Temporary Restriction of Service Dogs
Effective May 20, 2025
Until at least mid-June, we regret that we cannot allow service dogs onsite at the DLC. This is for the safety of a critically endangered infant whose dam behaves aggressively, occasionally toward the infant, when she is stressed.
We generally do allow service dogs on the tour path, but the ADA provides exemptions to its service dog requirements and the DLC must temporarily avail itself of those exemptions. (See Q26 on this page of the ADA website.)
Lemurs are natural prey animals, and even if your dog does not appear threatening, or is in a different part of the Center, the presence of a carnivore will cause the lemurs to become agitated. Alarm calls are carried from one species to another, and the shared stress causes some individuals—including this infant’s mother—to behave aggressively toward their family group. This could result in the injury or death of the infant.
We understand your need to have your animal with you. However, it is our duty to protect the health and safety of our lemurs. In this instance, allowing service dogs would prohibit us from doing so.
If you need special accommodations due to this policy, please contact us in advance (primate@duke.edu) and we will see what other options may be available to aid your visit. Thank you for your understanding.
