The time is now

Duke Lemur Center

3 days ago

Let’s talk lemur teeth!
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Lemurs can’t groom with their hands like monkeys and apes can. Instead, lemurs' lower front teeth are fused into a tooth comb. They run this “comb” through their fur to clear out any dirt or debris that may've gotten stuck, keeping themselves and their troop members clean and healthy!
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Thanks to DLC volunteer photographer Bob Karp for the awesome shot! ... See MoreSee Less

Duke Lemur Center

3 weeks ago

We'll let the words of Endora's primary caretaker, Jodi, close today's celebrations, because we honestly couldn't have said it any better.

"If you've visited the DLC in recent years, you have likely seen Endora on our nocturnal tour path. It's always heartwarming to see guests, interns, and volunteers light up when they see her as she is a DLC favorite.

Endora is a memorable, quirky individual. She is most recognizable by her buck teeth and preference for spending time on the ground rather than the branching structures in her rooms. While Endora is a picky individual when it comes to diet items, nesting, and enrichment, she is a very laidback aye-aye and has had luck with a long list of roommates throughout her life at the DLC. Endora has lived with a variety of bush babies, slow loris, pygmy slow loris, giant mouse lemurs, and of course, other aye-aye.

It's been a privilege getting to take care of Endora and I hope that someday soon her adoring fans will be able to visit her again. In the meantime, I hope everyone will join me in wishing Endora a wonderful 37th birthday!" ... See MoreSee Less

Duke Lemur Center

3 weeks ago

It wouldn't be a party without snacks and activities - here are some of Endora's recommendations for everyone celebrating with us at home! ... See MoreSee Less

Duke Lemur Center

3 weeks ago

While we are celebrating Endora’s birthday on social media today, she isn’t the only lemur at the DLC to have a party this year! 🎂☺️

Our animal care staff provide enrichment to every animal, every single day. When an animal has a birthday coming up, the creativity flows! Here are some examples of lemur-approved birthday “cakes” made with ingredients from their diet like primate chow, bananas, grapes, apples, coconut, and peanut butter. ... See MoreSee Less

Duke Lemur Center

3 weeks ago

Happy 37th birthday, Endora!!🥳🥳 We'll be celebrating virtually with posts about this remarkable aye-aye all day, and we hope you'll join us!

Since she was born in Madagascar, it is impossible to know Endora’s exact date of birth, but she was estimated to be eight years old when she arrived in the US. Endora has lived here at the DLC since December 13, 1991 - one of the eight original aye-ayes in human care!

She and 34-year-old Poe (who arrived December 30th, 1987) are the last of the DLC’s eight wild caught aye-ayes - all captured in threatened, unprotected areas containing fragmented forests in diverse locations across Madagascar.

Since then, Endora has had six offspring and eight "grandlemurs" including Melisandre and Winifred! ... See MoreSee Less