Skip to main content

Lemur Experts Share Expertise with Public

Employee discount to programs on history, life of lemurs

heinz_V.jpg
Heinz, a Mouse Lemur from the Duke Lemur Center, will be among the topic of conversation this week during the center's "Evening with the Experts" series. Duke employees get a discount to attend. Photo courtesy of Duke Lemur Center.

Everyone recognizes fluffy, furry and sometimes bug-eyed lemurs for their cuteness, but with a special program at the Duke Lemur Center, Duke community members can really get to know this endangered species.

Read More

This week marks the next session of the Lemur Center’s “Evening with the Expert” series, a monthly session hosted by researchers to highlight the many components of the Lemur Center’s work. Aided by visuals showing off the beloved animals, topics have ranged from tales of caring for lemurs to discussing the animal’s intelligence.

“Evening with the Experts is a fun and educational discussion providing more in depth information on your favorite lemur species,” said Janice Kalin, community and corporate relations manager with the Duke Lemur Center. “These talks highlight the important work that we do here and in Madagascar with interactive discussions that aim to entertain and educate people about lemurs.”

From 6:30 to 8 p.m. Jan. 29, Lemur Center lead primate technician Bevan Clark will present on the topic of “The World’s Smallest Primate: Mouse Lemurs.” Afterward, Clark will lead a short tour of Mouse Lemur rooms at the center.

The event takes place at the Lemur Center at 3705 Erwin Road and employees and students get 50 percent off admission to the talk with a $10 ticket. A live webcast option is also available for $10.

All proceeds benefit the Lemur Center’s research and environmental programs.

At December’s Evening with the Experts talk, post-doctoral associate Marina Blanco discussed her research into the hibernation patterns of dwarf lemurs, which will hide in trees or burrow into the ground for weeks or even months at a time. Blanco explained how the animals, which can be around eight to 10 inches, can slow their heart rate from about 300 beats per minute to just four beats to minimize their metabolism and survive long stretches without eating.

“The dwarf lemur is the only primate who hibernates,” Blanco said. “In a seven-month period of hibernation, these animals are spending 15 percent of the energy they spend the rest of the year when they’re not hibernating.” 

Rhonda Sherman, a volunteer at the Lemur Center for almost nine years, said she enjoys attending the Evening with the Expert series because learning more about the animals each month deepens her appreciation for lemurs and nature.

“It’s so astounding that the largest collection of lemurs outside of Madagascar is here in Durham,” Sherman said. “I consider it an honor to be with these wild creatures that are the most endangered primates on the planet and they’re right here and we get to learn about them first-hand and have access to them.”

In addition to this week’s presentation, upcoming Evening with the Experts seminars include:

  • Feb. 21 at 2 p.m. – Conservation in Madagascar
  • March 26 at 6:30 p.m. – Lemur Education
  • April – Scent and Love
  • May – Lemur Brains

Reservations are required to attend an event and can be made by calling (919) 401-7240 or emailing Janice Kalin at janice.kalin@duke.edu.