Come tour the Lemur Center with RTB AALAS!
The DLC was established over 50 years ago as an opportunistic collaboration between two researchers: John Buettner-Janusch of Yale University, who was studying biochemical genetics in lemurs; and Peter Klopfer, a Duke University biologist studying maternal behavior in mammals. Together, the two biologists conceived the idea of establishing a primate facility in Duke Forest that would combine their research perspectives in order to explore the genetic foundations in primate behavior.
Visitor FAQ: https://lemur.duke.edu/engage/plan-your-visit/
Other important details!
To ensure that you have the best possible experience on your visit, we’ve included some helpful information below - please share all of the information below with anyone in your party:
MASKS: Please note that in order to keep the endangered lemurs at the DLC safe, all members of your party must wear masks at all times while entering any buildings onsite. We may need to update this masking policy prior to this event, and if so, you will be notified via email, and all members of your party will be expected to adhere to the current masking policy at the time of the event.
To ensure that you have the best possible experience on your visit, we’ve included some helpful information below:
Before you leave home… We highly recommend clicking here to view our directions. GPS services can sometimes incorrectly route guests to a Cornwallis Road entrance, which is our gated staff entrance. You will enter from Erwin Road.
Please plan to arrive 5-10 minutes prior to your scheduled tour time. Tours are operating on a strict time table, so if your group arrives late, your tour will likely be shortened to accommodate. Alternatively, if you arrive more than 15 minutes prior to your schedule tour time, we ask that you please wait in your vehicle(s) until we are ready to check in your group.
Dress for the weather, and plan for sun protection (sunscreen, light long sleeves, hats, and umbrellas are all great options). All of your tour will be outdoors, and we work “rain or shine.” This experience involves walking and standing for about 45-60 minutes, so comfortable shoes are recommended. If the weather forecast predicts severe or unsafe weather conditions, we will make every effort to contact with the phone number and/or email address provided 24 hours in advance in order to reschedule your visit.
Please plan to bring your own water bottles. Our water fountain is not currently operational.
Please note that we do not allow any non-human animals on site (this includes our parking area). Our ability to accommodate service animals depends on the tour experience, so it is necessary to check with our staff at the time of scheduling - please email us at primate@duke.edu if your group includes a service animal. If you bring an animal onsite without receiving prior permission from management, you will not be permitted to attend your scheduled tour, and your ticket purchase will not be refunded.
Once you’ve arrived… You will be checking in in front of the Lemur Landing gift shop (directly across from visitor parking). We have a dedicated parking lot for visitors, so please continue all the way down the driveway until you see the visitor lot on your left and the Lemur Landing gift shop on your right.
During your visit – be sure to follow all instructions given by your guide to guarantee the best possible experience. Ask questions, take photos, and have fun!
We are so appreciative of your support, and we want you to know that your registration fee and any other purchases in the gift shop or online go right back into the work we do here in Durham and across the world in Madagascar. If you'd like to find out more ways you can support our work, please click here.
Please do not hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or concerns before your tour - we look forward to seeing you soon!
