May 18, 2014 – The Duke Lemur Center houses over 250 animals, but every individual is special. “Silver Lemurs” is a series profiling some of the Duke Lemur Center’s senior residents.The larger bodied lemurs — such as the ruffed lemurs, the sifakas and the aye-ayes — can live to be well into their 30s. Even the diminutive mouse and dwarf lemurs can live into their 20s. In the following interview, technician Mel Currie tells us about Deborah, the oldest lemur at the Duke Lemur Center. Today she turns 34 years old. (Interview by Pat Massard)
Happy 34th birthday to Deborah, the oldest resident at the Duke Lemur Center
How old is Deborah?
Deborah’s date of birth is May 18, 1980. She will be 34 years old this May.
Deborah is a very elderly lemur. Does she have any health conditions that require special care? Does she need a special diet?
Deborah is doing great despite her age. She gets her lemur chow soaked because she has a few bad teeth and gets a clean towel or blanket in her bed each day, since she naps a little more than she used to.
Are there any health conditions commonly found in geriatric lemurs?
Some older lemurs may develop kidney insufficiencies or just have stiff joints occasionally. Luckily, Deborah doesn’t have any of these conditions currently.
Has Deborah’s enclosure been modified to make it more accessible for her?
Yes. I have provided her with step stools and angled branches to help her get around better in case she does begin to feel stiff.
Deborah is the only white-fronted lemur at the Duke Lemur Center. Does she live alone?
Deborah lives with Olivier, a male blue-eyed black lemur. They groom each other, provide companionship for one another and often cuddle up together when they settle in for the night.
Deborah is a white-fronted lemur, but she doesn’t have a white front. Why is that?
Lemurs are named after the male of the species (even though they are female dominant!), and the male white-fronted lemur does indeed have a white head, beard and chest.
What is Deborah’s personality like?
Deborah is shy, and skittish around some people, especially people she does not know. But, she is also very gentle and curious when she gets to know you. She is also a tough old girl. Her 34 years here have taught her a thing or two about us, and she can be surprisingly evasive when she wants to be.
What is your favorite thing about working with her?
I admire how tough and intelligent she is. She isn’t easily trusting, but once you have earned her trust she is quite charming to be around. She’s been given excellent care here at the Lemur Center, and her good health and longevity are a testament to that.
Anything else you’d like to add?
People are always shocked to learn how old she is when they see her. She really looks great and carries herself with dignity when she struts around her yard.
