Slow loris infants are "parked" alone on branches by their mothers from a very early age. Click image for larger version.
The Duke Lemur Center relies on volunteers to help with day-to-day operations. There are many different opportunities for volunteering at the Center.
All volunteers must be at least 16 years of age and be able to fulfill a minimum commitment with the department they are working with, as well as meeting any regulations individual departments place on their volunteers.
If you are interested in working with these rare and endangered animals please read the job descriptions below for more information on the variety of volunteer opportunities at the DLC.
Educational outreach
Minimum Commitment: Four hours a month (roughly 4 tours a month).
Brief Job Description: Give tours of the center to school groups and the general public.
For additional information contact Heather Thomas at 919/489-3364 ext. 226.
Support staff
Minimum Commitment: Four hours a week.
Brief Job Description: Help to answer phones and schedule tour reservations. Help with sales and stocking in the gift shop. Assist with various other general office duties. Help coordinate and staff special events sponsored by the Lemur Center.
For additional information contact Heather Thomas at 919/489-3364 ext. 226.
Animal technician
Minimum commitment: Two hours a week (one two-hour session). Hours available are 9:00 am to 2:00 pm.
Brief Job Description: Help animal technicians with enclosure cleaning. Experienced technical volunteers may be trained to make and distribute enrichment items to animals.
Important: Animal technical positions fill up quickly. If this is a position you are interested in and there are no openings, consider becoming a tour guide. Current tour volunteers are given priority for volunteer technician openings.
For this opportunity contact David Haring at 919/489-3364 ext. 228.
Projects department
Brief Job Description: To aid in the general upkeep of the Lemur Center. Help is needed for construction, repairs and general maintenance of the facility. Familiarity with a hammer is a real plus.
For this opportunity contact Antonio King at 919/489-3364 ext. 253.