Press Release

DURHAM, N.C., July 21, 2022 – Washington Duke Inn & Golf Club and JB Duke Hotel, two hotel properties located on the campus of Duke University, are offering summer packages with unique ways to support and experience the nearby Duke Lemur Center, a world leader in the study, care and protection of lemurs—Earth’s most threatened group of mammals. When booking the Adopt a Lemur Package, an adorable stuffed lemur greets guests in their room upon arrival, along with an Adopt a Lemur packet from the Duke Lemur Center. The symbolic, one-year adoption supports animal care at the Duke Lemur Center and its conservation programs in Madagascar.

Available for check-in Thursdays through Saturdays* now through October 2, the package includes a one-night stay in a guest room or suite at the Inn or JB Duke Hotel, a classic breakfast for two, and two tickets for a self-guided tour at the Duke Lemur Center. The Duke Lemur Center is home to more than 200 primates across 14 species, a wild population that can only be found living in their natural habitat of Madagascar. The self-guided tours allow visitors to wander at their own pace and ask personalized questions to trained, onsite educators.

The Adopt a Lemur packet includes an adoption certificate, species fact sheet, lemur biography, photo and sticker for guests to get to know the primate pal they are supporting. The hotels have each adopted a lemur species to support the Duke Lemur Center, with the Inn adopting a ring-tailed lemur named Randy and JB Duke Hotel adopting a Coquerel’s sifaka named Pompeia. Guests will spot Randy and Pompeia’s stuffed lemur counterparts visiting different locations throughout the hotel properties.

“We are pleased to collaborate with the Duke Lemur Center, located just minutes from both the Inn and JB Duke Hotel, to offer our guests a unique, curated experience at this internationally renowned facility,” said Julie Barrow, Area Director of Sales and Marketing, Washington Duke Inn & Golf Club, JB Duke Hotel and The Lodge at Duke Medical Center. “Through our Adopt a Lemur package, we want to create special memories for our guests while showcasing these amazing animals. This is a way for us to support the Duke Lemur Center’s important conservation efforts to protect such a highly endangered species."

Guests are invited to cap off their fun filled visit to the Duke Lemur Center with a specialty drink from the “Summer in Madagascar” drink menu, available in the Fairview Dining Room or the Bull Durham Bar at the Inn. The featured cocktail, “King Julian,” is a fusion of cranberry juice, premium Fever-Tree ginger beer and the smooth richness of Crown Royal Vanilla whiskey. The featured zero-proof mocktail, “Madagascar Punch,” is a delightful blend of fresh raspberry puree, Vanilla 1883 syrup and sparkling lemon-lime soda garnished with a classic twist of orange peel.

A range of summertime programming is also available at the Inn, including 8 a.m. Saturday morning yoga sessions and 9 p.m. Saturday evening stargazing events. Other amenities include the three-mile Al Buehler walking trail through Duke Forest, indoor pool with indoor/outdoor deck, family game room and access to the neighboring Duke Faculty Club, a private swim and fitness facility.

Reservations for the Adopt a Lemur Package are required 48 hours in advance and based on availability. To make a reservation online for the Washington Duke Inn, visit https://www.washingtondukeinn.com/durham-hotel-offers/adopt-a-lemur-package. To book online for the JB Duke Hotel, visit https://www.jbdukehotel.com/stay/specials/adopt-a-lemur-package.

*Self-guided tour tickets are available most Thursdays and Fridays from 5-7 p.m. or Saturdays and Sundays from 10 a.m. to noon now through October 2. A hotel reservation specialist will work to coordinate an available tour time at guests’ convenience. Guests have the option to purchase up to two (2) additional tour tickets and/or breakfast vouchers upon request.