Duke Lemur Center preps for Florence: 'We're going to be OK'

According to the article, because of the center's accreditation through the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, it already had a severe weather plan in place.

“Our [standard operating procedures] were thought through well before the storm, then improved further after every severe weather event,” said Greg Dye, Director of Operations and Interim Director of the Duke Lemur Center, in the article. "We know how to approach these storms, and our staff is trained, talented, and committed. We’re going to be OK.”

The work to prep for Florence has included an inventory of critical supplies on Monday; a double order of vegetables and fruit to ensure a minimum four-day food supply is on hand when the hurricane hits; and filled water barrels stored inside each of the center's five animal housing buildings. Back-up generators also have been fueled up in case the power goes out.

By Tuesday afternoon, all of the center's free-ranging lemurs had been brought indoors, the article says. And on Wednesday, the lemurs in the "silo" enclosures, which are featured in public tours of the site, were inside as well.

Starting Thursday, veterinary and animal care staff will stay on site to ensure they have access to the animals throughout the storm.

“Our staff has two families they’re prepping for the hurricane: their human families and the lemurs under their care,” Dye said in the article. “During the hurricane, they’ll be here alongside the lemurs… That’s an amazing level of commitment that separates us from a lot of other jobs. It’s incredible.”

The Duke Lemur Center will be closed to the public through Sunday.