Thursday, October 16, 2014

At the Duke Lemur Center

I took my first tour of the Duke Lemur Center October 5, and was blown away by their inquisitive, sensitive nature.  A small group of photographers were permitted to venture into one of the forest areas (there are a number of large areas separated by fences) and interact with one species who were out there for the day.  In the course of an hour and a half, I saw so many fascinating expressions and "poses" that I have to show you a lengthy sample of the photos I caught.


 
They are quite used to visitors, but you could still see shyness that gradually diminished, or was overcome.








This ring formation of the tail is, I'm told, not uncommon, but the upside down glance was a lucky catch!


They are fearless leapers.









Lunch time!




Are there greens caught between my teeth?





Other varieties of lemur were indoors that day, but I managed a few shots through their wire enclosures.


Togetherness.


We visited mouse-sized nocturnal lemurs in glass enclosures lit only by very dim red lights.


Permalink: http://jilcp.blogspot.com/2014/10/at-duke-lemur-center.html

20 comments:

  1. First group of photos - the lemur could be nicknamed, Snaggletooth! "Heavens to Murgatroyd!"

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  2. What great lemur photos, thank you for sharing these! I especially enjoyed the third to the last photo. The soft, whispy borders combined with the lemur's exquisitely gentle expression really drew me in to the photo and in toward loving lemurs! The third to the last lemur also had somewhat comical yet furry hair tufts on the side of his face that were enchanting; his muzzle was dog like. What an intriguing photo handled so expertly and with love. Bravo!

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    1. Thank you so very much! Your analysis of the third to last image is so completely aligned with my own feelings in creating it that I cannot add to it, except to say again, thank you!

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  3. That upside down glance-ring formation of the tail photo is pure genius. Well done.

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  4. How was it you took that last photo?

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    1. I used a very high ISO (20,000), a telephoto zoom at 200 mm @ f/2.8, pressed an edge of the (plastic) lens hood against the glass, made sure the lens's image stabilizer was on, set the shutter speed at 1/20 second, and controlled my breathing as best I could. I converted to black and white, applied a bit of noise reduction, and cropped the image further.

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    2. Looks like the lemur was holding his breath, too, wondering what kind of monocled alien was observing him!

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    3. LOL, he probably was, though he scampered along the branch a moment later, showing no sign of fear. I guess my benevolent disguise worked.

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  5. I guess, togetherness involves butt sniffing?

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    1. Lemurs have very sensitive olfactory abilities, so I guess that means they must emit very delicate butt smells? :<D

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    2. Swizerland instituted a law in 2008 stating that for social animals such as guinea pigs (or lemurs?), a companion animal (another guinea pig...lemurs probably not legal as a pet) is required if you wish to keep one as a pet. So, people in Swizerland are required to have at least two guinea pigs as pets.

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    3. That sounds like a pretty good idea for guinea pigs. I think you're right that lemurs can't legally be pets as they are endangered, a few species "critically endangered". Some pets, like dogs, seem to do well alone in a human household, but it is very important to them that they get to travel about regularly and meet up with other dogs. Of course, part of this is accomplished by smelling the creatures who were present some time ago, but when you see dogs meet, it's clear that the direct social interaction is invaluable.

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  6. With all the leafy greens they eat, I imagine they can compose smellar symphonies!

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    1. That's how I composed my first symphony - lots of leafy greens. The second has been slower to develop, so maybe I need to up the intake of kale and such.

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    2. Is there a way to find out when the NCSymphony is going to perform another one of your symphonies?

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    3. I would broadcast that news using every social medium and any other means I could!

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  7. Beautiful Pictures!!! Stunning actually!! Thank you for showing us these!

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    Replies
    1. You're welcome! Thank you very much for commenting!

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