservation only; plan ahead for spring and summer availability.
  • Gift Shop: Open daily with lemur-themed souvenirs, books, and gifts.

Learn more about the Duke Lemur Center

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