Retiring Research Primates: A Simple Way to Success

Written by Carol Asvestas, Michelle Reininger and Mary Reininger

Finding a Credible Sanctuary

Several major research facilities have already been successful in placing retired research primates in credible sanctuaries. The groundwork has already been covered. Facilities wishing to retire primates should contact directors of other facilities to seek advice as to where they have already placed animals. Documents pertaining to sanctuary credibility and references are usually on file and directors and staff members normally have already made at least one site visit to the sanctuary in question.

It is advisable to invite prospective sanctuary directors and their care staff to meet with directors and care staff of the research facility. This creates a good long term working relationship, allowing for continual communications between the two parties concerned. This also allows observation of the non-human primates that are to be retired.

It is just as important for directors and care staff of the research facility to visit the prospective sanctuary, regardless of visits made by other facility officials. Usually animal caregivers at research facilities have worked with these primates for many years. Caregivers are often very bonded with these primates and a visit will help eliminate any reservations they may have. Caregivers are an extremely useful source of important information regarding habits, needs, temperament etc. This open line of communication will help the transfer of the primates in question go smoothly and will reduce stress on both the animals and the facilities involved.

If the recommended sanctuary does not have room, it will have a referral list. Credible sanctuaries that have been operating for a certain period of time will know who is and who is not credible. They will not recommend undesirable facilities.

Financial Assistance

Sanctuaries will usually ask for financial assistance towards construction of enclosures; these amounts will vary. Facilities that hire contractors to build enclosures will ask for a larger amount. Those that have on-staff welders, full time construction workers and their own equipment will not ask for as much. This does not mean that they cannot meet standards, it just means they are more resourceful.

By providing funding for enclosure costs, the sanctuary will be relieved from cutting into general funds. Sanctuaries will often use general contributions to construct or expand enclosures. General funds that are not used for construction can then be placed into an endowment fund to assure stability for future care.

If a situation arises in the research community where animals need to be placed but no funds are available for construction costs, sanctuaries that offer assistance should not be doubted. Each sanctuary knows its own limits and usually will not accept animals that they cannot care for.

Roadside Zoos/Pseudo Sanctuaries

There is a significant difference between a sanctuary that gives guided educational tours and a roadside zoo/pseudo sanctuary.

A roadside zoo/pseudo-sanctuary usually allows free-roaming public, allows hands-on with animals and is in business to make a profit wherever and whenever possible. Baby animals are available for photo sessions, handling and on many occasions can be purchased for the right price.

Credible sanctuaries that offer guided educational tours have informative tour guides, whose primary goal is to educate the public against the ownership of exotic animals as pets. They do not allow any hands-on or animal contact. Baby animals seen on site are usually those that have been borne by females that arrived pregnant, unsuccessful vasectomies and in some instances abandoned youngsters that have been acquired and are being surrogated by an adult female. In these cases, the youngsters are left with the parents or kept within the confines of the colony. Credible sanctuaries will not accept animals that have not been sterilized (usually they request the adult males be vasectomized).

It is not difficult, even to the untrained eye, to tell the difference between a credible sanctuary and a roadside zoo/pseudo-sanctuary.

Potentially Retroviral Non-Human Primates/Bio-safety level 2 protocol

Experienced and credible sanctuaries that house potentially retroviral non-human primates usually will not display such animals unless they are at a distance of 10 feet or more. Retroviral positive non-human primates will be kept in restricted areas only accessible to trained staff members, thus ensuring public safety.

Even when a sanctuary has fully trained its staff members in bio-safety level 2 protocol, additional training and refresher courses can be offered by the research facility seeking to place animals. This will assure the public that both parties are operating responsibly, minimizing any health risk.

Responsible facilities that are housing potential retroviral non-human primates will have all safety equipment on hand and the bio-safety level 2 procedure in effect. Physicians responsible for first aid treatment of staff will have been supplied with all data pertaining to Herpes B, SHIV and other significant information and should be prepared tohandle all emergency situations.

Follow up Visits and Continued Interaction

After successful placement, it is important to do follow up visits and to continue communication between both parties involved. This interaction may include visits from animal caretakers for small periods of time to possibly monitor progress and assist with programs of animal care. The research facility in question should always be available for any needed consultation. This insures a long-term working relationship, enabling both parties to acquire ideas on how improvements can be made in both areas