| Visitors to the Duke
Primate Center can sometimes see a white-coated staff member feeding
the lemurs in one of the multi-acre outdoor enclosures that allow center's
lemurs to roam in a natural habitat during the warm months.
The center, which is supported by the National Science Foundation, Duke
and private donations, houses the world's largest collection of endangered
primates. Duke is also the only university that concentrates on studying
and protecting prosimians such as lemurs, lorises and tarsiers. Prosimians
descended from primitive primates that were also ancestors to anthropoids,
which includes monkeys, apes and humans. Thus, by studying prosimians,
scientists can obtain analogous insights into the early history of apes
and humans. Guided tours for a small fee are available by appointment, and
arrangements can be made by calling (919) 489-3364. The center is open
Monday-Saturday.
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