A Creature That Has a Superpower: Winter 2026

In this episode of Aye-aye Pod, we discuss a truly incredible little lemur with evolutionary superpowers: the fat-tailed dwarf lemur!

Dwarf lemurs are the only members of our primate family tree that are obligate hibernators. Tune in for a crash course in what makes these hibernating primates so fascinating and how the DLC’s non-harmful research into their unique adaptations could have far-ranging impacts from conservation to human health to deep space travel.

Learn more! Scroll down for additional articles and resources, read a full transcript of this episode, and explore our website learn all about Duke Lemur Center.

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The Anna Borruel Codina Center for Lemur Medicine and Research is equipped with two hibernation rooms, called hibernacula, that allow husbandry and research staff to mimic the natural conditions that modulate hibernation in the wild. Doing this, we’re able to replicate, to a degree, the dwarf lemurs’ experiences in Madagascar and gain insight into how this incredible survival technique works.

Recent Articles

From Lemurs to Lift-off: Lemurs are laying the groundwork for interstellar travel

After astronauts wake up from hibernation, will they still be able to drive the spacecraft? Duke researchers are studying lemurs to find out. Read on the blog or on pages 40-43 of LEMURS Magazine: Reasons for Hope.

Researcher Spotlight: The field of hibernation is hot, hot, hot… and dwarf lemurs are the hottest topic of all

Although traditionally focused on arctic and temperate species, today the field of hibernation is hot, hot, hot—figuratively and literally. And because dwarf lemurs are the closest relatives to humans capable of hibernation, they’re the hottest topic of all. Read on the blog or on pages 44-47 of LEMURS Magazine: Reasons for Hope.

Lemur Dreams: Is hibernation an elixir of life?

Why do dwarf lemurs live so long—and can humans, too? Jonas, the world’s oldest known fat-tailed dwarf lemur, lived at the DLC and died just months shy of his 30th birthday. Non-hibernating mammals of similar size have much shorter life spans of just two to three years. Read on the blog or on pages 14-15 of LEMURS Magazine: The “Why” Issue.