Quarantine/Isolation of Animals:

A clinic and quarantine area is available to house incoming animals and sick animals. The clinic is equipped with two separate indoor holding areas, ten outdoor areas, washroom facilities, electricity and water. The clinic contains: medical supplies, record books, squeeze back cages, medical equipment and safety equipment.

Solid Waste Disposal:

All fecal materials from outdoor quarantine enclosures are raked up, double bagged and disposed of through proper waste disposal companies. Indoor buildings are equipped with septic tanks and are cleaned with high-pressure water systems.

Disposal of Biological/Medical Waste:

All biological/medical waste is double-bagged and disposed of through proper waste disposal companies. Needles are disposed of in Sharps containers and all gown and lab coats are laundered on-site, using bleach.

TB Tests and Inoculations (Incoming Animals):

All incoming primates are tested for TB, Herpes B and SIV before arrival. They are re-tested at the discretion of a licensed veterinarian and are health screened during the quarantine period, unless they were quarantined before arrival.

Animal Deaths:

Any animals that die under unusual circumstances undergo a necropsy and are disposed of by methods that are in compliance with city, county and state regulations.

Bio-Safety Level 2 Procedures (BSL-2):

All persons entering restricted areas must suit up and follow BSL-2 procedures. NO EXCEPTIONS! Any staff member not following standard operating procedures will be instantly dismissed.

Euthanasia:

Animals that cannot lead a normal life, free from pain and suffering, and animals that pose a threat to the safety of the staff or public due to abnormal aggressive behavior will be humanely euthanized by a veterinarian.

No Physical Interaction with Animals:

No physical interaction is allowed with ANY non-domestic animal.

Any physical contact with adult animals deemed necessary for medical procedures will only be performed if the animal is sedated.

NO ONE is allowed to play with or touch ANY of the wild or exotic animals. Any staff member violating this policy will be instantly dismissed.

Threatened and/or Endangered Species:

All males will be sterilized before arrival. The sanctuary does not discriminate between endangered, threatened and the more common species. We are a sanctuary, and all the animals are maintained on the same level.

Requirements for Acceptance of Animals:

Persons or agencies wising to place animals at the sanctuary will be required to:

• Sterilize all males
• Provide all current medical records and past histories when possible
• TB test and health screen all primates
• Health screen all animals
• Provide a contribution to the sanctuary
• Provide transportation costs
• Release and relinquish all rights to the animals in question by signing a legal and binding release form.

No Breeding Policy:

ASUS/WAO does not breed, sell, trade, or exploit any animal that is placed in its care.