citation_inspection: 5138

The public is allowed to enter a lemur exhibit for encounters with 2 red ruffed lemurs & 2 black & white ruffed lemurs. While inside the exhibit they remain seated on benches with a handler inside with them. During these public encounters, the lemurs are permitted free access within the exhibit and can (and do) run around and jump on and off of the seated patrons. During an encounter, this inspector observed that when one of the lemurs jumped onto the 8 year old boy, the lemur scratched the back of his neck. There were 2 visible longitudinal scratch marks (approx. 1"), but no blood, that were easily visualized by this inspector. This boy also indicated that a lemur nipped at his ear lobe (but did not cause any harm). The licensee indicated that there is a written SOP for this type of encounter, but that SOP was not being stored on-site and therefore could not be reviewed. These primates are not under the direct control (as defined as: to exercise restraint or direction over; dominate; commands) of the handler during these encounters. This type of encounter also does not minimize risk of harm to the public as it was observed on the day of the inspection. Fixed public exhibits housing nonhuman primates, such as zoos, must have a barrier between the primary enclosure and the public at any time the public is present, in order to restrict physical contact between the public and the nonhuman primates. Nonhuman primates used in trained animal acts or in uncaged public exhibits must be under the direct control and supervision of an experienced handler or trainer at all times when the public is present. Trained nonhuman primates may be allowed physical contact with the public, but only if they are under the direct control and supervision of an experienced handler or trainer at all times during the contact. Correct immediately.