2026 World Lemur Day Message from Executive Director, Greg Dye

Read this World Lemur Day message to our friends and supporters from Executive Director, Greg Dye sent on World Lemur Day, October 30, 2026. If you missed the live broadcast from Madagascar, you can view the recorded version now!

Happy World Lemur Day 2026!

Spock, a Red-ruffed lemur at the Duke Lemur Center 2026

Red-ruffed lemur Spock wishes you a Happy World Lemur Day! We’re celebrating by offering live broadcasts from Madagascar and launching our year-end appeal.

Dear friends and valued supporters,

As I look back on more than 60 years of progress, I’m grateful for the people who have made it all possible, from our founders who established us as the Duke University Primate Center to the many hands and hearts that have carried the work of the Duke Lemur Center forward through the years.

Supporters like you are the reason something remarkable happens here every day.

A researcher makes a new discovery. A student is inspired and discovers a passion that may shape a career. A community-led conservation project in Madagascar protects critical habitat. An animal care professional provides exceptional care, ensuring that our irreplaceable lemurs continue to thrive.

Those moments happen because people like you choose to be part of our mission.

Your generosity sustains a one-of-a-kind mission where research expands our understanding of the natural world, conservation helps protect endangered species, education inspires future changemakers, and exceptional animal care makes it all possible.

While our partnership with Duke University remains essential, more than half of the funding needed each year comes from donors, friends, and revenues generated through tours, educational programs, and merchandise. As the funding landscape for conservation and research continues to evolve, philanthropic support is more important than ever in protecting the Duke Lemur Center’s unique contributions to animal care, conservation, education, and discovery.

Because of supporters like you, we can look to the future with confidence. Together, we are helping ensure that this globally important resource continues to advance knowledge, protect endangered species, and inspire future generations.

Thank you for your friendship, support, and for making the next leap forward possible.

With gratitude,

Greg Dye

Executive Director, Duke Lemur Center

Celebrate World Lemur Day with Us!

View DLC Director Greg Dye’s World Lemur Day message to our friends and supporters.

Join us live from Madagascar! Check out these free livestreams in collaboration with our education partner Exploring By The Seat Of Your Pants:

Oct 30 at 9:00 am ET: Celebrate World Lemur Day with a live community outreach event in Madagascar’s SAVA region!

Oct 31 at 9:00 am ET: Explore Madagascar’s unique forests with our DLC-SAVA Conservation team and catch a glimpse of wild lemurs!

Oct 31 at 11:00 am ET: Tune in for an after-dark look into the forest to search for wild nocturnal lemurs!

The Next Leap Starts with You

Ring-tailed infant riding on its mother's back at the Duke Lemur Center

For more than 60 years, support from people like you has helped make extraordinary things possible for the Duke Lemur Center.

Lemurs receive exceptional care

Scientific discoveries continue

Forests are restored and protected

Future conservation leaders are inspired

But there is still much more to do

The next leap forward begins with people who believe more is possible.

Make your gift today!

OUR TOP NEEDS

YOUR IMPACT

How Your Support Helps the Duke Lemur Center Graphic

The Next Leap Starts With You

Consider these bold leaps to invest in the Duke Lemur Center’s future:

Make a new or increased contribution
Join a Duke Lemur Center Giving Society with a leadership gift of $1,000 or more
Establish a multi-year pledge
Create an endowed fund to support the Duke Lemur Center in perpetuity and build our financial resilience
Include the Duke Lemur Center in your estate plans and make a legacy gift commitment

THANK YOU for your support and friendship!

Questions? Contact Mary Paisley, DLC Development Director at (919)401-7252 or mary.paisley@duke.edu.