diff --git a/direct/src/distributed/DistributedObject.py b/direct/src/distributed/DistributedObject.py
index f796d8093a..af5ae61d2b 100644
--- a/direct/src/distributed/DistributedObject.py
+++ b/direct/src/distributed/DistributedObject.py
@@ -235,9 +235,11 @@ class DistributedObject(DistributedObjectBase):
         # after this is called, the object is no longer an active DistributedObject
         # and it may be placed in the cache
         self.__callbacks = {}
-        self.cr.closeAutoInterests(self)
+        if self.cr:
+            self.cr.closeAutoInterests(self)
         self.setLocation(0,0)
-        self.cr.deleteObjectLocation(self, self.parentId, self.zoneId)
+        if self.cr:
+            self.cr.deleteObjectLocation(self, self.parentId, self.zoneId)
 
     def _destroyDO(self):
         # after this is called, the object is no longer a DistributedObject