City: Durham, NC

Category: Tours & Attractions

Telephone: (919) 489-3364

Address: 3705 Erwin Rd.

Description: With more than 200 lemurs on site, the Duke Lemur Center is the only facility in the world dedicated to the study of these close human relatives. The center is dedicated to better understanding prosimians and their habitat and to educating the public about the need to protect these creatures. Lithe and playful, lemurs charm with their humanlike mannerisms and their dark, soulful eyes. Watching them interact with their keepers and one another is a rare treat for nature lovers. The public is admitted on guided tours, by appointment only. The center is open to all ages, but tours may be too advanced for toddlers. Tours book up quickly during the spring and summer, so call at least two weeks in advance to secure reservations during warmer months. Off Duke’s West Campus, the center can be a bit hard to find. Specific directions are available via a hidden link on the Web site. Get the link by calling the center for reservations.