New South Wales Government – Legislative Standards
Possum and Wombat Enclosures
As you are aware the NSW Association of Fauna & Marine Parks requested a review of directions
given for the housing of wombats and possums.
The Zoological Parks Board approved at its meeting in June, 1991 minimal enclosure dimensions for
Wombats and Possums. The approval was based on the recommendation of the Exhibited Animals
Advisory Committee which considered the suggestions of the NSW Association of Fauna & Marine
Parks, existing national and international legislative requirements, and standard building material sizes
in making its recommendation.
The following standards for possum enclosure sizes have been determined:
Minimum surface area: 8m2 (for up to 2 possums)
Minimum height: 2.4m
Minimum additional volume per additional animal 4.8m3
The following standards for wombat enclosure sizes have been determined:
Minimum surface area for up to 2 wombats: 30m2
Minimum surface area for one wombat: 23m2
Any establishment receiving previous directions relating to the housing of wombats and/or possums
should ensure that these animals are kept in facilities which meet these requirements. These
dimensional requirements replace any previous directions given on these matters.
W. Meikle
Registrar/Inspector
Exhibited Animals Protection Act
31 July 1991
NSW Agriculture & Fisheries
Telephone (02) 217 6666
Extension
Mckell Building
Rawson Place, Sydney
P.O. Box K220, Haymarket N.S.W. 2000
Exhibited Animals Protection Act
Draft Standards for Exhibiting Primates In New South Wales
Contents
Definitions
Introduction
4.4 Presentation
4.5 Activity Feeds
4.6 Food Preparation and storage
1.0 General
4.7 Water
2.0 Husbandry and Management
2.1 Group Caging
2.2 Construction
2.3 Space
2.4 Substrate
2.5 Captive Facilities
2.6 Fencing Dimensions
2.7 Exhibit Furniture
2.8 Lighting
2.9 Temperature
2.10 Permanent Indoor Housing
2.11 Breeding
2.12 Rejected Individuals and off Exhibit
Holding
2.13 Hand rearing
3.0 Animal Health
3.1 General
3.2 Preventative Medicine
3.3 Quarantine
3.4 Cleaning
3.5 Disposal of Carcasses
3.5 Euthanasia
5.0 Safety and Security
5.1 General
5.2 Zoonotic Diseases
5.3 Staff Health
5.4 First Aid
6.0 Records
6.1 Identification
6.2 Records
6.3 Documents
7.0 Transport and Handling
7.1 General
7.2 Handling
7.3 Transport
Reference List
Schedule One
Schedule Two
Schedule Three
Schedule Four
4.0 Nutrition and Hygiene
4.1 Variety
4.2 Quantity
4.3 Supplements
Appendix One
Appendix Two
Minimum Space
Requirements
Fence Requirements
Minimum exhibit
furniture
Transport
Taxonomy of
Primates
Basic biology of
Primates
Appendix Three
Breeding and
Behaviour of
primates in relation
to exhibit design
Appendix Four
Appendix Five
Methods of
identification and
handling
Diet
Definitions
Agonistic Behaviour: Any behaviour which is associated with or illicits aggression.
Arboreal: An animal adapted for living and moving about in trees.
Ape: An animal of the family Pongidae (Chimpanzees, Gorillas and Orangutans) or
Hylobatidae (Gibbons and Siamang)
Browse: Leaves, bark and branches of trees, bushes and shrubs.
Crepuscular: Most active at dawn and dusk.
Disease: Any condition suffered by an animal such that normally accepted parameters of
health are not met.
Distress: Occurs when the animal’s mechanisms for coping with stressors are being utilised
but not over-extended. Signs of distress may be anxiety, elevated heart and respiration rates,
aggression, aversion, frustration, boredom, displacement behaviours, for example. A number
of these signs are evident when an animal is experiencing a ‘fight or flight’ response.
Diurnal: Active during the day.
Enclosure: Any facility that, by use of physical barriers, enables loose confinement of any
animal within a given area.
Environmental enrichment: Any device, mechanism or process which provides positive
physical or psychological stimulation to an animal and allows it to display natural
behaviours.
Exhibit: Any enclosure designed for the display of animals to the public.
Family Group: Group of related animals which may contain more than one adult female or
male and an offspring depending on the species.
Fence: Any structure that comprises an upright physical barrier used either to prevent
passage or direct passage of any person of animals.
Holding Area: Any fixed enclosure designed to house animals which is not an exhibit.
Monkey: A member of the order Primates other than humans, apes and prosimians
New World Monkey: A member of the family Cebidae or Callitrichidae, natural habitat is in
the Americas - the ‘new world’.
Nocturnal: An animal active by night.
Old World Monkey: A member of the family Cercopithecidae, natural habitat is in
Europe/Africa/Asia - the ‘old world’
Primate or Non Human Primate: all members of the Order Primate (see Appendix One)
Restraint: Any method, be it physical, chemical or behavioral, of preventing an animal from
performing an act or movement that is deemed undesirable at the time.
Semi-Arboreal: An animal which may spend time moving about in trees or sleep in trees but
which also spends time on the ground.
Stress: Occurs when the animal’s mechanisms for coping with stressors have been overextended and are breaking down. This frequently results in increases in the animal’s
susceptibility to disease and reduces its capacity to grow and reproduce. Signs of stress may
include hair loss, dermatitis, weight loss, stereotypic behaviour, abnormal ingestion,
scouring, increased incidence of disease, self-mutilation, abnormal activity levels,
depression, elevated aggression levels, inhibited digestion, suppressed immune system, or
elevated corticosteroid levels.
Stressor: Any factor that produces stress when it acts excessively, for example heat, cold,
overcrowding, inadequate husbandry, social deprivation, pain, inability to exhibit normal
behaviours.
Substrate: Any bedding or litter placed on the flooring of a cage, box, stall or enclosure.
Swing Span: The average distance covered by a primate when swinging from one hand to
the other in forward motion (‘brachiating’)
Terrestrial: An animal which is adapted to living and moving on the ground.
Veterinarian: A qualified Veterinarian registered in New South Wales who has at least 2
years experience with exotic species.
Veterinary Care: Provision of satisfactory standards of physical and mental health to
primates, prevention and treatment of diseases and injuries, and provision of advice to ensure
proper health precautions are practised by personnel.
Zoonosis/Zoonotic Disease (Plural Zoonoses): A disease which can affect both humans and
animals and may be passed between them.
Introduction
These standards are not applicable to primates kept in circuses. Circus personnel should
consult the “Standards for Exhibiting Circus Animals in NSW”.
In addition to the “General Standards for Exhibiting Animals in New South Wales” which
apply under the Exhibited Animals Protection Act, the following minimum standards apply
specifically to the exhibition of primates.
A number of appendices give additional information to assist exhibitors.
To successfully maintain and display primates requires special housing and knowledge. Not
only physical but also psychological needs of primates must be met. Enclosures should
provide a complex and stimulating environment to promote normal behaviour and prevent
boredom. In most primate species, social interaction is of fundamental importance to
development of normal behaviour. Therefore primate groups should comprise natural family
groups or larger social groups as appropriate. These requirements are dealt with in Section
2.0 and by Schedules One to Three.
Animal Health is covered by Section 3.0, whilst Section 4.0 covers nutrition and hygiene.
Special precautions must be taken in maintaining primates because these animals may carry
serious diseases that pose a potential health hazard to personnel. They are also susceptible to
a number of human diseases. The requirements for safety and security of the public, of staff
and of animals are included in section 5.0.
What records must be kept and how is dealt with in section 6.0. Section 7.0 and Schedule
Four set out requirements for transport and handling.
It should be emphasised that these standards are the minimum.
All exhibitors of primates should strive for standards above this minimum.
1. GENERAL
1.1 Prior to approval to keep any species of primate not previously kept, the Registrar,
Exhibited Animals, must be provided with evidence as to the expertise of the exhibitor and/or
staff.
* People not familiar with the husbandry and management of a particular species of primate
must seek the advice of experts before acquiring the species.
1.2 All applications for a permit to display a primate must be accompanied by an
escape/recapture plan.
2.0 HUSBANDRY AND MANAGEMENT
2.1 Group Caging
2.1.1 Only compatible animals must be kept together and the composition of the group must
be constantly monitored. Factors such as male/female ratios, dominance and social patterns
in the wild must be taken into consideration when grouping animals. Schedule Three lists the
groups that must be held and Appendix Two provides information on group sizes in the wild.
*By establishing the right grouping for a species, boredom and other behavioral problems are
alleviated by allowing normal interaction between animals, some level of agonistic behaviour
is normal, but this should not be excessive;
2.1.2 Primates may be held in family groups, bachelor groups or breeding pairs depending on
the species, but generally must not be housed singly (with some exceptions, such as adult
male orangutans, see Schedule Three);
2.1.3 Steps must be taken to prevent abnormal behaviour patterns from developing because
once established they become more difficult to rectify;
* Signs of mal-adaption or boredom of an individual include: excessive grooming, hair
pulling, repetitive pacing, running, jumping or rocking, social withdrawal or self mutilation.
2.1.4 Primates may be kept in mixed species exhibits on the condition that reports are
submitted to the Registrar detailing
a. reasons for keeping these particular species together and predictions as to their
compatibility
b. the results of constant observations for two days after the groups are first mixed
c. success after one month
d. any on going problems after one year.
2.2 Construction
2.2.1 Enclosures may be open, semi-enclosed or totally enclosed or consist of islands
surrounded by water;
2.2.2 Enclosures shall be well constructed and maintained in good repair. Particular attention
must be given to eliminating sharp edges and broken wires;
2.2.3 Sufficient shelter must be provided to allow protection from wind, rain and extremes in
temperature and provide shade, whilst allowing access to sunlight during daylight hours;
2.2.4 Enclosures must be naturalistic and attempt to represent the animal’s natural habitat.
Planting must be established before animals are released into the enclosure;
2.2.5 The majority of the enclosure must be out of visual range of any neighbouring exhibits
housing potential predator species or other groups of the same primate species if the species
is territorial.
2.3 Space
2.3.1 Sufficient space must be provided, both horizontally and vertically to enable the
animals to take exercise, to protect animals from undue dominance or conflict and to provide
for their social, breeding and behavioral needs. Minimum exhibit furniture is set out in
Schedule Three
* These needs will be different for arboreal, semi-arboreal and terrestrial species;
2.3.2 Minimum size requirements are set out in Schedule One based on an enclosure to hold
three animals or a pair plus offspring (except for solitary animals such as male orangutan).
* Minimum sizes have been based on the animal’s body size and activity patterns, but no
scientifically based formula currently exists to calculate size requirements. These figures are
the best fit from information available. They may be subject to change should new
information come to light. Exhibitors should refrain from basing enclosure designs solely on
the minimum size however. In order to provide an appropriate environment, many factors
must be provided for, space being just one of these. The size of the enclosure must be based
on ability to provide all of the factors including; social grouping, climbing structures, nesting
and feeding stations.
2.3.3 Space requirements must take into account additional space for growth of individual
animals or of the group.
* Good facilities are not necessarily the most complex and expensive. Low cost, simple but
well designed facilities which are expertly managed and allow for greater flexibility are
usually the best.
2.3.4 Where more than one species is exhibited, the enclosure size must be that which
provides the larger amount of space (in volume).
2.4 Substrate
2.4.1 The enclosure must be well drained.
2.4.2 A mixture of artificial and natural or all natural substrate must be provided, as
appropriate to allow normal behaviour, such as foraging or scent marking.
2.4.3 The enclosure must be planted out with species appropriate to the natural habitat of the
primates and preferably be accessible to the animals. Plantings must be in sufficient quantity
or of such an age that they are not denuded or destroyed by the animals.
* New plantings should be established to the stage that they are relatively resistant to
destruction prior to animals being introduced.
2.4.4 Vegetation must not be toxic to the animals.
* Some Australian species such as Eucalyptus, Melaleuca and Leptospermum may be toxic
to some primates.
2.4.5 Where the exhibit’s plantings are not accessible to the animals, browse and other
vegetation appropriate to the species must be provided and replenished regularly to provide a
source of environmental enrichment.
2.5 Capture Facilities
Each exhibit must be equipped with facilities suitable for the physical isolation of individuals
and so that animals can be restricted for close examination and veterinary treatment.
* regularly used races between enclosures provide a low stress mechanism for capture.
2.6 Fencing Dimensions
2.6.1 Fencing dimensions for unroofed enclosures for containing mature animals of various
species with or without a wet moat are listed in Schedule Two.
2.6.2 Heights are measured from an adjacent ground level to which the animal has access.
2.7 Exhibit Furniture
2.7.1 Minimum exhibit furniture is listed for each species or genus of primate in Schedule
Three. Where more than one species are kept together, the cage furniture must be the sum of
that required for each species.
2.7.2 In general, enclosures must be furnished with horizontal and vertical pathways shelves
and perches above floor level.
2.7.3 Resting places and perches sufficient to accommodate all members of the group must
be provided in such a manner as is appropriate for the species.
2.7.4 Surfaces of resting places or perches must be roughened, or otherwise textured, so that
they are not slippery when wet. Interior surfaces must be impervious and easily cleaned.
2.7.5 Ropes must be maintained in good condition. The ends must be sealed against fraying
and be heavy enough to remain taut when the animals are actively using them.
2.7.6 Visual barriers must be provided to allow animals to hide from an aggressor or from
the public.
2.7.7 A behavioral enrichment program must be established to provide for the behavioral and
psychological needs of the group. The design of the exhibit must provide natural vegetation,
natural substrates and climbing structures. Replenishable material in the form of
manipulatable objects and activity feeds, replaced as necessary, must also be provided.
* Activity feeds may include puzzle feeders such as artificial termite mounds, high fibrous
food such as non toxic tree branches and other browse (eg willows, banana palm, ficus sp), or
small food items hidden in the substrate throughout the exhibit. Avoid Australian natives
with high volatile oil content (Eucalyptus, Melaleuca and Leptospermum spp).
Manipulatable objects may be in the form of coconut shells or clean shredded paper.
2.8 Lighting
2.8.1 Light quality, duration and intensity must be either natural or mimic that of the wild
(such as reversed lighting for nocturnal species).
* Access to ample direct sunlight, or artificial light with a similar UV spectrum, is required
for maintenance of normal vitamin D levels in many species.
2.8.2 Lighting must be adequate for routine health and hygiene checks of animals and for
cleaning of the enclosure.
2.9 Temperature
Outdoor facilities must provide animals with access to either indoor holding facilities or nest
boxes with temperatures between 18 and 30 degrees Celsius, unless the species occurs
naturally in colder environments. Heated concrete shelving may also be used.
2.10 Permanent Indoor Housing
2.10.1 Where primates are housed permanently indoors, there shall be sufficient air changes
per hour to provide ample fresh air and prevent the build up of odours and noxious gases;
* noxious gases may include carbon dioxide and ammonia.
2.10.2 Humidity must be kept at levels appropriate to the species and so that the health of the
animals is maintained.
2.11 Breeding
2.11.1 Due to the longevity of most primates and the difficulty in rehousing surplus animals,
the eventual fate of animals once they have become adult must be established before
breeding occurs.
* This is despite the fact that mixed age groups tend to exhibit the greatest range of
behaviors.
2.11.2 Breeding must not occur if it can be reasonably expected that the welfare of the
progeny would be adversely affected because of budgeting or space constraints.
2.11.3 Breeding must be compatible with the Australasian Species Management Programs of
the Australasian Regional Association of Zoological Parks and Aquaria.
2.11.4 Known genetic disorders carried by individuals must not be spread through the
population by breeding with the carrier nor deliberately brought to expression by inbreeding.
2.12 Rejected individuals and off exhibit holding
2.12.1 All attempts must be made to integrate individual animals into a group (except where
the species is naturally solitary), whether at the exhibitor’s institution or another institution,.
2.12.2 There must be places within the exhibit for any animal to withdraw from the group.
2.12.3 Animals that are constantly rejected must be removed from the group but housed
where they have visual and olfactory contact with the rest of the group. Where possible,
physical contact must be provided particularly in the long term, for instance with compatible
individuals.
2.12.4 Off exhibit holding areas where animals are held for longer than six weeks must
provide the minimum space and furniture requirements as for the exhibit.
* Naturalism is not essential in off exhibit holding, but is preferred because of the benefits to
the animals’ health and well being.
2.12.5 Off exhibit holding areas must be able to be connected to the main area to allow
animals to be moved easily between the two.
2.12.6 Animals must be held in off exhibit holding for the shortest time possible, except
where the exhibit facilities meet the requirements for exhibits. All Efforts must be made to
place surplus animals at other institutions.
2.13 Hand rearing
Hand rearing must only be undertaken only in exceptional circumstances, in consultation
with animal management staff and the veterinarian;
* The extended developmental period of juvenile primates requires older animals to associate
with juveniles so that behaviour develops normally. The juvenile animals then learn to
function as part of a social group, reproduce and care for young. Artificial rearing disrupts
this natural process and often results in socially maladjusted animals which may be difficult
to place in a group or lack the skills for normal breeding behaviour.
3.0 Animal Health
The General standards must be consulted regarding overall requirements for animal health
(Part Three Clauses 18-21)
3.1.1 General health evaluations of the animals within a primate colony must be carried out
at frequent and regular intervals, and at least quarterly, by a qualified veterinarian with
experience with primates or by a veterinarian in consultation with a recognized expert;
3.1.2 A person familiar with the animals must spend at least one hour a day with the animals
other than during routine husbandry procedures, such as cleaning, in order to observe the
physical condition and behaviour of the animals, observe the use of enrichment devices and
develop alternatives.
3.1.3 Records must be kept of any changes observed in behaviour, feeding, urination and
defecation, veterinary or other treatment or changes in husbandry or diet. (See also section
6.0 Records).
3.1.4 The decision to capture, handle and treat any primate must take into account the
disruption to the group and the animal’s position in the dominance hierarchy as well as the
stress to the individual;
3.2 Preventative Medicine
3.2.1 A preventative medicine program must be established for the colony including
vaccination and parasite control programs, as advised by the veterinarian;
3.2.2 Routine vaccination of young animals with tetanus toxoid must be performed and
followed by booster vaccinations every four to five years to achieve effective immunity, as
advised by the veterinarian:
* Tetanus outbreaks have been reported in Squirrel Monkeys, Rhesus Monkeys and Baboons.
3.2.3 Whenever an animal is handled, opportunistic samples must be taken and tests carried
out, such as TB tests and faecal cultures, as recommended by the veterinarian, and the animal
must be weighed;
3.2.4 Adequate provision must be made for the isolation and treatment of sick animals
including during quarantine. Removal of a single individual from a group must be
undertaken with care, as attempts to re-introduce the animal later may fail.
3.3 Quarantine
3.3.1 Newly received primates must remain separated from resident primates until their heath
status has been established, in accordance with acceptable veterinary practice. Any
communicable disease in a newly acquired primate must be successfully treated before it is
placed with other residents;
3.3.2 During quarantine, primates must be caged in compatible groups or the groups they
were held in at the previous location. Introductions to a larger group must be undertaken
slowly and with care;
3.3.3 The quarantine area shall be totally separated from regular holding areas, including the
drainage system, staffing and feeding regimes; but must provide for the physical and
psychological needs of the animals.
3.3.4 The new animals must be vaccinated in accordance with the vaccination program of the
resident animals;
3.3.5 Examination and, where indicated, treatment for internal and external parasites and any
other tests or treatments as prescribed by the veterinarian must be undertaken, however, this
must involve the minimum amount of handling.
* Handling, new environments, noise, unfamiliar personnel and routines can all induce stress,
the effects of which may be cumulative. Acute stress or prolonged low grade stress can
result in death from shock (in the case of acute stress), decreased resistance to disease or
parasites.
3.3.6 All laundry, including keepers’ protective outwear that has been soiled by primates or
their excreta, must be sterilised, for instance by being autoclaved, prior to being sent for
washing;
3.3.7 A footbath containing an effective disinfectant must be used prior to entering all
primate quarantine enclosures, or areas containing quarantine enclosures and its use strictly
adhered to by all personnel.
3.4 Cleaning
The General standards (Part Two) must be consulted regarding overall hygiene requirements.
3.4.1 Hard surfaced enclosure substrate and furniture must be washed as frequently as
necessary to keep them free from contamination.
3.4.2 Where cleaning will disrupt scent marking behaviour in particular species, areas must
be cleaned in rotation;
3.4.3 Perches, shelves and nest boxes must be cleaned daily to prevent the accumulation of
faecal matter and urine;
3.4.4 Soil or other natural substrates must be spot-cleaned daily;
3.4.5 Feeders, watering devices, feeding equipment and other metal or plastic equipment
must be washed and disinfected and rinsed off thoroughly.
3.4.6 The enclosures must be dry before animals are returned to them, unless the temperature
in the enclosure is above 20 degrees Celsius.
3.5 Disposal of Carcasses
Where a primate is to be euthanased or dies of other causes, the exhibitor must contact the
Australian Museum or the Taronga Zoo Pathology Registrar so that tissues or samples can be
preserved and shared with other institutions.
3.6 Euthanasia
Euthanasia must be undertaken by a qualified veterinarian using only recognized humane
techniques.
4.0 Nutrition and Hygiene
The General standards must be consulted regarding overall requirement for nutrition and
hygiene.
4.1 Variety
Diversity in the taste, colour, size and nutritional value of food items in the diet is
particularly important for primates. Commercial monkey chows must be supplemented with
fresh fruits and raw vegetables daily.
4.2 Quantity
Careful planning must go into the preparation and feeding to satisfy the nutritional
requirements of all groups members including growing and lactating animals.
4.3 Supplements
Primates may require supplementary Vitamin C and Vitamin D, in accordance with
veterinary advice.
4.4 Presentation
4.4.1 Primates must be fed in small portions at least twice a day;
4.4.2 Food must be presented in a manner and in receptacles designed to prevent
contamination by birds or rodents;
4.4.3 Arboreal primates must be fed at least 1.5 metres off the ground to accomodate natural
behaviour and to reduce faecal contamination;
4.4.4 To encourage familiarity with the catching cage or shift box, it is appropriate to entice
group animals into the cage by feeding.
4.4.5 Food must be presented in several areas to ensure that all members of the group have
sufficient access, except where food is being used to entice animals into a shift box catching
cage;
4.4.6 Over-ripe, liquid and semi - liquid foods must be offered in feeding trays or handed out
individually to each primate to minimise contamination.
4.5 Activity Feeds
Activity feeds additional to the animals’ basic nutrient requirements and appropriate to the
species, such as seeds, grains, raisins, must be provided either scattered across substrate or
included in wood chips, hay, paper, feeding puzzles or other suitable material. This will
facilitate foraging behaviour and counteract boredom. (See also 2.7.7)
4.6 Food preparation and storage
Preparation and storage of animal food is described in the General Standards. (Clauses 10,
11, 12, 13).
4.7 Water
Water requirements are as described in the General Standards. (Clauses 9,14,11).
4.7.1 Fresh clean water must be available at all times;
4.7.2 Watering devices such as monkey-activated drinkers must be such that the water cannot
be contaminated with excreta. They must be kept in good working order and checked daily.
4.7.3 Some species have particular requirements in relation to washing of food items which
must be provided for.
4.7.4 Where there is more than one animal there must be more than one watering point.
5.0 Safety and Security
5.1 General
General provisions for the security of enclosures are described in the General standards Part
Five;
5.1.1 Individual species’ abilities must be taken into account in the design of exhibits, to
ensure adequate security for both staff and the public.
* Primates can be extremely strong and dextrous, light fittings must be recessed or
inaccessible, bolts and other fasteners must be outside the exhibit and inaccessible.
5.1.2 Enclosures (except islands) must be provided with a vestibule or other arrangement to
ensure that there are always two door between the primate enclosure and the building
corridor or the outside.
5.2 Zoonotic Diseases
5.2.1 The hazards posed to personnel by the various primate zoonoses must be explained to
all personnel in contact with primates. Measures necessary to prevent disease transmission
must be clearly explained. These diseases include; tuberculosis, viral hepatitis and Herpes
simplex simei (Old World monkeys particularly Macaques). Animals bred in Australia are
unlikely to carry these diseases but they must be anticipated in newly imported animals.
5.2.2 As a matter of public health all waste must be disposed of safely, for instance by
incineration;
5.2.3 As diseases, such as measles, mumps, chicken pox and colds, can also be passed from
humans to other primates. Individual employees must report any personal health condition
which may jeopardise the animals’ health. Face masks must be worn in these circumstances.
5.2.4 As some species can inflict serious injuries with their long canine teeth and powerful
jaws, all primate handling must be done by experienced trained personnel, animal care staff
must be aware of the potential for injuries and ways to prevent them.
5.3 Staff Health
5.3.1 It is the exhibitor’s responsibility to ensure that all staff, prior to being exposed to nonhuman primates, have had an appropriate course of immunisation and a pre-employment
medical assessment;
5.3.2 It is strongly recommended that all personnel in direct contact with primates have a preemployment chest x-ray to detect the presence of tuberculosis. This chest x-ray must be
repeated if the person develops respiratory problems;
5.3.3 Any staff member with a medical condition which reduces their resistance to infections
must be restricted from working with non-human primates. This may include personnel who
are pregnant or who have a condition affecting their immune system.
5.3.4 Basic hygiene, such as washing hands thoroughly with soap and water after handling
animals and cleaning the exhibit, must be practised at all times.
* Primates are a source of biohazards such as parasites, protozoal and bacterial infections,
which are transmitted mainly through faecal contamination of hands and objects or by bites
and scratches.
5.4 First Aid
5.4.1 A complete first aid kit must be readily accessible to all staff working with primates
and used when required;
5.4.2 There must be a written protocol for dealing with bite and scratch wounds from
primates, including arrangements with the local hospital.
* All primates must be considered as potentially infected with Herpes virus simiae (B virus)
as blood tests may not show whether an individual primate is infected.;
6.0 Records
6.1 Identification
Each primate shall be individually and permanently identified by an appropriate method
(Appendix Four lists some suggested methods);
6.2 Records
6.2.1 Establishments shall keep records of all primates on an individual basis in a form which
can be quickly and easily examined, analysed and compared with those kept by the
establishments.
6.2.2 The records shall provide the following information:
i Identification number, common name, scientific name, any personal name and any
distinctive markings;
ii Origin (details of parents and their origin and of any previous locations);
iii Dates of acquisition and disposal, with details of circumstances and addresses;
iv Date of birth;
v Veterinary records, including results of physical examinations, details and dates of any
treatments, results of routine health examinations;
vi Breeding and details of any offspring;
vii Date of death and results of post mortem reports;
viii Normal diet.
ix Any other specific details pertaining to the individual such as changes in behaviour or
diet.
6.2.3 These records must be updated at least fortnightly.
62.4 Where an Australasian or international studbook exists, records must be provided to the
studbook keeper at least yearly or as required by the studbook.
6.2.5 Surplus lists must be published on a regular basis at least every six months, to avoid
primates staying out of their natural group for long periods.
6.3 Documents
6.3.1 All documents, records and other information pertaining to each animal from previous
locations must be kept safely and maintained for the life of the primate plus five years;
6.3.2 Animals moving to new locations must be accompanied by copies of all relevant
records.
7.0 Transport And Handling
7.1 General
7.1.1 Handling and transport of primates must be the minimum required for health or
management reasons.
* Handling, new environments, separation from the group, noise, unfamiliar personnel and
routines can all induce stress, the effects of which may be cumulative. Acute stress or
prolonged low grade stress can result in death from shock (in the case of acute stress),
decreased resistance to disease or parasites.
7.1.2 The decision to capture and handle any primate must take into account the disruption to
the group and the animal’s position in the dominance hierarchy as well as the stress to the
individual;
* The removal of a dominant individual for more than a few days means that, when
reintroduced to the group, the animal may not be able to re-establish itself or may be totally
rejected.
7.1.3 Primates must be handled and transported safely:
7.2 Handling
7.2.1 All handling must be undertaken by trained and experienced staff and all members,
including assistants and ancillary staff must be aware of the dangers posed by the particular
animals.
* Primates pose a risk to handlers because they are unpredictable in their reactions
particularly to inexperienced attendants. There are significant dangers to staff due to the
strength, tenacity and aggressiveness of many species. Primates may also grab loose clothing
and throw objects and have an extended reach due to long limbs. Therefore due caution must
be exercised.
7.2.2 Specific handling techniques depend on the species, size and social grouping.
* All species of primate defend themselves by biting with their strong jaws and large teeth.
In many species, adult males have large canine teeth, particularly baboons, gibbons and
langurs. They can also inflict deep and painful scratches.
7.2.3 Primates must be trained to routinely enter a nest box or move through a race where
they can be restrained. The ability of primates to learn can be utilised by training animals to
accept temporary restraint in reward for food.
7.2.4 Chemical or manual restraint must be used only when less stressful alternatives cannot
be used. The use of squeeze cages and nets is unacceptable because of the stress caused to
the individual and the possibilities for injuries.
7.2.5 Primates must be caught only in the restraint box or race unless it is impossible to make
the animal enter.
7.2.6 Primates which have been sedated or anaesthetised must be allowed to recover in a
separate area, nest box or restraint cage without any risks from other animals, falling or other
injuries.
7.2.7 Anaesthesia, sedation, tranquillisation and analgesia must be used to minimise pain and
distress, as determined by the veterinarian.
7.2.8 Re-introduction of a primate into an existing group must be undertaken with caution.
And the introduced member must be closely observed for 48 hours after introduction.
7.3 Transport
Primates must be transported between establishments according to the International Air
Transport Association's “Live Animal Regulations” as attached (Schedule Four).
Reference List
Further information on keeping primates can be found in the following. Staff must have
access to up to date literature as part of their on the job training.
Australian Primatologist, Bulletin of the Australian Primate Society. Available from Graeme
Crook, CSIRO Division of Human Nutrition, Majors Road, O’Halloran Hill, SA 5158.
Fowler M (ed) (1986) “Zoo and Wild Animal Medicine” Second Edition. W B Sanders,
Philadelphia. ISBN 0-7216-1013-7.
Griede, T. (1989) “ Guidelines for adequate housing and care of non-human primates in
zoos” National Foundation for Research in Zoological Gardens, PO Box 20164, 1000 HD
Amsterdam, Netherlands.
Jacobsen, L. And Hamel, R. (1994). “International Directory of Primatology” Wisconsin
Regional Primate Research Centre, University of Wisconsin, 1220 Capitol Court, Madison,
WI, USA.
Macdonald, D (ed) (1984) “The Encyclopaedia of Mammals” Volume One. George Allen &
Unwin, London ISBN 0-04-500028-X.
Napier,J.R. and P.H. (1985). “The Natural History of the Primates” The British Museum
(Natural History), London.
National Academy of Science (1978) “Nutrient Requirements of Non-human Primates”
Washington DC
NH & MRC Animal Welfare Committee “Policy on the Use of Non-human Primates in
Medical Research” (May1995)
Nowak, R.M. and Paradiso, J.L. (1983). “Walker’s Mammals of the World” Volume II, 4th
Edition, Johns Hopkins University Press, Baltimore and London.
Tribe, A. and Spielman, D. (1996) “Restraint and handling of Captive Wildlife “ insert in
ANZCCART News, Vol 9,No.1, March.
Schedule One: Minimum Enclosure Dimensions
The minimum enclosure dimensions are calculated for three adult animals, or a pair plus
offspring, except for orangutan.
Species are categorized as being terrestrial, arboreal or semi arboreal.
An additional 30% of the floor area must be added for each extra animal for terrestrial and
semi arboreal species. For arboreal species, the minimum height also remains the same, but
for each extra animal 30% of the minimum volume must be added.
The sizes have been calculated using the jumping distance or swing span for semi-arboreal
and arboreal species and body length for terrestrial species.
The species listed are those that are currently held in NSW. The onus is on the exhibitor
wishing to introduce a new species to provide written argument for the minimum enclosure
dimensions based on the above formulae.
The minimum floor area or volume may be greater than that calculated from the minimum
dimensions given. It is up to the exhibitor how the area or volume is achieved.
Schedule One : Minimum Enclosure Dimensions
Species/genus
Lemur catta
Varecia variegata
Callithrix/Cebuella
spp
Saguinus/Leontopithic
us spp.
Ateles geoffroyi
Cebus apella
Saimiri scureus
Presbytis entellus
Colobus spp.
Papio sphinx
Papio hamadryas
Cercopithicus
Neglectus
Macaca spp
Erythrocebus patas
23.25m2
100m
Minim
um
width
(m)
(EFZ
values)
4.5
4.0
Minim
um
length
(m)
(EFZ
values)
4.5
6.0
Minimum
height (m)
(for roofed
enclosures)
(EFZ
values)
3.5
4.0
Arboreal
Arboreal
24m3
54m3
2.0
3.0
5.0
7.5
2.4
2.4
Arboreal
Semi
arborealArboreal
250.0m3
34.4 m2
160m
5.0
5.6
4.0
12.5
5.6
10.0
4.0
3.5
3.0
Semi arboreal
Arboreal
63.8m2
250m3
7.8
5.0
7.8
12.5
4.0
4.0
Terrestrial
Terrestrial
81.8m2
63.8m2
6.4
5.6
12.0
10.5
3.0
3.0
Terrestrial
Semi arboreal
Terrestrial
48.2m2
39.0m2
72.5m2
4.8
6.0
6.0
9.0
6.0
11.25
3.0
3.5
3.0
Arboreal
Arboreal
Semi arboreal
Arboreal
360m3
490m3
*250m2
+500m3
*375m2
6.0
7.0
10.0
10.0
20.0
15.0
17.5
10.0
20.0
20.0
4.0
4.0
4.0
5.0
4.0
Common
name
Terrestrial or
arboreal
Minimum
floor area
(m2) or vol
(m3) (EFZ
values)
Ringtailed
Lemur
Ruffed Lemur
Marmosets
Tamarins
Semi areboreal
Arboreal
Spider Moneky
Capuchin
Squirrel
Monkey
Entellus
Langur
Colobus
monkey
Mandrill
Hamadryas
baboon
Hylobates lar
H.syndactylus
Pan troglodytes
Pongo pygmaeus
De Brazzas
guenon
Macaques
Patas Monkey
Lar Gibbon
Siamang
Chimpanzee *
Orangutan +
Gorilla gorilla
Gorilla *
Terrestrial
*exhibits to house these species must be built to accommodate a minimum of five
animals, to allow for normal social groupings, therefore minimum enclosure size is for
this number for this number of adults, not three.
+ may be exhibited as single male or single female plus offspring, therefore the minimum
enclosure size is for two animals.
Schedule Two : Fence requirements.
Moated enclosures
Genus/species
Height of
wall
above
water
level (m)
1.5
Lemur catta
2.5
Varecia spp
Callithrix spp 1
Sanguinus spp 1
2.5
Ateles spp
2.5
Cebus spp
2.0
Saimiri
sciureus
2.5
Presbytis
entellus
Papio sphinx 5
P. hamadryas 5
Cercopithecus 3
spp.
3
Macaca spp
Erythrocebus 3.5
patas
Hylobates lar 3.5
H.syndactylus 3.5
5
Pan
5
troglodytes
5
Pongo
pygmaeus
Gorilla
gorilla
* not recommended
Fenced enclosures
Water Moat Vertical bar
Mesh
Mesh
Mesh
depth Width Diameter(mm) wire
dimensions roof
(m)
(m)
Diameter (mm)
required
(mm)
1
1.5
0.5
0.5
1.5
1.5
1.0
4
4
3
3
4.5
4.5
3.0
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
50x50
50x50
50x50
50x50
50x50
50x50
50x50
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
1.5
4.5
*
3
50x50
yes
2
2
1.5
4.5
4.5
3.0
15
15
10
5
5
3
130x55
130x55
135x65
No
No
Yes
1.5
1.5
4.5
4.5
10
10
3
3
135x65
135x6
Yes
Yes
2.0
2.0
2.5
2.5
2.5
5.0
5.0
4.5
4.5
4.5
*
*
*
*
*
3
3
5
5
5
75x50
75x50
?
?
?
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Schedule Three : Groups and minimum exhibit furniture
The following table contains the requirements for groups in captivity and exhibit furniture, in addition to that stipulated under Section
2.7. Basic biology and further information is contained in Appendices Two and Three.
Species / genus
Arboreal or terrestrial
Groups in captivity
Minimum exhibit furniture
Lemur catta (Ring-tailed
Lemur)
Varecia variegata
(Roughed Lemur)
Callithrix and Cebuella spp
(Marmosets) and
Saguinus and
Leontopithicus spp
(Tamarins)
Ateles spp (Spider Monkeys)
Semi – terrestrial
Matriarchal family groups with one male
Arboreal
Pairs plus offspring (males should be
removed at two years of age)
Family groups, juvenile groups, same sex
groups
One sitting shelf per adult, 3-4 horizontal pathways of broad diameter, feeding
platform, natural substrate
Upper third to half of exhibit with at least three horizontal and some vertical
pathways, less than 5cm in diameter.
Elevated nest boxes, feed stations and water points, natural substrate, shade and
a heat source, upper 0.5 m of exhibit should provide shelter out of public view,
multiple rigid and flexible pathways one nest box large enough for the whole
family with an entrance wide enough for an adult carrying young.
Arboreal
Multi-male, multi-female groups and
offspring
Cebus spp (Capuchin)
Arboreal
Multi male, multi female groups and
offspring
Saimiri scureus
(Squirrel Monkey)
Arboreal but
may descend to
ground to forage
Semi arboreal
wide range-
Multi male, multi female groups and
offspring.
Colobus sp (Colobus
Monkeys)
Arboreal
Multi-male and multi-female groups,
Papio sphinx (Mandrill)
P. Hamadryas
Semi – arboreal
Multi – male groups, multi – male, multi
– female groups plus offspring, female
Presbytis entellus (Entellus
langur)
Arboreal
Multi male and multi-female groups,
where more than one male, males should
be able to remove themselves out of sight
of each other
Multiple horizontal and vertical pathways, perches/ropes/pipe/tree limbs or
vines which utilise all available space, rope ends sealed and attached so that
they are taut when used, sleeping ledges at various heights sufficient to
accommodate all animals, several visual barriers
Multiple horizontal and vertical pathways, percheds/ropes/pipe/tree limbs or
vines which utilise all available space, rope ends sealed and attached so that
they are taut when used, sleeping ledges at various heights sufficient for all
animals, several visual barriers, sufficient feeding stations should be provided
for all members of the group.
Multiple horizontal and vertical pathways, perches/ropes/pipe/tree limbs or
vines which utilise all available space, natural foliage preferable, sleeping
ledges and feeding stations sufficient all in the group.
Multiple horizontal and vertical path ways, perches/ropes/pipe/tree limbs or
vines which utilize all available space, rope ends sealed and attached so that
they are taut when used, sleeping ledges at various heights, visual barriers,
requires multiple horizontal and vertical path ways and areas for sitting, natural
substrate.
Multiple horizontal and vertical path ways, perches/ropes./pipe/tree limbs or
vines which utilize all available space, rope ends sealed and attached so that
they are taut when used, sleeping ledges at various heights, where more than
one male, males should be able to remove themselves out of sight of each other
adequate perches high up for all members of group, access to indoor area in
cold weather and shade.
Horizontal pathways which are flexible, shelves or perches above floor level
sufficient for all members of the group, loose substrate (eg hay, pebbles) with
(Hamadryas Baboon)
Terrestrialadapted to
walking long
distances
Semi-terrestrial
groups
activity feeds, for multi-male groups there should be somewhere to allow males
to remove themselves out of sight of each other.
Family groups or multi – female groups
Multiple flexible horizontal and vertical pathways, loose substrate, sleeping
branches or platforms, one per animal.
Semi-terrestrial,
M. arctoides
more terrestrial
Small mixed sex groups
Erythrocebus patas
(Patas Monkey)
Hylobates lar (Lar Gibbon)
H. syndactylus
(Siamang)
Terrestrial
Single male groups with 2-8 females, all
male groups
Same sex pairs, breeding pairs plus up to
3 offspring
Pan troglodytes (Common
Chimpanzee)
Terrestrial, also
arboreal
Sleeping perches or platforms above floor level, one per adult. Natural
substrate, multiple flexible horizontal pathways, platforms at various heights,
activity feeds spread throughout substrate. M. fascicularis requires a pool large
enough for swimming. Activity feeds spread through substrate.
Sleep in trees therefore require platforms or roost areas, one per animal, natural
substrates of several varieties, shade area.
Length of exhibits should allow at least 5 full arm swings and a minimum width
of 2 arm swings, multiple flexible horizontal pathways (at least 3 different
paths), poles 5-10 cm diameter, at least 1m apart, sleeping platform in top third
of exhibit large enough to fit all family members comfortably, feeding stations
in upper half of exhibit.
Complex environments, natural substrate, climbing areas, nest sites and daily
nesting material, activity feeds throughout the day, area for animals to get away
from each other and the public.
Pongo pygmaeus
(Orangutan)
Gorilla gorilla
(Gorilla)
Arboreal
Cercopithecus
Neglectus
(De Brazza’s Guenon)
Macaca spp
(Macaques)
Highly arboreal
Terrestrial, do
climb
At least three animals, larger groups
where possible, problems with changing
dominance and introducing new animals
to group, related females should be kept
together
Pairs, females plus offspring, juvenile
groups up to sexual maturity, single males
Family groups, single sex groups, at least
three animals
Flexible climbing structures, multiple horizontal & vertical pathways,
manipulatable objects, rest sites & material daily
Complex environments, natural substrate and climbing areas, nest sites and
daily nesting material, “safe areas”
Schedule Four : Transport standards. International Air Transport Association “Live
Animals Regulations”. 22nd Edition (1995)
Live Animals Regulations
General container requirements for monkeys and non-human primates (CR 31-34)
Design and Construction
Primates must be carried in closed containers. The containers must be well constructed.
Dimensions. Where stated, are length, width and height.
The container must be well constructed and be able to with stand other freight damaging it or
causing the structure to buckle or bend. It must be rigid enough to prevent the animal
escaping through gaps at the seams or joints. Certain species require reinforced containers
due to size and weight.
It must be constructed of non-toxic materials. Chemically impregnated wood may be
poisonous which must not be used.
The container must be suitable to keep the animal inside at all times and protect the animal
from unauthorised access. The door must be constructed so that accidental opening cannot
occur, either from the inside or the outside.
The container must not cause the animal to damage itself. All inside edges must be smooth
or rounded. There must be no sharp projections, such as nails, upon which the animal can
injure itself. Joints of a wooden container must be made so that they cannot be damaged by
the animal gnawing or drawing the container from the inside.
The container must be clean and leak-proof. If it is being raused, it must be thoroughly
disinfected or sterilised. Absorbent bedding must be provided by the shipper that is suitable
for the species. Straw is unacceptable as many countries prohibit its importation.
It must be easy for staff to handle and provide the handlers protection from being clawed or
bitten by the animal. Spacer devices must be incorporated into the design as they will
provide handles for moving the container as well as preventing the ventilation openings
becoming blocked by other freight. Handles may be attached in addition to the spacer bars.
If forklift spacers are required they must be at least 5 cm (2in) thick. Allowance for the extra
height must be made when calculating the dimensions of the container.
Dimensions and Stocking Density
Dimensions of containers shown in these Regulations are illustrative and therefore must be
related to the actual size of the animal for which the container is constructed. It must be in
general allow the animal to stand, turn and lie down in a natural manner.
Ventilation
The container must be adequately ventilated on at least three sides, with the majority of the
ventilation being provided on the upper part of the container. The ventilation openings must
be small enough so that any part of the animal cannot protrude from the container and they
must be covered with a light material such as muslin.
Feeding and Watering
Food and water containers must be provised either fixed inside the container or attached to it
with a means of access provided, in case of undue delays during the Journey. These
containers must have rounded edges and be made on non-toxic material suitable for the
species. Shippers instructions for feeding and watering must be given in warning at the time
of acceptance.
Feeding and watering instructions must be affixed to one container and a copy accompany
the documents. Any feed or water given must be recorded on the container instructions with
the date and time of supply.
Food must be provided by the shipper but it must be checked that it does not contravene any
regulations of the country(ies) of transit or importation. In the case of sealed containers,
feeding is not possible and the shipper must be aware of this fact.
Labelling and Marking
The container must be correctly labelled. Lables must not block ventilation holes especially
on small containers. Any labelling, especially on small containers must not block ventilation
openings.
Specific Pathogen Free (SPF)
When animals are carried in SPF conditions, the shipper must at least comply in all respects
with the specific container requirement in this section. Special measures must be taken to
ensure that ventilation areas are maintained within the container.
Special Care
For monkeys which are previously disturbed by the shipment reducing the light within the
container and the noise level within its vicinity will usually be sufficient to quietness the
animal. They must preferably be held in a darkened area with as little noise as possible
nearby.
Important Notes
Because all primates are CITES listed species it is imperative that all the appropriate CITES
documentation be completed before acceptance of the shipment and soon documents must
accompany the shipment as well as the usual shippers and health certification.
It is a CITES prerequisite that all CITES listed species are packed and shipped in accordance
with the IATA Live Animals Regulations. It is also a legal requirement by many
governments. Which have incorporated these Regulations into their national legislation in
regards to the shipment of live animals by air. Therefore care must be taken that compliance
is evident at the time of live animal shipment acceptance.
It must be noted that the IATA live animals regulations container requirements stipulate the
minimum requirements for air shipment. The construction principle of containers described
within these Regulation are not intended to conform any air worthiness requirements.
Structural aircraft containers must comply with the specifications published in the IATA
ULD Technical Manual.
The size of the aircraft compartment door and the area of the aircraft hold must be considered
when determining the size of the container to be used.
In addition to the above General Requirements, the Specific Requirements that are relevant to
the individual species must be consulted and adhered to.
The illustrations shown in the following specific container requirements are examples only.
Packages that conform to the principle of the written guidelines for the species but look
slightly different will still meet the IATA standards.
Container Requirement 31
Applicable to primates of size and weight of an adult vervet/ African green monkey or smaller.
Multiple Container Species
Capuchin monkey
Guenon
Howler monkey
Langur
Leaf monkey
Lemur species (large)
Macaque
Marmoset species
Patas monkey
Rhesus monkey
Spider monkey species
Squirrel monkey
Swamp monkey
Tamarin species
Tarsier
Titi monkey
Vervet/African green
Monkey
Woolly monkey
Single Container Species
Aye-Aye
Colobus monkey
Drill
Indri
Mandrill
Mangabey
Proboscis monkey
Saki
Sifaka
Uakari species
Wanderoo
Multiple/Single Container
Species (Nocturnal species)
Bush-baby
Douroucouli
Galago
Lemur (small)
Loris
Opossum species
Phalanger
Potto Species
See USG Exceptions in Chapter 2 and Exceptions BA-01, Ox-02, GF – 01 and
OS-02 in Chapter 3.
Note: All primates come under CITES regulations and reference must be made to the CITES
documents at the time of requesting any reservation for these species.
1. Design and Construction
(see Exception QF-01 in Chapter 3)
Materials
Metal, wood, wire mesh and muslin or other light material.
Principles of Design
The following principles of design must be met in addition to the General Container
Requirements outlined at the beginning of this chapter.
Certain countries have government regulations controlling container dimensions and quantity
of monkeys to be carried. The following design specifications, in principle, comply with
such regulations but are primarily intended for use where detailed national regulations do not
exist.
The container must be of wood, metal or plastic. The front must consist of a 2/3 solid panel
with ventilation holes above a 1/3 wire mesh. The front may be constructed to form a
vertical sliding door, otherwise, a rear hinged or sliding door, extending the whole height of
the container and fastened with a tamper-proof lock, must be provided for access.
Ventilation openings of 2.5 cm (1 in) must be along the base of the two sides and in the upper
1\3 of the sides and front of the container.
A resting shelf of 1/3 of the width of the container must be provided at the rear.
Food and water access must be provided in the front of the food and water containers. The
containers must be placed high enough so that resting on them is impossible. The design of
the food and water access must be such that there is no chance of the monkey escaping.
Container Requirement 31 (cont’d)
Branch-like timber must be provided for bush baby and lemur species. It must be
incorporated into the container design so that the animal can climb and rest safely.
Droppings tray with locking device must be required. The floor must be slatted or meshed
with a removable drop tray fitted into the base to allow droppings to fall into the tray.
Otherwise a sill must be fitted to the inside back and front, as illustrated, to prevent escape of
urine. The base of the container must be leak-proof and absorbent material used to soak up
the excreta.
2. Preparations Before Dispatch (see Chapter 5)
These animals instinctively fear the strange environment encountered during transportation.
Therefore, in transporting these animals, there are a number of basic principles with which
the shipper and the carrier must comply as these affect the welfare and comfort of the animal.
This, in turn, has a bearing on the animal’s behaviour during air transportation as the strain
may cause the necessary stimulus for the animal to become difficult. Therefore, the
container must be constructed to adequately contain and restrain the animal.
Adult monkeys must be crated individually or separated by partitions, unless they are used to
each other.
Mature males will become upset by the presence of females in heat. Therefore, accepting
females in this condition for shipment must be avoided whenever possible. If it is necessary
to accept male and females monkeys, each sex must be in its own container and the
containers separated from each other as far as possible.
It is recommended as a general rule that pregnant females must not be carried. In the event
that pregnant females are carried they must be placed in individual compartments of in
divided container.
It is not recommended to carry females with suckling young because some females sensing
danger may cause harm to their young. However, if nursing animals have to be transported,
they must be carried together with their young in individual containers or in individual
compartments of a divided container.
Young animals must not be separated from one another as this increase stress. They must be
in partitioned containers or in separate containers loaded adjacent to each other in the
aircraft.
Animals of the same species and size may be shipped together in the same container only if
they have previously been contained together. Otherwise, they must be carried completely
separately. Care must be taken to prevent any possibility of snapping and disturbing one
another.
It is natural for these animals to investigate their surroundings and try to escape. With very
few exceptions, these animals do not willingly accept confinement. They become frustrated
and will often make determined efforts to escape.
These animals are affected by temperature changes and severely affected by temperature
extremes. Care must be taken to ensure that they are not subjected to drafts. Most species
can withstand reasonable variations in temperature but exposure to the wild or to a draft can
be fatal. Therefore, consideration must be given not only to the temperature changes but also
to the chill factors involved. On the other hand, these animals must not be exposed to direct
heat, such as placing them in sunlight or against hot radiators. Monkeys unavoidably
subjected to extreme heat must be cooled so as to prevent dehydration or heat prostration.
During Prolonged transit stops, when the ramp temperature exceeds approximately 20 C (68
F), the aircraft compartment doors must be opened and, in extreme temperatures, ground
equipment must be used to ventilate the compartments. The different climatic factors
prevailing during a journey must always be considered when arranging the routing and
carriage of these animals.
3. Feeding and Watering Guide
(for emergency use only)
Animals do not usually require additional feeding or watering during 24 hours following the
time of dispatch.
If feeding or watering is required due to an unforeseen delay, cereal or appropriate primate
food, bread and non-citrus fruits, must be provided but care must be taken not to overfeed.
After offering water, the water container must be removed.
4. General care and Loading
See 5.3 for special segregation of animals known to be for laboratory use. There are a
number of contagious diseases carried by monkeys communicable to man, consequently care
must be taken to avoid physical contact with the animal and full personal hygiene precautions
must always be taken.
Monkey container ventilation openings must be covered with muslin or other light material
that does not occlude ventilation to prevent possible inhaling of infectious droplets by
handlers.
Monkeys from different continents must not be shipped together nor come in airborne
contact with each other in aircraft holds, airport cargo warehouses, animal holding facilities,
and during all phases of ground transportation.
5. Consignments of Laboratory Monkeys
Laboratory monkey consignments must be kept isolated from any other consignments of
primates at all times (see 5.3)
Container Requirements 32
Applicable to rhesus or other monkeys for laboratory use, Unweaned animals must not be
shipped unless accompanied by the mother.
See USG Exceptions in Chapter 2 and Exceptions BA-01, CX-02 and GF-01 in Chapter 3.
Note: All primates come under CITES regulations and reference must be made to the CITES
documents at the time of requesting any reservation for these species.
1. Design and Construction
Materials
Buriap, metal, wood and muslin or other light material.
Principles of Design
The following principles of design must be met in addition to the general Container
Requirements outlined at the beginning of this chapter.
Certain countries have government regulations controlling container dimensions and quantity
of monkeys to be carried. The following design specifications, in principle, comply with
such regulations but are primarily intended for use where detailed national regulations do not
exist.
Food and water containers must be provided.
The watering and feeding accesses are set half-way up the front and the entrance is in the
lower half of the front. Wire/weld mesh is used for the front and upper part of the back, the
lower half and sides being constructed in wood. The mesh must be a double layer with a
minimum gap of 1 cm (2/5 in) between the two and overlap to make it finger-proof.
The floor must be constructed in grille form over a liquid proof removable tray to allow
faecal matter to fall through. There are must be spacer bars at the front and back.
The internal partitions must have double meshed ventilation openings on the top. The height
of the opening must be about 2.5 cm (1 in) to facilitate internal air circulation and prevent the
animals from seeing each other.
2. Preparations before Dispatch
Primates instinctively fear the strange environment encountered during transportation.
Therefore, in transporting live primates, there are a number of basic principles with which the
shipper and the carrier must comply as these affect the welfare and comfort of the animal.
This, in turn has a bearing on the animal’s behaviour during air transportation as the strain
may cause the necessary stimulus for the animal to become difficult. Therefore, the
container must be constructed to adequately contain and restrain the animal.
Adult animals must be in individual compartments separated from each other by a solid
partition.
Mature males will become upset by the presence of females in heat. Therefore, accepting
female monkeys in this condition must be avoided whenever possible. If it is necessary to
accept male and female animals, each sex must be in its own container and the containers
separated from each other as far as possible.
It is strongly recommended that pregnant monkeys must not be shipped. In the event that
pregnant females are shipped, they must be carried in individual compartments or containers.
It is not recommended to carry primates with suckling young because some females sensing
danger may cause harm to their young. However, if nursing primates have to be transported,
they must be carried together with their young in individual containers or in individual
compartments of a divided container.
Container Requirements 32 (cont’d)
Young primates must not be separated from one another as this increases stress. They must
be shipped in groups in two-or five compartment containers with two animals per
compartment. Animals over 2 kg (4.4 lb) must be one per compartment (see Note below
illustration).
Primates of the same species and size may be shipped together in the same container only if
they display friendly tendencies. Otherwise, they must be carried completely separately.
Care must be taken to prevent any possibility of snapping and disturbing one another and, in
particular, attention must be given that primates placed in the same container are of similar
weight.
It is natural for Primates to investigate their surroundings and try to escape. With very few
exceptions, Primates animals do not willingly accept confinement. They become frustrated
and will often make determined efforts to escape. Primates are affected by temperature
changes and severely affected by temperatures extremes. Care must be taken to ensure that
they are not subjected to drafts. Most species can withstand reasonable variations in
temperature but exposure to the wind or to a draft can be fatal. Therefore, consideration must
be given not only to the temperature changes but also to the chill factors involved. On the
other hand, primates must not be exposed to direct heat, such as placing them in sunlight or
against hot radiators. Primates unavoidably subjected to extreme heat must be cooled so as
to prevent dehydration or heat prostration. During prolonged transit stops, when the ramp
temperature exceeds approximately 200C (680f), the aircraft compartment doors must be
opened and, in extreme temperatures ground equipment must be used to ventilate the
compartments. The different climatic factors prevailing during a journey must always be
considered when arranging the routing and carriage of live primates.
3. Feeding and Watering Guide
(for emergency use only)
Animals do not normally require additional feeding or watering during 24 hours following
the time of dispatch.
If feeding is required due to an unforeseen delay, cereal or appropriate primate food, bread
and non-citrus fruits or canned dog food must be provided but care must be taken not to
overfeed.
Shipper’s feeding and watering instructions must be followed.
4. General care and Loading
See 5.3 for special segregation of animals known to be for laboratory use. There are a
number of contagious diseases carried by monkeys communicable to man, consequently care
must be taken to avoid physical contact with the animal and full personal hygiene precautions
must always be taken.
Ventilation openings must be covered with muslin or other light material that does not
occlude ventilation to prevent possible inhaling of infectious droplets by handlers.
Monkeys from different continents must not be shipped together nor come in airborne
contact with each other in aircraft holds, airport cargo warehouses, animal holding facilities,
and during all phases of ground transportation.
5. Consignments of Laboratory Monkeys
Laboratory monkey consignments must be kept isolated from any other consignments of
primates at all times (see 5.3)
Container Requirement 33
Applicable to:
Baboon (young/subadult)
Chimpanzee (young/sub-adult)
Gibbon, including Siamang (young/sub-adult)
Gorilla (young/sub-adult)
Orang-Utan (young/sub-adult)
See USG Exceptions in Chapter 2 and Exceptions CX-02 and GF-01 in Chapter 3.
Note: All primates come under CITES regulations and reference must be made to the CITES
documents at the time of requesting any reservation for these species.
1. Design and Construction
2. Materials
Metal, wood, wire mesh and muslin or other light material.
Principles of Design
The following principles of design must be met in addition to the General Container
Requirements outlined at the beginning of this chapter.
Certain countries have government regulations controlling container dimensions and quantity
of monkeys to be carried. The following design specifications, in principle, comply with
such regulations but are primarily intended for use where detailed national regulations do not
exist.
The container must have a front preferably of welded wire mesh, although chain link may be
used, which must be attached to the main structure with a steel strip; staples must not be
used. The mesh size must be approximately 2.5 cm (1 in.). Behind this from 2 cm (2/5 in)
bore steel tubes must be sunk about 2.5 cm ( 1 in) into the top and bottom of the container,
spaced 7.5 cm (3 in) apart centre to centre.
Ventilation openings of at least 2.5cm (1 in) in diameter covered with suitable mesh must be
provided on all other three sides and top.
When bars are used, the space between the bars and the mesh must be sufficient to prevent
the animals from poking their fingers outside the container.
The container must be fitted with an access at the back, extending the whole height of the
box. The door must be adequately secured with tamper-proof locking device. A centre
batten must be provided across the width of the back to be placed in position after the access
slide is screwed into place.
Resting shelves must be provided when required for the species of primate carried. Water
and food must be provided through an escape-proof access flap.
Over the front, a two third solid one third wire mesh panel must be provided with two 10 cm
(4 in) ventilation openings in the upper part.
The floor must be solid and covered with a suitable absorbent bedding, such as wood
shavings, to a depth of 10-15 cm (4-6 in). The base of the container must be leak-proof.
Normally one animal per container, unless the animals are used to cohabiting. It is
recommended that the stocking density must not be less than 0.5 cm3 (17.63 ft3) per
individual in multiple containers
2. Preparations Before Dispatch (see Chapter 5)
Primates instinctively fear the strange environment encountered during transportation.
Therefore, in transporting live primates, there are a number of basic principles with which the
shipper and the carrier must comply as these affect the welfare and comfort of the animal.
This, in turn, has a bearing on the animal’s behaviour during air transportation as the strain
may cause the necessary stimulus for the animal to become difficult. Therefore, the
container must be constructed to adequately contain and restrain the animal.
Young primates must not be separated from one another as this increases stress. They must
be in partitioned containers or in separate containers loaded adjacent to each other in the
aircraft.
Primates of the same species and size may be shipped together in the same container onlly if
they have previously been contained together. Otherwise, they must be carried completely
separately. Care must be taken to prevent any possibility of snapping and disturbing one
another.
It is natural for primate to investigate their surroundings and try to escape. With very few
exceptions, primates do not willingly accept confinement. They become frustrated and will
orten make determined efforts to escape.
Primates are affected by temperature changes and severely affected by temperature extremes.
Care must be taken to ensure that they are not subjected to drafts. Most species can
withstand reasonable variations in temperature but exposure to the wind or to a draft can be
fatal. Therefore, consideration must be given not only to the temperature changes but also to
the chill factors involved. On the other hand, primates must not be exposed to direct heat,
such as placing them in sunlight or against hot radiators. Primates unavoidably subjected to
extreme heat must be cooled so as to prevent dehydration or heat prostration. During
prolonged transit stops, when the ramp temperature exceeds approximately 200C (680F), the
aircraft compartment doors must be opened and, in extreme temperatures, ground equipment
must be used to ventilate the compartments. The different climatic factors prevailing during
a journey must always be considered when arranging the routing and carriage of live
primates.
3. Feeding and Watering Guide
(for emergency use only)
Animals do not normally require additional feeding or watering during 24 hours following
the time of dispatch.
If feeding is required due to an unforeseen delay, bread with butter, jam or honey must be
provided for anthropoid apes (gorilla, chimpanzee, orang-utan,etc.). Lump sugar, cake and
biscuits may be fed. Soft fruit and vegetables must be fed sparingly since, if taken in excess,
can cause the animal discomfort. After offering water, the water container must be removed.
4. General Care And Loading
See 5.3 for special segregation of animals known to be for laboratory use. There are a
number of contagious diseases carried by primates communicable to man, consequently, care
must be taken to avoid physical contact with the animal and full personal hygiene precautions
must always be taken.
Ventilation openings must be covered with muslin or other light material that does not
occiude ventilation to prevent possible inhaling of infectious droplets by handlers.
Monkeys from different continents must not be shipped together nor come in airborne
contact with each other in aircraft holds, airport cargo warehouses, animal holding facilities,
and during all phases of ground transportation.
5. Consignments of Laboratory Monkeys
Laboratory monkey consignments must be kept isolated from any other consignments of
primates at all times (see 5.3)
Container Requirement 34
Applicable to:
Baboon (adult)
Chimpanzee (adult)
Gorilla (adult)
Orang-Utan (adult)
See USG Exceptions in Chapter 2 and Exceptions BA-01, CX-02 and GF-01 in Chapter 3.
Note: All primates come under CITES regulations and reference must be made to the CITES
documents at the time of requesting any reservation for these species.
1. Design and Construction
Materials
Weld mesh, hardwood, metal and muslin or other light material.
Principles of Design
The following principles of design must be met in addition to the General Container
Requirements outlined at the beginning of this chapter.
The frame work must be of welded metal lined with smooth wood or other similar with a
minimum thickness of 12 mm (1/2 in)
The front end must be formed of steel welded mesh or strong iron bars. The bars of the door
must be spaced in a manner which will prevent the animal from pushing its forelegs through
the spaces between the bars. Additionally, a sliding door must be constructed at the rear, of
the same material as the container, adequately secured to prevent accidental opening.
The floor must be constructed in grille form over a liquid proof tray in a manner to permit the
animal’s excreta to fall into the tray. When a grill floor is not feasible, the floor of the
container must be liquid-proof and be covered with sufficient material to absorb the animal’s
excreta.
To ensure adequate ventilation, air inlets must be provided at heights which will provide
through ventilation at all levels, particularly when the animal is in a prone position.
Ventilation holes, of approximately 2.5 cm (1 in) diameter, must be positioned on the sides
and top as indicated in the diagram. These holes may be screened on the exterior with mesh.
Similarly, ventilation holes of approximately 2.5 cm (1 in) diameter must be positioned from
top to bottom in the rear sliding door, as indicated in the diagram.
To prevent disturbance to the animal and to provide protection for the handling personnel,
wooden slotted shutters with adequate ventilation slots or holes must be placed over the front
opening, approximately 7.5 cm ( 3 in) away from steel weld mesh or iron bars.
Note 1: Normally one animal per container, unless the animals are used to cohabiting.
Note 2: The general provisions of this Container Requirement apply to adult apes, however,
the construction of the container is based on the principles of design as detailed in Container
Requirements 72 for other large wild animals, except that the water trough must be at a
higher level.
Container Requirement 34 (cont’d)
The dimensions of the container must allow the animal to turn completely around freely, or
must prevent it from turning at all. The height must provide adequate space for the animal to
stand upright with head extended, the length must permit it to lay in the full prone position.
Actual container dimensions vary according to species and size of animal.
A water container with outside access must be provided above floor level for emergency use.
Where more than one animal is to be carried in a container, multiples of the above provisions
must apply. Divisions can take the from of partitions such as metal grills. Compatiable
animals need not be separated by a partition when it is probable they will not harm each other
during shipment.
When the weight of the container plus animal exceeds 60 kg (132 Ib), forklift spacer bars
must be provided and the container reinforced with metal bracing.
2. Preparations Before Dispatch
Primates instinctively fear the strange environment encountered during transportation.
Therefore, in transporting live primates, there are number of basic principles with which the
shipper and the carrier must comply as these affect the welfare and comfort of the animal.
This, in turn, has a bearing on the animal’s behaviour during air transportation as the strain
may cause the necessary stimulus for the animal to become difficult. Therefore, the
container must be constructed to adequately contain and restrain the animal.
Males will become upset by the presence of females in heat. Therefore, accapting female
primates in this condition for shipment must be avoided whenever possible. If it is necessary
to accept male and female primates, it is preferable that the animals in the same container
must be of the same sex.
It is recommended that pregnant animals must be shipped. In the event of pregnant females
being shipped, they must be carried in individual compartments or containers.
It is not recommended to carry primates with suckling young because some females sensing
danger many cause harm to their young. However, if nursing primates have to be
transported, they must be carried together with their young in individual containers or in
individual compartments of a divided container.
Young primates must not be separated from one another as this increases stress. They must
be in partitioned containers or in separate containers loaded adjacent to each other in the
aircraft.
Primates of the same species and size may be shipped together in the same container only if
they have previously been contained together. Otherwise, they must be carried completely
separately. Care must be taken to prevent any possibility of snapping and disturbing one
another.
It is natural for primates to investigate their surroundings and try to escape. With very few
exceptions, primates do not willingly accept confinement. They become frustrated and will
often make determined efforts to escape.
Primates are affected by temperature changes and severely affected by temperature extremes.
Care must be taken to ensure that they are not subjected to drafts. Most species can
withstand reasonable variations in temperature but exposure to the wind or to a draft can be
fatal. Therefore, consideration must be given not only to the temperature changes but also to
the chill factors involved. On the other hand, primates must not be exposed to direct heat,
such as placing them in sunlight or against hot radiators. Primates unavoidably subjected to
extreme heat must be cooled so as to prevent dehydration or heat prostration. During
prolonged transit stops, when the ramp temperature exceeds approximately 200C (68 F), the
aircraft compartment doors must be opened and, in extreme temperatures ground equipment
must be used to ventilate the compartments. The different climatic factors prevailing during
a journey must always be considered when arranging the routing and carriage of live
primates.
3. Feeding and Watering Guide
(for emergency use only)
Animals do not normally require additional feeding or watering during 24 hours following
the time of dispatch.
If feeding is required due to an unforeseen delay, bread with butter, jam or honey must be
provided. Lump sugar, cake and biscuits may be fed. Soft fruit and vegetables must be fed
sparingly since, if taken to excess, an cause the animal discomfort. After offering water, the
water container must be removed.
4. General Care and Loading
See 5.3 for special segregation of animals known to be for laboratory use. There are a
number of cantagious diseases carried by primates communicable to man, consequently, care
must be taken to avoid physical contact with the animal and full personal hygiene precautions
must always be taken.
Ventilation openings must be covered with muslin or other light material that does not
occiude ventilation to prevent possible inhaling of infectious droplets by handlers.
Monkeys from different continents must not be shipped together nor come in airborne
contact with each other in aircraft holds, airport cargo warehouses, animal holding facilities,
and during all phases of ground transportation.
5. Consignments of Laboratory Monkeys
Laboratory monkey consignments must be kept isolated from any other consignments of
primates at all times (see 5.3).
Appendix One: Taxonomy of Primates held in New South Wales
Family or Sub Family
Lemuridae (Lemurs)
Callitrichidae
(Marmosets and Tamarins)
Atelinae
Spider monkeys
Cebinae
Capuchin type monkeys
Cercopithecidae
Colobinae
Cercopithicinae
Hylobatidae ( Gibbons)
Pongidae
(Great apes)
Hominidae
Latin Name
Lemur catta
Varecia variegata
Callithrix jacchus
Cebuella pygmaea
Saguinus midas
S. oedipus
Leontopithecus rosalia
Ateles geoffroyi
Common Name
Ring-tailed Lemur
Roughed Lemur
Common Marmoset
Pygmy Marmoset
Red-handed Tamarin
Cotton-top Tamarin
Lion Tamarin
Spider Monkey
Saimiri scureus
Cebus apella
Presbytis entellus
Colobus spp.
P.sphinx
P. hamadryas
Cercopithecus neglectus
Macaca mulatta
M. nemestrina
M. fascicularis
M. arctoides
M. radiata
Erythrocebus patas
H. lar
H. syndactylus
Pan troglodytes
Pongo pygmaeus
Gorilla gorilla
Homo sapiens
Squirrel monkey
Brown capuchin
Entellus langur
Colobus monkeys
Mandrill
Hamadryas baboon
De Brazza’s guenon
Rhesus macaque
Pig-tailed Macaque
Crab-eating macaque
Stump-tail Macaque
Bonnet Macaque
Patas Monkey
Lar Gibbon
Siamang
Chimpanzee
Orangutan
Gorilla
Humans
head
body
lengt
h
(mm
)
tail
length
(mm)
oestrous
cycle (days)
Lemur catta
(Ringtailed
Lemur)
madagasca
n rainforest
and
woodland
madagasca
n rainforest
300
450
350560
2-3
40
13
6
600
600
3-4
30
90
10
2
C. jacchus
(Common
marmoset)
tropical
rainforest,
200
0.31
16
14
014
8
Cebuella
pygmaea
(Pygmy
marmoset)
tropical
rainforest
0.15
?
Saguinus spp.
(Tamarins)
tropical
rainforest
and
woodland
regrowth
rainforest
Varecia
variegata
(Ringtailed
Lemur)
Ateles geoffroyi
(Spider
Maonkey)
Cebus apella
(Brown
Capuchin)
Saimiri scureus
(Squirrel
Monkey)
Presbytis
entellus
(Entellus
Langur)
2
18
pair bonded family units
20
?
20
5-30 (av 15) males move
between groups, females
dominant
20-24
9-13
mths
up
to
16
(1
0)
dominant monogamous
pair +offspring, up to 15
members including
adults who remain to
help rear siblings
?
twins?
6
6
mths
?
dominant monogamous
pair +offspring, up to 15
members including
adults who remain to
help rear siblings
dominant monogamous
pair +offspring, up to 15
members including
adults who remain to
help rear siblings
polygamous groups, 530 animals with variable
subgroups,
number of
off-spring
19
gestation
(days)
single
sometimes
twins
50%
twins,
also
singles,
triplets
twins
175
310
250440
0.22
50.9
15
14
015
0
twins
18
52
up
to
17
380
630
510890
8
2427
single
4 yr
5
33
1620
22
623
2
18
0
single
4 yr
8
44
+
15
20
25
humid
forest
forest and
cultivated
areas
deserts to
forests
groups in
the wild
natural
habitat
age sex.
Maturity
females
( th )
age sex.
Maaturity
males
(
)
lifespan
captivity yrs
Species / genus
(common name)
weight of
adult (kg)
Appendix Two : Basic biology of Primates
260
360
430
790
350425
0.75
-1.1
1620
18
0
single
3 yr
5
5301070
5-8
30
19
021
0
single,
rarely
twins
4 yr
6-7
harem groups with 1-3
females or larger groups
with up to 20
multi-male, multi-female
groups of 30-40 animals
or more
stable social groups, 1030 animals variable
number of males
depending on
environment, all male
Colobus spp.
(Colobus
monkeys)
Papio sphinx
(Mandrill)
forests
500
700
510
115
0
625880
4-14
?
?
single
4 yr
6
30
460700
33
16
817
6
single
4-8 yr
?
?
forests
610
765
380610
1441,
mal
es
muc
h
larg
er,
up
to
54
18
Papio
hamadryas
(Hamadryas
baboon)
30
17
017
3
single
5 yr
7
30
+
Cercopithicus
neglectus (De
Brazza’s
guenon)
Macaca spp
(Macaques)
forests
325
700
???
360
770
5001000?
??
4578
177187
?
single
?
?
?
2040%
body
length
if
prese
nt
25150
???
Mal
es
heav
ier
?
13
517
0
single
28
mth –
4 yr
2-3
25
+
mal
e 713
fem
ale
4-7
4-8
30
16
0
single
30
1-2
21
30
21
022
single
8-9 yr
8-9
(2
5)
savannah
M. mulata
and M.
radiatavery wide
range
habitats,
urban
areas. M.
nemestrina
–dense,
inland,
primary
forests
Erythrocebus
patas (Patas
Monkey)
open grass
and
woodland
savannah
600
875
500750
Hylobates lar
(Lar gibbon)
thick
rainforest
440
635
absent
groups
small, cohesive social
groups 3-15 animals,
usually one adult male
form complex and stable
social groups, multimale multi-female
polygamous groups,
males with changing
dominance hierarchies,
excess males solitary
complex social groups,
larger groups-up to 700
may split into smaller
groups and forage in
single male, multifemale groups
Family groups
m.mulatta- 8 to 180
animals of mixed sexes
with 2-4 times more
adult females than
males, also single males
or small groups. M.
nemestrina 3.15 animals,
30-45. M. fascicularis 6 to 100 animals, 2 and a
half times more females
than males, central
group with male leader,
females, young,
peripheral group of
young males, M.
arctoides - 20 to 100
animals, usually led by
an adult male. M.
radiata - 7 to 80 animals
with more adult males
than females.
Moderate sized groups
with a single male, up to
30 animals, average 15,
male groups
monogamous pairs and
offspring, single animals
H. syndactylus
(Siamang)
thick
rainforest
750
900
absent
8-13
?
Pan troglodytes
(Chimpanzee)
rainforest??
630
940
absent
3435
Pongo
pygamaeus
(Orangutan)
tropical
rainforest
1.25
1.5
m
absent
Gorilla gorilla
(Gorilla)
tropical
rainforests,
mountain
forests
1.25
1.75
m
absent
mal
es
5680
fem
ale
4548
mal
e
5090
fem
ale
3-50
mal
e
135275
fem
ale
7140
5
23
023
5
20
226
1
single
?
?
19
monogamous pairs and
offspring, single animals
single
pubert
y7
repro
ductiv
e 13
pubert
y7
repro
ductiv
e 15
53
+(
60
)
complex social groups
30-80 animals, with
male and female
dominance hierarchies,
dominant male leaders,
males leave group
30
23
326
5
single
rarely
twins
7 yr
8
59
solitary, female plus
immature offspring,
female home ranges
overlapping, males
antagonistic to each
other, small loose groups
31
25
129
5
single
rarely
twins
8 yr
11
47
+
(u
pt
o
50
)
adult mature male plus
subdominant males,
females and immature
offspring, 5-28
individuals, females
leave natal groups at
maturity
Source “Walker ‘s Mammals of the World” 4th edition, vol 1 Nowak and Paradiso (1983), the
IATA guidelines, the European zoo guidelines
Appendix Three: Breeding and behaviour in relation to exhibit design (for basic breeding biology see
Appendix Two)
Species/ genus
Breeding
Behaviour in relation to exhibit design
Lemur catta (Ringtailed Lemur)
nesting boxes needed, one per adult, 0.5 m cubed
and heated in cold weather, twins usual, mother
carries young in her mouth initially
Varecia variegata
(Roughed Lemur)
require natural sunlight or artificially replicated
UV light for breeding cycles, seasonal
Callithrix and
Cebuella spp
(Marmosets) and
Saguinus and
Leontopithicus spp (
Tamarins)
males assist in the birth and carry offspring, feed
from mother every 1-2 hours, males and females
provide parental care, juveniles require experience
in rearing offspring but should be removed and
paired once they become adult, twins usual born
twice a year.
Ateles spp (Spider
Monkeys)
dominant female may attack and kill unrelated
females, clitoris of female elongated, often
mistaken for penis of male.
polygamous, multi/female groups
feeds arboreally, habitually travels on the ground, in
trees prefers broad horizontal limbs, territorial, 6-8
ha home range in denser forest, 20 ha in more open
habitat dinural – may be active at night, territorial
aggression amongst the group.
use scent marking from ano-genital gland, walks or
runs along larger branches, jumps between trees,
crepuscular, territorial
diurnal and territorial, use scent making, members of
the group help carry and find food for the young,
active climbers and feeders, require complex
environments, natural foraging behaviours, 10-40 ha
home ranges, Tamarin family groups should be
visually isolated from each other to minimise threat
displays and aggression.
diurnal, move by brachiation and prehensile tail,
rarely descend to ground.
Cebus spp
(Capuchin)
Saimiri scureus
(Squirrel Monkey)
Presbytis entellus
(Entellus Langur)
breeding season of 2-4 months, polygamous form
dominance hierarchy in breeding season other
females may help raise the young but males do not,
form dominance hierarchy in breeding season.
if a new male achieves dominance or is introduced,
he may kill the infants which brings females into
oestrous, breed throughout the year with peaks.
Colobus spp
(Colobus Monkeys)
infants often handled by other animals in the group
Papio sphinx
(Mandrill)
polygamous, male and female dominance
hierarchies, slow to mature females mature 4-8
years, long lived, 6 months gestation, non seasonal
P. hamadryas
(Hamadryas Baboon)
polygamous, male dominance hierarchy, female
hierarchy less obvious, slow to mature, long lived,
6 months gestation, non seasonal, females mature
4-8 years.
Cercopithecus
neglectus (De
Brazza’s Guenon)
information being compiled
Macaca spp
seasonal, females may enter oestrous several times
tail slightly prehensile, C. apella may fight over food
and submissive animals may miss out. Diurnal.
powerful leapers, diurnal, are more active and have
larger home ranges than Cebus sp ( 4 square
kilometers compared to 1-2 square kilometers), not
territorial.
Will forage on the ground, capable of long leaps (3-5
metres), diurnal- constantly active throughout the
day, adapts well to a terrestrial environment, home
ranges 0-05-13 sq km, up to 22 sq km for all male
groups.
capable of long leaps, diurnal – constantly active
throughout the day small home ranges in wild eg 15
ha, territorial.
Capable of long leaps, constantly active throughout
the day, very strong and dextrous, hunt and forage
collectively, well developed learning behaviour in
relation to feeding, males establish changing
dominance hierarchies, possess cheek pouches, good
swimmers, may sleep in trees or on ledges in cliff
faces, large males may sleep on the ground P. sphinx
feed mainly on ground, foraging definite home
ranges, 2 up to 40 sq km.
capable of long leaps, constantly active throughout
the day, very strong and dextrous, hunt and forage
collectively, well developed learning behaviour in
relation to feeding, males establish changing
dominance hierarchies, possess cheek pouches, good
swimmers, may sleep in trees or on ledges in cliff
faces, large males may sleep on the ground P. sphinx
feed mainly on ground, foraging definite home
ranges, 2 up to 40 sq km.
diurnal to crepuscular, social, highly active, strong
and dextrous. Possess cheek pouches, good
swimmers, when alarmed need to take shelter above
ground (in trees), territorial but avoid conflict.
sleep above the ground ( in trees), all are good
(Macaques)
during the season, with swelling & reddening of
the urogenital area, veginal discharge. Single
young, rarely twins. M. mulatta- mating tends to be
between high ranking animals, females reach
menopause at around 25 years M. fascicularis –
spring births.
Erythrocebus patas
(Patas Monkey)
seasonal breeders, mature at 3 years, gestation 51/2
months
Hylobates lar (Lar
Gibbon) H.
syndactylus
(Siamang)
males may be kept with females during breeding,
infants almost white at birth, become darker 3-4
years, weaning at 20 months, males may carry
young after first year.
Pan troglodytes
(Common
Chimpanzee)
male may be kept with females and new born
offspring, females may mate with several males,
females receptive for about 6 days when maximal
genital swelling, birth weight 1.9 kg, carried for
several years weaning 31/2 – 41/2 years, young
dependent on mother and travel together up to 10
years
Pongo pygmaeus
(Orangutan)
birth weight 1.5 kg, carried by mother until 21/2
years, weaned 31/2 years, 3-4 years between births.
Males not fully mature and capable of reproduction
until 13-15 years.
Gorilla gorilla
(Gorilla)
need to learn maternal behaviour, 2 kg birth weight
swimmers particularly M. fascicularis. Diurnal,
highly active, dextrous and strong, store food in
cheek pouches. Not territorial, groups may over lap,
home ranges in wild m. mulatta up to 16 sq km in
forests, 0.05 sq km in urban areas, M. fascicularis –
0.8 sq km, M. radiata 0.4 – 5.2 sq km. Dominance
hierarchies usually in both sexes, male M.mulatta
lead and defend group, may be nggressive/ ngonistic
M. radlata males more tolerant. Dominance
hierarchies based on age, kinship, coalitions,
offspring may inherit mother’s status.
highly active, strong and dextrous, diurnal, able to
swim, will climb to avoid danger, very fast runner (
55km per hr), able to cover large distances, have
large home ranges in wild (eg 51 sq km for a group
of 30).
travel by brachiation, feed off the gound, may not be
able to swim so care should be taken with moats.
May fall so a soft substrate should be provided.
Diurnal, pairs are territorial, recordings of territorial
calls played back will increase activity for extended
periods. Activity feeds should be placed high up in
several places. Small home ranges – H. syndactylus
23 ha, H. lar 40 ha.
highly intelligent, rapid learners, diurnal, possess
great strength and dexterity, bolts and fasteners
should be exterior to exhibit, lights flush or recessed,
need activity items and manipulatable objects.
Highly social, if isolated, single animals should have
visual, auditory and if possible, tactile contact with
others. Require nest sites raised above ground level.
Do not swim
Highly intelligent, rapid learners, diurnal, possess
great strength and dexterity, bolts and fasteners
should be exterior to exhibit, lights flush or recessed,
need activity items and manipulatable objects, highly
social, if isolated, single animals should have visual,
auditory and if possible, tactile contact with others.
Require rest sites raised above ground level. Do not
swim
Highly intelligent, rapid learners, diurnal, possess
great strength and dexterity, bolts and fasteners
should be exterior to exhibit, lights flush or recessed,
need activity items and manipulatable objects, highly
social, if isolated, single animals should have visual,
auditory and if possible, tactile contact with others.
Require rest sites raised above ground level. Do not
swim
Appendix 4: Methods of identification and handling.
In general, heavy gloves should be avoided as they give a false sense of security and hinder dexterity.
Species/ genus
methods of identification
methods of handling
relevant behavioural
characteristics
The information in this table is
currently being compiled, please
provide comments as applicable
Lemur catta (Ringtailed Lemur)
Varecia variegata
(Roughed Lemur)
Callithrix and
Cebuella spp
(Marmosets)
Saguinis and
Leontopithicus spp
(Tamarins)
Ateles spp (Spider
Monkey) Cebus spp
(Capuchin) Saimiri
scureus (Squirrel
Monkey)
The information in this table
is currently being compiled,
please provide comments as
applicable
The information in this table
is currently being compiled,
please provide comments as
applicable
Trap in nest box or net then
anaesthesia for any procedures other
than very minor, hold by grasping
behind the head and above the tail
Trap in nest box or net then
anaesthesia for any procedures other
than very minor, hold by grasping
behind the head and above the tail
The information in this table
is currently being compiled,
please provide comments as
applicable
Presbytis entellus
(Entellus Langur)
Colobus spp
(Colobus Monkeys)
The information in this table
is currently being compiled,
please provide comments as
applicable
Trap in nest box or net then
anaesthesia for any procedures other
than very minor, can be held by
pinning the arms behind the body
and holding above the tail but
preferable to hold in a sack and
administer gas anaesthetic
Immobilisation by remote injection
for animals larger than 15 kg*
Papio sphinx
(Mandrill) P.
hamadryas
(Hamadryas Baboon)
Cercopithecus spp
(Guenons)
Macaca spp
(Macaques)
Erythrocebus patas
(Patas Monkey)
Hylobates lar (Lar
Gibbon) H.
syndactylus
(Siamang)
Pan troglodytes
(Common
Chimpanzee) Pongo
pygmaeus
(Orangutan) Gorilla
gorilla (Gorilla)
The information in this table
is currently being compiled,
please provide comments as
applicable
Immobilisation by remote injection
The information in this table
is currently being compiled,
please provide comments as
applicable
The information in this table
is currently being compiled,
please provide comments as
applicable
The information in this table
is currently being compiled,
please provide comments as
applicable
Immobilisation by remote injection
The information in this table is
currently being compiled, please
provide comments as applicable
Immobilisation by remote injection
The information in this table is
currently being compiled, please
provide comments as applicable
Immobilisation by remote injection
using tiletamine/zolazepam
combination, isolate target animal
first, drawn out attempts to
immobilize should be avoided –
abandon the procedure for another
time
apes quickly learn situations and
people involved in catching and
take evasive action including
throwing objects, hiding or
covering exposed body parts,
docile and not aggressive to
known handlers, will bite when
alarmed
difficult to restrain due to
dexterity, length of limbs and
prehensile tail
Cercopithecids with full cheek
pouches should be handled
carefully and pouches emptied if
anaesthetised to prevent food
being inhaled,
very strong and aggressive, large
canine teeth can inflict severe
wounds.
* remote injection is not recommended for animals less than 15 kg due to the risk of injury and
difficulty in hitting the target animal.
Appendix 5: Diet
Species/ Genus
Diet In Wild
Died In Captivity
Suppleme
Presentation
nts
Lemur catta (Ring-tailed
Lemur)
Varecia variegata
(Roughed lemur)
fruit, leaves and flowers, other
plant parts
fruit
Callithrix and Cebuella
spp (Marmosets)
gum, latex and sap from trees,
fruit, flowers, nectar,
invertebrates and small
vertebrates (have specialised
short lower canine teeth for sap
eating behaviour)
Saguinus and
Leontopithicus spp
(Tamarins)
insects, fruit, invertebrates and
small vertebrates, flowers and
plant exudates (nectar and gum)
Ateles spp (Spider
Monkeys)
insects, small fruit, new leaves,
bamboo, nuts, seeds, buds,
flowers, leaves, eggs.
ripe fruits, berries insects, also
unripe fruit, vegetation, seeds,
roots, other invertebrates, small
vertebrates, cultivated crops
insects, fruits such as figs,
berries, nuts, flowers, buds,
seeds, leaves, gums, insects,
spiders, small vertebrates.
young leaves, fruit, flowers,
fungi, buds, seeds, shoots, galls,
insects, soil and clay also eaten
cultivated crops.
leaves, fruit buds, shoots,
flowers
Cebus spp (Capuchins)
Saimiri scureus (Squirrel
Monkey)
Presbytis entellus
(Entellus Langur)
Colobus spp (Colobus
Monkeys)
Papio sphinx (Mandrill)
fruit, seeds roots, invertebrates
and small vertebrates, fungi
P. hamadryas (Hamadryas
Baboon)
grass seeds, roots, bulbs
Cercopithecus neglectus
(De Brazza’s Guenon)
fruit, leaves, insects, grain,
roots, small vertebrates, eggs
Macaca spp (Macaques)
fruit, insects, leaves, small
vertebrates, other in vertebrates,
eggs, M. mulatta- wild and
cultivated fruits, berries, grains,
buds, seeds, flowers, bark as
well as above. M; fascicularisin addition, crabs, crustaceans
shell fish, other beach/ shore
live animals
monkey chow, fresh fruit &
vegetables, leaves
The information in this
table is currently being
compiled, please provide
comments as applicable
commercial monkey diet
specifically for South
American species, fresh
fruits and vegetables,
protein such as mealworms,
crickets, baby mice, milk,
cheese, meat.
commercial monkey diet
specifically for South
American species, fresh
fruits and vegetables,
protein such as mealworms,
crickets, baby mice, milk,
cheese, meat.
Fresh fruit and vegetable –
leafy green, bamboo,
shoots, bean sprouts/shoots
Commercial primate diet,
fresh fruits and vegetables,
insects – mealworms,
crickets
The information in this
table is currently being
compiled, please provide
comments as applicable
The information in this
table is currently being
compiled, please provide
comments as applicable
fresh browse, non toxic
deciduous trees, variety of
green leafy vegetables.
Commercial monkey chow,
fruits and vegetables, nuts,
seeds, insects
vegetables, nuts & seeds,
commercial monkey chow,
bean shoots fresh hay.
Commercial monkey chow,
fruits and vegetables, nuts,
seeds
The information in this
table is currently being
compiled, please provide
comments as applicable
twice daily
twice daily off the
ground
Vitamin
D
Off ground (at least
twice a day)
Vitamin
D
Off ground (at least
twice a day)
Off ground in several
places
feed off ground in
several places twice a
day
off the ground twice a
day
may be fed at ground
level, twice a day
at least twice a day plus
activity feeds, off the
ground
may be fed at ground
level twice a day plus
activity feeds
provide food twice a
day plus activity feeds
twice a day plus
activity feeds
twice a day in several
places in the exhibit,
plus activity feeds
Draft Standards for Exhibiting Reptiles in New South Wales
Exhibited Animals Protection Act Draft No. 2
3/89 & 11/89 & 6/93 & 9/93
Reformatted in Word 12/97
CONTENTS
Introduction
Definitions
1. General Requirements
2. Enclosures
2.1. Enclosure Sizes
2.2. Outdoor Enclosures
2.3. Indoor Exhibits
3. Water
4. Cage Furniture
4.1. Substrate
4.2. Furnishings
5. Hygiene
6. Housing For Dangerous Reptiles
7. Food
8. Staff
8. 1. General
8.2. First Aid
9. Records
10. Quarantine
11. Transportation
12. Mobile Exhibitions of Reptiles
13. Specific Standards For Crocodilians
Bibliography
Introduction
The purpose of this document is to cover the display of reptiles by exhibitors authorised under the
Exhibited Animals Protection Act, 1986 (EAPA).
Because of the diversity of adaptations and environmental requirements of the Class Reptilia, these
Standards state only general guidelines. Deviations from these Standards may be sought from the
Director-General where due to their generality, it can be demonstrated to the Director-General's
satisfaction that the proposed deviation is appropriate for a particular species.
Please note: All material found within the document in a box such as this one, is for information only.
Definitions
Arboreal: Adapted for living and moving about in the trees.
Conspecifics: Members of the same species.
Diurnal: Active during the day.
Ectothermic: Cold-blooded.
Fossorial: Digging or burrowing.
Interspecific: Between two or more species.
Intragroup: Within a group.
Intraspecific: Within a species.
Montane: The lower vegetation belt on mountains.
Nocturnal: Active by night.
Photoperiod: The relative length of day and night.
Physiological: Consistent with the normal functioning of an organism.
Terrestrial: Adapted to live and move on the ground.
Thermoregulate: The regulation of an animals body temperature to an optimum level by behavioural or
physiological means (ie. the warming of a snakes body by sitting on a sun-exposed rock, to increases its
metabolic rate which then allows foraging to occur)
Clause1 General Requirements
1. 1. All captive reptiles must be provided with temperatures, humidity and light cycle that is appropriate
to the species and allow normal physiological functioning and behaviour.
1.2. Different species of reptile may be kept together within an enclosure provided that their feeding
habits, relative sizes and interspecific aggressiveness are not incompatible.
1.3. Reptiles must not be restricted or restrained by the use of a leash or tether.
1.4. In addition to any requirement of these Standards, a Licensee must comply with any reasonable
request by the Director-General or authorised officer/inspector.
1.5. Reptiles must not be kept in areas with excessive noise or vibration, or which are subject to excessive
temperature fluctuation.
Clause 2 Enclosures
2.1. Enclosure Sizes
a)
Sufficient space must be provided, both horizontally and vertically, to enable the animals to
take exercise and to protect animals from undue dominance or conflict.
b) The cage must be large enough so that one end of the land surface
always remains cool.
2.1.1. Lizards, Crocodiles & Tortoises/Turtles
a) Animal Display Establishments
Minimum floor area for 2 specimens = 2.5L x 2.5L (L = length of longest specimen)
b) Temporary/mobile exhibit
Minimum. floor area for 2 specimens = 1.5L x 1.5L
c)
Pools for freshwater tortoises/turtles shall be at least 30 cm deep. Pool depth must be at
least as deep as the length of the longest specimen in the enclosure.
2.1.2. Sea Turtles
a)
Pools for these species must allow for submerged swimming . The longest dimension must
allow the largest specimen to take at least 5 unhurried flipper beats in a straight line. Water
surface area must be large enough that when all specimens float at the surface they take up no
more than 20% of
the available surface area. The depth of water must be at least 2 times the flipper span of the largest
specimen. Absolute minimum depth is 30 cm for hatchlings. Additional water surface area may be
provided which is shallower than this requirement as long as the required length and surface area are
achieved at the required depth.
2.1.3. Terrestrial Snakes
a) Animal Display Establishments
For 2 specimens up to 4 m long (L = length of longest specimen):
Length = 0. 6L, Width = O.5L, Height = 0.3L
Note: For each additional specimen add 20% minimum area.
b)Temporary/mobile exhibit
For 2 specimens (L = length of longest specimen):
Length = 0.45L, Width = 0.375L, Height = 0.225L
Note: For each additional specimen add 20% minimum area.
c) Any snake over 4 m is subject to special application.
2.1.4. Arboreal Snakes
a) Animal Display Establishments
For 2 specimens up to 4 m long (L = length of longest specimen):
Length = 0.6L, Width = 0.3L, Height = O.5L
Note: For each additional specimen add 20% minimum area.
b) Temporary/mobile exhibit
For 2 specimens (L = length of longest specimen):
Note: For each additional specimen add 20% minimum area.
c)Any snake over 4 m is subject to special application.
2.1.5. Turtles & Tortoises - Order Testudines
2.1.5.1. Family Chelidae (Side-necked Turtles)
a)
Freshwater turtles must be provided with sufficient water to cover the animal and provide
sufficient room for exercise (minimum of 30 cms depth). An additional area of ground surface
must be provided to allow a dry basking site,.with a temperature of 28-32 degrees Centigrade.
b)
A gently sloping floor, or other appropriate means, must be provided to enable the animals to
enter/exit from the water to their basking site.
c)
Water temperature must be thermostatically controlled within the
naturally occurring
temperature ranges on a daily, and preferably seasonal, basis. Recommended water temperatures
of 24-28 degrees Centigrade are suitable for tropical species, 22-26 degrees Centigrade for
temperate species.
2.1.5.2.
Family Cheloniidae (Sea Turtles) and Dermochelyidae
a)
Enclosures housing reptiles of the family Cheloniidae (including Loggerhead Turtle (Caretta),
Flatback Turtle (Chelonia depressa), Green Turtle (Chelonia mydas), Hawksbill Turtle
(Eretmochelys imbricata), Pacific Ridley (Lepidochelys olivacea)) or the family Dermochelyidae
(Leathery Turtle (Dermochelys coriacea)) must contain a pool of sea water and may consist
entirely of a pool of sea water.
b)
Marine turtles should, as a general rule, be maintained in water within the range 22-32 degrees
Centigrade. Water salinity must be maintained with a salt concentration of not less than 20 parts
per thousand and not more than 35 parts per thousand (specific gravity at 18 degrees Celsius
between 1.022 and 1.024).
c)
The rate of flow in a circulating system must achieve a sufficient frequency of turnover of the
total water to ensure the removal of animal waste and suspended organic matter.
2.1.5.3.
Family Emydidae
Comments to be sought.
Draft Standards for Exhibiting Reptiles in NSW
6
2.1.5.4. FamiIy Kinosternidae
Comments to be sought.
2.1.5.5. Family Testudinidae
Comments to be sought.
2.1.5.6. Family Trionychidae
Comments to be sought.
2.2. Outdoor Exhibits
a)
Outdoor enclosures are encouraged for species from a similar climatic region to that of the
exhibit location, as they provide a natural regime of climatic and seasonal conditions.
b)
Outdoor enclosures must not be dug below ground level unless there is provision of adequate
drainage, because of the possibility of flooding or muddy conditions following rain.
c)
The walls of outdoor enclosures must be constructed of smooth non-climbable barriers and
should continue into the ground not less than 50 cm to prevent escape of the reptiles by
burrowing.
d)
Shrubs must be placed away from the enclosure walls to prevent escape.
e)
Where an outdoor pit enclosure is approved to hold snakes or large lizards, the height of the
enclosure wall shall be not less than 1. 5 m with an inhang of not less than 30 cm.
[Another option is the use of a stand-offence to prevent contact between animals and visitors].
f)
Enclosures must be constructed so as to prevent unsupervised touching of the animals
contained within.
g)
Outdoor exhibits must:
i)
ii)
iii)
iv)
v)
provide direct sunlight not less than 8 hours per day;
provide adequate hiding facilities for all reptiles housed within;
provide adequate shade at all times of the day;
be well drained to prevent the accumulation of water and facilitate dehydration of the
substrate;
provide areas which are permanently covered and dry.
2.3.
INDOOR EXHIBITS
a)
Indoor exhibits provide a greater degree of environmental control, thereby allowing less hardy
animals to be kept, and may provide improved visibility of the reptiles.
b)
Cage walls, floor and fittings shall be made of impervious materials that can be efficiently
disinfected and cleaned.
c)
Indoor enclosures shall be escape-proof and:
i) have all ventilation holes securely screened;
ii) have all doors and lids fitted with latches, hooks or clasps to securely fasten the door
or lid;
iii) be designed to facilitate ease of maintenance and staff safety.
iv) have smooth walls to reduce the likelihood of injury to snouts.
2.3.1.
Temperature
i)
Reptiles are ectothermic and maintain their preferred body temperature through behavioural
mechanisms, such as the selection of micro-environments so that heat gain or loss occurs as
required. Reptile activity, physiological functions and feeding occur within a narrow range of
the species preferred body temperature. Consequently it is critical that optimal body
temperatures be accommodated by the creation of a thermal gradient across the floor of the
enclosure for terrestrial reptiles, or the depth of the enclosure for arboreal species.
Therefore, a heat source shall be provided within each reptile enclosure sufficient to provide
the opportunity to thermoregulate.
ii)
Heating devices must be designed and positioned so that parts of the enclosure floor are not
heated, thereby providing a range of temperatures.
A daytime temperature gradient, 20-35 degrees Centigrade, would accommodate thermal
requirements for the majority of species. Natural daily and seasonal variations should be provided.
iii)
Temperature readings must be taken regularly at the site where the reptile spends substantial
amounts of time, or be constantly monitored using a maximum-minimum thermometer to
ensure that extremes of temperature are prevented. Heating sources must be thermostatically
controlled to remove the potential of overheating.
iv)
Light globes, exposed heatpads, aquarium heaters, or other heat sources must be designed and
constructed to prevent accessibility by reptiles, if there is a possibility of the animals being burnt.
v)
Where tortoises or crocodiles are displayed, water temperature shall be within the range of
26-28 degrees Centigrade.
2.3.2. Ventilation
i) Adequate ventilation, sufficient to allow movement of air without causing a draught, is essential in
reducing humidity, and consequently fungal and bacterial infections. Air exchange and circulation
within the enclosure should be supplemented by control of ventilation within the room as a whole.
2.3.3. Humidity
Suitable humidity is essential for reptile husbandry. In their natural habitat they are adapted to
microclimates that are very different from those perceived by large animals like humans.
i)
Diurnal desert species require a relative humidity of 50%, while 50-70% relative humidity is
suitable for most coastal and montane species. Snake species found in humid tropical
environments require a relative humidity greater than 60%.
However the accumulation of moisture should be avoided as humidity extremes and constant
contact with wet substrates cause respiratory and skin infections in reptiles.
ii)
Where live plants are used to decorate the exhibit, care must be taken to ensure that the
relative humidity does not become excessively high. Artificial plants may be used as an
alternative.
2.3.4. Lighting
i) Reptiles must be provided with a light cycle that allows for the normal physiological functioning
and behaviour of the species.
ii)
Where reptiles, particularly diurnal lizards, tortoises and crocodilians, are not exposed to
unfiltered natural sunlight, lighting must include an ultraviolet spectrum due to the known
importance of ultraviolet light in the absorption and synthesis of certain vitamins and minerals.
Nocturnal or fossorial reptiles are exempt from this requirement.
iii)
Lighting must be as unobtrusive as possible and allow for seasonal variation where suitable to
stimulate breeding behaviour.
iii)
Most reptiles respond to local photoperiod and therefore lighting should be restricted during the
day to allow the natural arrival of dawn and dusk. Where there is insufficient natural light to
allow this, it is preferable that a regular day/night light cycle similar to local conditions shall
be provided. Alternatively, not less than 8 hours lighting shall be provided daily.
Clause 3: Water
3.1.
Clean drinking water must be provided at all times, and must be replaced, and the
container cleaned, not less than three times weekly. Exemptions from this requirement will be
considered by the Director-General where this requirement is appropriate to the needs of a particular
species (eg. arid zone species, marine turtles and some tortoises)..
3.2. Water may be provided in impervious non-spillable containers or in the form of a natural pool.
3.3. Many arid and temperate species of reptiles require a shallow pond or
container for
bathing. The pond or container must be large enough to allow the reptile to fully immerse itself
Snakes, particularly pythons must be provided with a water container large enough to allow the
snake to coil up and submerge to facilitate sloughing as required.
3.4. An appropriate water source for very small snakes or lizards, as well as desert adapted forms, is a
shallow container holding a water soaked sponge.
3.5. Many tropical reptiles only lap water off vegetation, so for these species the cage foliage should
be mist-sprayed with water twice daily. This practice however may raise the humidity to
detrimental levels. Humidity levels and the condition of the reptile should be closely monitored if
mist spraying is used.
3.6. In aquaria displays water must be cleaned by filtration or frequently changed to prevent the
accumulation of faecal matter and food waste. Faecal material should be eliminated when sighted.
Clause 4: Cage Furniture
4.1.
Substrate
a) Whilst a sterile-type setting, e.g. using paper substrate, etc., is adequate for off-exhibit holding
areas, this is not a suitable substrate for the exhibition of reptiles.
b) The substrate must keep the reptiles dry, and therefore must be deep
enough to achieve this.
A variety of substrates may be used, including gravel, sand, peat, exfoliated bark and leaf litter. Soil is
not recommended. The choice of substrate should consider the possibility that small particulate
substrate may be consumed with the diet and cause serious internal problems. Materials that swell
when they are swallowed should not be used.
c) Natural substrates must be chosen which reflect the known habitat of the species in the wild.
4.2. Cage Furniture
a) The interior design of enclosures must be consistent with the environmental needs of the
inhabitants.
b) A basking site, such as a rock slab or log, must be provided under the heat source for all reptile
exhibits. Supportable applications for exemptions from this requirement will be considered by the
Director-General.
c) Snakes must be provided with a rough, stabilised heavy object, such as a rock or log, to provide a
sloughing aid.
d) At least one visual barrier must be provided (not at the low end of the temperature range).
The purpose of the visual barrier is to allow the snake to 'feel' hidden. The visual barrier should allow
the snake to be at least partially obscured from the visitor's view and allow it to rest in a position
where it cannot see the visitors. At last one high visual barrier shall be provided for arboreal species.
Suitable visual barriers may include crevices, hollow logs, dry vegetation or shelter box.
e). Where semi-aquatic reptiles, such as tortoises, are kept, a dry area must be provided to allow the
reptiles to dry out.
f) Climbing branches must be provided for arboreal reptile species.
g) Where a reptile is allowed to hibernate, adequate facilities must be provided to:
i)
ii)
iii)
keep the animals dry and out of draughts;
keep the temperature above the species minimum;
allow regular checks,, while keeping handling to a minimum.
Clause 5 Hygiene
5. 1. Faecal and urine wastes and uneaten food must be removed daily, and the substrate regularly
replaced.
A small amount of faeces may be left each time the cage is cleaned as the pheromones which are
released mark the cage with the animals own scent.
5.2.
Ponds and other aquatic displays must have regular water changes to maintain a clean water
environment, where the water is not filtered. If a recirculating water system is used each tank
should have a self-contained filtration system to minimise the chances of cross contamination.
Clause 6 Housing Of Dangerous Reptiles
6.1. It is the responsibility of the licensee to ensure against the possibility of dangerous reptiles
escaping. Cages containing dangerous reptiles must be designed so that the cage may be cleaned
without endangering the keeper.
6.2. In addition to other requirements, the following security precautions shall be met for the housing
of dangerous reptiles:
a)
b)
c)
d)
Rooms containing dangerous reptiles must be constructed such that in the event of an escape,
the reptile will be contained within the room. Consequently, gaps or holes in the floor, walls,
or around closed doors must be eliminated. Windows must be locked or be properly fitted
with suitable non-detachable wire gauze screens. Human access points to the room must be
lockable. It is highly recommended that night security systems such as sensors are required to
be fitted to rooms containing dangerous reptiles.
A formalised security and inspection system must be implemented to ensure that access doors
and enclosure lids are kept locked at all times.
In addition to labels required for the public display of the animals, each cage shall be marked
for the keeper's benefit with the correct name and the number of reptiles contained therein. If
the reptiles are venomous, this shall be stated and be clearly visible.
Windows screens must allow the operator to visually locate the dangerous reptile before
opening the door.
Clause 7 Food
7.1. All reptiles must be offered a variety of wholesome foods in sufficient quantities to ensure normal
growth and good health unless otherwise dictated by veterinary advice, or approved scientific
research. The feeding regime must take care to avoid obesity as this could lead to disease problems
associated with this condition.
7.2. Food for omnivorous lizards and turtles must be varied and periodically enriched with vitamins and
calcium phosphate. Care should be taken to avoid vitamin/mineral overdosing and to ensure correct
calcium-phosphorous ratio.
7.3. Snakes, most varanids and many other lizard species must be offered a natural whole animal diet.
Freshly collected insects must be offered to insectivorous species of lizard during the appropriate
season (taking care to avoid those likely to be affected by insecticides). Insect food can be easily
bred and maintained for consumption.
7.4. All vertebrate-eating reptiles must be encouraged to take dead food. Where the feeding of live
vertebrate animals is necessary they must not be left in the enclosure for an extended period.
7.5. Several feeding stations shall be provided where reptiles are kept in groups and intra group
aggression occurs. Feeding observations should be made in these situations to ensure undue
dominance is avoided.
Isolating particular animals, often snakes, during or immediately after feeding may be necessary to
prevent accidental ingestion of cage-mates. It is important to observe feeding, particularly with
snakes.
7.6. Food should only be offered when the appropriate temperature required to
metabolise the food is
available before, during and at least 48-120 hours (depending on the species) after feeding.
Clause 8 Staff
8.1. General
a)
Staff must possess a basic knowledge of the biological, nutritional and environmental
requirements of reptiles. This is a prerequisite for successful captive maintenance because the
majority of diseases observed in captive reptiles are precipitated by environmental stress and
inadequate husbandry.
b)
Gloves and catching sticks must be provided by the establishment for the use of staff, but the
use of such items shall be at the discretion of the handler.
c)
Facilities for washing hands are to be provided for staff after working with reptiles or their
faeces. A dust mask should be worn when cages containing dry faecal material are being
cleaned.
8.2. First Aid
a)
All personnel involved in the husbandry of snakes must be familiar with snake handling
techniques through demonstrated experience, appropriate training courses or attendance at approved
reptile holding establishments.
b)
Staff must familiarise themselves with first-aid and be well versed in the application of correct
first-aid treatment for snake bite.
c)
Appropriate precautions must be provided in advance of any possible emergency. Such
precautions must include notification to the nearest hospital, of the species of venomous
reptiles kept by the establishment so that a stock of antisera may be kept on hand.
d)
The provision of a fully-equipped first-aid kit which includes bandages for the treatment of
snake bit must be available at all times to staff working with reptiles.
Clause 9 Records
9.1. For all reptile species feeding records must be maintained, and include feeding date, stating quantities
and type of food offered, quantities and type of food eaten, medical problems, sloughing, mating, etc.
9.2. For all reptile species prescribed by Schedule 2 of the Exhibited Animal Protection Act Regulation, a
more detailed record card shall be kept, providing at least the following information:
i) The dates of acquisition and disposal, with details of
circumstances and addresses.
ii) The date or estimated date of egg laying and/or birth.
iii) Breeding and details of any offspring.
iv) The date of occurrence of skin shedding and any problems encountered.
v) Clinical data, including results of physical examination by a qualified veterinarian and
details of, and date when, any form of treatment was given.
vi) Opportunistic measurements of body weight and lengths.
vii) The date of death and results of post mortem (where performed).
9.3. All relevant records must accompany an animal when it is transferred to
establishment.
another
Clause 10 Quarantine
10.1.Quarantine facilities for the isolation of specimens for 90 days from arrival must be provided.
10.2. Quarantine facilities must be spatially separated from the main reptile collection. All cages must be
isolated individually and be accessible for disinfection.
Clause 11 Transportation
11.1. Care must be taken to avoid exposure by the reptiles to extreme temperatures.
During cold weather reptiles may become dormant for prolonged periods and therefore should not
be presumed dead.
11.2. Reptiles must not be transported unless they have been maintained for a sufficient time prior to
departure at a temperature which will ensure complete digestion of any ingested food.
The need to feed reptiles during, or prior to, a journey should not arise.
11.3. Transport containers must not be placed in direct sunlight, water or draught.
11.4. All reptile species must be placed in shallow, tepid water for a sufficient time prior to departure so
as to prevent dehydration durina the journey. This is particularly important for juveniles.
Alternatively, moistened linen bags are considered suitable containment for transportation.
11.5. A person who consigns a live reptile must:
a)
enclose the reptile (except crocodilians) within a strong, durable, porous linen bag which
shall, in turn, be enclosed by a sufficiently ventilated, escape-proof, rigid container. A
cardboard box is not a suitable container. Any empty space should be padded to prevent
excessive movement within the container.
b)
affix a label to the container of not less than 20 cm in length and 14 cm in width on which is
clearly, legibly and indelibly printed in capital letters the word "SNAKE", “LIZARD”,
"TORTOISE", "TURTLE" or "CROCODILE", as the case may be, preceded, label fixed to
the container.
e)
place a copy of the consignment note inside the container.
f)
not place specimens of different species, and specimens of greatly differing size of the same
species within the same bag for transportation.
g)
keep bagged venomous snakes separate from all other transported animals, preferably by solid
partitions in the transport containers.
Clause 12: Mobile Exhibitions of Reptiles
12.1 Mobile display enclosures for reptiles shall incorporate:
a) adequate supervision by an attendant capable of handling such animals, and
b) night security by means of personnel or movement sensors.
12.2. Holders of approvals or permits to exhibit reptiles at temporary establishments shall only
transport reptiles inside cloth bags or inside crash resistant containers (ie. which will deform
rather than break open.)
12.3. Holders of approvals or permits to exhibit reptiles at temporary establishments must not allow
venomous snakes or crocodilians to be handled in front of an audience unless the animal is
handled behind an approved safety barrier designed to protect all members of the audience
from accidental bite.
12.4. Holders of approvals or permits to exhibit reptiles at temporary establishments shall not allow
the animals which are the subject of the approval/permits to be kept within a dwelling.
Exemption from this sub-clause may be sought from the Director-General.
Clause 13 Specific Standards for Crocodilienas
13.1
Enclosure Sizes
The following minimal requirements for one pair of adult animals are based on behavioural and
husbandry responses amongst known captive populations of Alligators:
a) Animal Display Establishments
minimum floor area for 2 specimens 2.5L x 2.5L (L = length of longest specimen)
b) Temporary/mobile exhibit
Minimum floor area for 2 specimens 1.5L x 1.5L
13.2.
a)
b)
c)
d)
13.3.
a)
b)
Pond Requirements
A pond for adult A. mississipiensis shall not be less than 8 m in diameter, and have an
average depth not less than 1 metre.
Ponds may be constructed of compacted earth, concrete or other material approved by the
Director-General. Earth banks to allow burrowing must be included in the construction.
Alligators in Australia will survive in outside unheated enclosures providing the water
temperature does not fall below freezing. In this regard water temperature is of greater
importance than air temperature, which they will not tolerate below 0 degrees Celsius.
Visual barriers in the form of semi-submerged logs, boulders or islands within the pond are
required where several adults are kept together. Visual barriers will help minimise
intraspecific aggression.
Land Area
Since all Crocodilians need to bask and dry out their skin, a land area which receives at least
eight (8) hours direct sunlight daily must be provided. If maintained indoors, a land area
which receives at least eight (8) hours direct ultraviolet irradiation, preferably from black
lights of the BL type, must be provided.
Land must either surround the pond or adjoin a section of it and must not be less than 16
square metres in size. This area can be grassed or be of compacted earth/sand and must have
a gradual slope entry into the water.
13.4. Enclosure Barrier
a)
The enclosure barrier must surround the entire enclosure and be constructed of a solid
material.
b)
Access doors into the enclosure must be lockable and be kept locked at all times.
c)
Where the land area separates the enclosure barrier from the pool by more than 3 metres, the
height of the enclosure barriers shall not be less than 1.4 metres. Walls should be smooth-faced
and non-climbable.
d)
Where the land area separates the enclosure barrier from the pool by less than 3 metres, the
height of the enclosure barriers shall not be less than 1. 8 metres. Walls should be smoothfaced and non-climbable.
e)
Below ground fencing is only required if potential burrowing banks are within 4 metres of
public viewing areas. Below ground fencing in this regard must be deep enough to intercept
burrows.
13.5.
Keeper Access
a)
All enclosures must be so designed and constructed so that they are safe for keepers to work in,
as well as providing for safe entry and exit.
13.6.
Breeding
a)
b)
Breeding of American Alligators is not encouraged and any proposed breeding program must
be submitted to the Director-General for approval. Such a breeding program must include an
outline for the ethical disposal of surplus progeny through zoos or release programmers,
returning alligators to their native environment, or to other authorised institutions.
Debris consisting of vegetation and loose earth must be provided to allow for nest building
where breeding programmes have been approved.
13.7. Territoriality and Aggression
a)
Hatchling and juvenile Alligators can be kept together well into adulthood, although intraspecific
aggression amongst females during nesting periods may occur.
b)
Australian crocodiles are often less tolerant than Alligators of conspecifics. Therefore, in group
housing, nesting sites should be available for all nesting females, suitably spaced with intervening
visual barriers.
c)
Care must be taken in the introduction of new adult crocodilians, as adults may not tolerate the
addition of newcomers into their territory. Individual adult specimens, or groups of one sex, may
tolerate the addition of newcomers of the opposite sex providing the sizes are similar.
d)
There must not be great differences in sizes of animals kept together.
13.8. Keepers
a)
Keepers of crocodilians in captivity must have basic zookeeping skills, particularly in respect
to reptiles. They should have an understanding of reptile husbandry particularly temperature
requirements and thertnoregulation as they apply to crocodilians. They should be aware of the
connection between dietary balance and continuing health in captive reptiles, particularly the
calcium/phosphorus ratio and the avoidance of thiamine deficiency in crocodilians. An
understanding of the dangers of overcrowding and the consequent stress-related problems this may
produce is also important.
13.9. Feeding
a)
All crocodilians must be offered a wide variety of wholesome foods in sufficient quantities to
ensure normal growth and good health, unless otherwise dictated by veterinary advice or approved
scientific research. The feeding regime must take care to avoid obesity as this can lead to disease
problems associated with this condition.
13.10. Records
a)
For all crocodilians, feeding records must be maintained and include: feeding date, quantities and
type of food offered, and quantities and type of food eaten.
b)
For all crocodilians a detailed record card must be kept which provides at least the following
information:
i) The dates of acquisition and disposal, with details of circumstances and addresses.
ii) The date or estimated date of egg laying and/or birth.
iii) Breeding and details of any offspring.
iv) Clinical data, including results of physical examination by a qualified veterinarian and
details of and date when any form of treatment was given.
v) opportunistic measurements of body weight and lengths.
vi) The date of death and results of post mortem (where performed).
c)
All relevant records must accompany an animal when it is transferred to another establishment.
13.11
Transportation
a)
Crocodilians must be crated separately in ventilated, strong, rigid containers for transportation.. The
inside of the container must be smooth to prevent injury to the animal's snout, and be just large
enough to accommodate the animal and prevent movement of the animal
Size Formulas From Previous Drafts
General
2.
2.1
Enclosures
Enclosure Sizes
Sufficient space shall be provided, both horizontally and vertically, to enable the animals to take
exercise and to protect animals from undue dominance or conflict.
As a guide to spatial requirements, for up to two animals the minimal width of an enclosure shall not be
less than the total length of a lizard, crocodile or tortoise, and the minimal length shall not be less than
three times the total length of a lizard, crocodile or tortoise. The floor areas should be increased by 50%
for each additional animal.
Enclosures containing snakes should have a minimal width not less than half the length of the largest
specimen, while the hypotenuse of the floor area should be at least the length of the specimen.
Enclosures containing Boid snakes (such as pythons) shall have a height not less than lm to provide
climbing opportunities. An exemption may be sought from the Board where this requirement may not
be applicable, e.g. completely terrestrial or semi-fossorial boids not requiring the climbing opportunities
of other boids.
Turtles and Tortoises - Order Testudines
Family Chelidae (Side-necked Tortoises)
Freshwater tortoises shall be provided with sufficient water to cover the animal and provide sufficient
room for exercise. . An additional area of ground surface must be provided to allow a dry basking site,
with a temperature of 28-32 degrees Centigrade.
A gently sloping floor, or other appropriate means, shall be provided to enable the animals to enter/exit
from the water to their basking site.
Generally water temperature should be thermostatically controlled within the naturally occurring
temperature ranges on a daily, and preferably seasonal, basis. Recommended water temperatures of 2428 degrees Centigrade are suitable for tropical chelids, 22-26 degrees Centigrade for temperate species.
Family Cheloniidae (Sea Turtles) and Dermocheividae.
Enclosures housing reptiles of the family Cheloniidae (including Loggerhead Turtle (Caretta caretta),
Flatback Turtle (Chelonia depressa), Green Turtle (Chelonia mydas). Hawksbill Turtle (Eretmochelys
imbricata), Pacific Ridley (Lepidochelys olivacca)) or the family Dermochelyidae (Leathery Turtle
(Lermochelys coriacea)) shall contain a pool of sea water and may consist entirely of a pool of sea
water. The minimum depth shall be at least twice the length of the largest turtle.
Marine turtles should, as a general rule, be maintained in water within the range 22-32 degrees
Centigrade. Water salinity shall be maintained with a salt concentration of not less than 20 parts per
thousand and not more than 3 5 parts per thousand (specific gravity at 18 degrees Celsius between 1.022
and 1.024).
The rate of flow in a circulating system must achieve a sufficient frequency of turnover of the total
water to ensure the removal of animal waste and suspended organic matter.
Species Standards for The Keeping of Crocodilians
1.2
Size of Enclosure
Little is known of Alligator demography and any recommendations for spatial requirements will not
reflect true patterns as found in the wild.
The following minimal requirements for one pair of adult animals are recommended based on behavioural
and husbandry responses amongst known captive populations of Alligators:
1.2.1 Pond Size
The pond shall not be less than 8m in diameter, and have an average depth not less than 1.5 metres.
1.2.2 Land Area
Land may surround the pond or adjoin a section of it and should not be less than 16 square metres and be
so constructed that animals can bask and utilise nest sites. This area can be grassed or be of compacted
earth/sand which has a gradual slope entry into the water.
Bibliography
Banks, C. 1980. Keeping Reptiles and Amphibians as Pets. Thomas Nelson Australia Pty. Ltd.
Boylan, T. Personal communication.
Bustard, R. 1970. Australian Lizards. William Collins (Aust.) Ltd.
Cogger, H. 1986. Reptiles and Amphibians of Australia. Reed Books Pty. Ltd., Sydney. Australian
Tortoises.
Heatwole, H. 1976. Reptile Ecology.
University of Queensland Press.
Honegger, R. E. 1975. Breeding and Maintaining Reptiles in Captivity in Breeding Endangered Species in
Captivity. L.D.Martin (ed.), Academic Press, London.
Rowlands, R.P.V., New Zealand Geckos, A Guide to 1987 Captive Maintenance and Breeding. New
Zealand Herpetological Society.
Van Woerkom, A. B & Stoel, P.B. 1985. Directives for the safety requirements for the keeping of
poisonous snakes. Litteratura Serpentium, English Edition 5, 3; 82-87.
Welch, K.H.G. 1987
-Handbook on the maintenance of reptiles in captivity. Robert E.
Krieger Publishing Company, Florida.
Weigel, J. 1988 Draft Reptile Care Booklet. Reptile Keepers Association. In press.
Worrell, E. Husbandry of Crocodylians, Tortoises and Turtles in Captivity. Bulletin of Zoo Management
6 (1) 17-32.
New Standards For The Housing Of Quolls.
The Exhibited Animals Advisory Committee has recently revised the existing size requirements for the
exhibition of Quolls under the Exhibited Animals Protection Act. The Committee agreed to a
recommendation to lower the minimum floor area requirements for the housing of Northern and Eastern
Quolls, due to their small body size in relation to Tiger Quolls.
Display housing
The following standards for the display housing of Quolls have been decided:
Tiger Quolls,
* Minimum floor area 30 m2 (for 2 adults and their dependent young)
* Minimum height 2.4m
Eastern Quolls,
* Minimum floor area 20m2 (for 4 adults and their dependent young)
* Minimum height 2.4 m
Northern Quolls,
* Minimum floor area 15m2 (for 4 adults and their dependent young)
* Minimum height 2.4 m
Off-display housing
Animals may be held off-display temporarily on the basis that the following enclosures space is provided
per animal:
Tiger Quolls,
*Minimum floor area 10m2
*Minimum height 1.8m
Eastern Quolls,
*Minimum floor area 5m2
*Minimum height 2.4m
Northern Quolls,
*Minimum floor area 4m2
* Minimum height 1.8m
Note: Any enclosure whether for display or off-Exhibit Housing Must Contain no more than 1 adult male.
Matthew Crane
Registrar
Exhibited Animals Protection Act
Circular 95/05
13 September 1995
Standards for Exhibiting Bottle-nosed Dolphins (Tursiops truncates) in New South
Wales
Exhibited Animals Protection Act
Contents
Clause 1. Financial viability
Introduction
Leasing
Clause 2. Facilities
General requirements
Indoor facilities
Emergency accommodation
Space requirements
Water quality
Clause 4.
Husbandry and management
Staff Food and feeding
Sanitation
Veterinary care and preventative medicine
Handling
Training
Breeding
Record keeping and publication
Transport
Specimen disposition
Clause 4. Security
Clause 5. Educational programs
Introduction
Aims
Methods
Information
Staff
Review
Clause 6. Research programs
Introduction
Program
Records and reports
Staff
Clause 7. Strandings and rehabilitations
Clause 1 Financial Viability
1.1 INTRODUCTION
a) Establishments keeping, or seeking permission to keep T, truncatus must provide evidence to the
appropriate authorities of their present and future financial ability to care for these animals and for any
other existing or proposed animal holdings.
b) A survey, bond or alternative guarantee may be required to ensure that all T. truncatus held in captivity
will be card for in the event of liquidation, financial collapse or any other unanticipated failure of the
licensee.
1.2 LEASING
Any leasing, sub-contracting, or other arrangements where animals are not directly owned by the owner
of the accommodation, may only be done under agreements approved by the appropriate authorities,
where the financial and other arrangements are clearly set out and which ensure the care and welfare of
the animals in all foreseeable circumstances.
Clause 2 Facilities
2.1 GENERAL REQUIREMENTS
2.1.1 Construction
a) All enclosures (display), treatment, holding, isolation and other) must be constructed of such materials
and be maintained in sufficiently good repair so as to ensure that they will contain the animals at all times
and are safe for the animals, for the staff attending them and for the public.
b) The principal requirement is that the enclosures are durable, watertight, non-porous, non-abrasive, nontoxic, and easily cleaned and disinfected. They shall be maintained in good repair as part of a regular
ongoing maintenance program.
c) Bare and/or sharp projections and edges, loose air or water hoses, cables or restraining nets and fences
in poor repair are hazards to captive marne mammals and must be avoided in all main and subsidiary
pools.
d) No objects, furniture, apparatus, decoration, plants or other items which could interfere with the
welfare of the animals or with efficient husbandry shall be kept, or allowed to remain in the immediate
surroundings of pools.
e) Facilities which utilise natural water areas, such as tidal basins, bays or estuaries (subject to natural
tidewater action) used for housing marine mammals shall be exempt from the drainage requirements of
clause 2.1.4, but they must meet the minimum standards with regard to space, depth and water quality.
The water must be monitored for coliforms and for pH and chemical content, if chemicals are added.
2.1.2 Water and power supply
Supply of water of appropriate quality and temperature, and of power, must be reliable and sufficient to
maintain the conditions necessary for the animals’ welfare in all circumstances. This includes the safe
storage of food. Readily available contingency provisions for emergencies must be reviewed and
approved.
2.1.3 Shelter
Appropriate shaded, covered or sheltered areas must be provided to protect the animals from adverse
ambient conditions caused by weather, sunlight or artificial lighting, glare or other environmental factors.
2.1.4 Drainage
a) Adequate drainage shall be provided for all pools and shall be located so that all of the water contained
may be rapidly eliminated for cleaning the pools and for other purposes. Drainage effluent shall be
disposed of in a manner that complies with all applicable Federal, state and local pollution control laws.
b) Drainage must be provided for areas surrounding pools, such that water from these areas will not enter
or re-enter pools.
c) Waste water, and run off from soil and roofing, must be kept separate from pools.
2.1.5 Protection from noise and harassment
a) All T. truncatus shall be provided with protection from abuse and harassment by the viewing public.
This protection will be provided by the use of a sufficient number of employees or attendants to supervise
the viewing public, or by physical barriers (such as fences, walls, glass partitions, or distance), or both, as
well as appropriate sign posting. This shall include protection from excessive noise, potentially
communicable pathogens from humans or their pets, and the possibility of injury by ingesting foreign
bodies introduced intentionally or accidentally.
b) Attention should be paid to acoustic treatment of buildings and protection of animals from disturbing
noise, e.g. certain noises generated by mechanical systems and transmitted under water. Particular care
must be taken during construction and maintenance work. If extraneous noise appears to be resulting in
loss of animal appetite and condition, this problem must be corrected.
c) Precautions must be taken to prevent any foreign bodies entering pools. Pools must be thoroughly
checked for foreign bodies at least twice a day.
d) Recreational swimming with the animals may only be permitted on specific advice of either trainers or
veterinarians and with adequate insurance cover for this activity.
e) Cetacean pools may be reserved for the cetaceans. Other animal types may be included with prior
approval of the Director-General.
2.1.6 Storage
a) Supplies of food shall be stored in facilities which adequately protect such supplies from deterioration,
moulding or contamination. Refrigerators and freezers shall be used for perishable food. No substances
which are known to be, or may be, toxic or harmful to marine mammals shall be stored or maintained in
the marine mammal food storage areas.
b) Safe and suitable storage shall be provided for food supplements, for any medical supplies, for water
treatment materials and for any other required materials.
2.1.7 Waste disposal
Provision shall be made for the removal and disposal of animal and food wastes, dead animals, trash and
debris. Disposal facilities shall be provided and operated in a manner which will minimise vermin
infestation, odours and disease hazards. All waste disposal procedures must comply with all applicable
Federal, State and local laws pertaining to pollution control, protection of the environment and public
health.
2.1.8 Ablution and toilet facilities
a) Facilities such as washrooms, basins, showers or sinks shall be provided to maintain cleanliness among
employees and attendants.
b) These facilities, and any other staff areas, must be kept clean, tidy and in good repair.
2.2 INDOOR FACILITIES
2.2.1 Air temperature
The air temperature in indoor accommodation must be controlled so that animals do not suffer from heat
or cold, as determined by experienced veterinary advice. Rapid changes in air temperature must be
avoided.
2.2.2 Ventilation
Indoor housing facilities shall be ventilated by natural or artificial means to provide a flow of fresh air for
the marine mammals and to prevent the accumulation of potentially harmful agents including chlorine
fumes, other gases and objectionable odours.
A vertical air space averaging at least 2.5 metres shall be maintained in all primary enclosures housing
marine mammals, including pool of water.
2.2.3 Lighting
a) Daylight must be available and of such quality, duration and intensity that normal physiological and
behavioural functions are disturbed as little as possible.
b) Lighting, whether artificial or natural, or both, must be adequate for routine health and hygience checks
and for cleaning.
2.3 EMERGENCY ACCOMMODATION
a) Contingency plans for emergency accommodation to which animals can be taken in the event of total
failure of equipment, pools or other emergencies, must be arranged in advance and with the approval of
the Director-General. The Director-General must be notified, in advance if possible, but in any case at the
earliest practicable opportunity, if a dolphin has to be moved to emergency accommodation.
b) Establishments must have contingency plans to cope with any foreseeable problems, including
industrial disputes and financial difficulties, which might put the welfare of the animals at risk.
2.4 SPACE REQUIREMENTS
2.4.1 General
Requirements listed here describe the minimum number and size of enclosures. The size, age and sex
ratio of the captive group may require more and/or larger enclosures than the required minimum.
2.4.2 Number of animals
a) Single animals will not be kept except as required for veterinary reasons, due to the unknown social
habits of captive and wild T. truncatus.
b) The basic group of T. truncatus should consist of a mature male and two, three or four females. If
larger numbers of dolphins are to be held, groupings should reflect the following observations:
i Adult males rarely associate with sub-adult males, the latter usually remaining in bachelor groups or
with one or two adult females;
ii Females with calves associate with each other and occasionally with other age and sex classes;
iii Mean group size is between 2 and 18.
2.4.3 Number of enclosures
a) For social reasons, as well as for maintenance and emergencies, at least two large enclosures (primary
enclosures) capable of comfortably accommodating all T. truncatus held (as per guidelines of clause
2.4.4) shall be provided. Note: Each pool does not have to individually hold all animals.
b) One or more holding pools shall be provided for segregation of animals before shows, for feeding, for
the introduction of new animals or as a precaution for calving. If the holding pool is separate from the
main pool (i.e. not a netted section of a primary pool) the holding pool should be an adjunct of the main
pool, so that animals can swim freely between the main pool and holding pools when dividing barriers are
removed. The holding pool should also be designed to include provision for the lowering of water levels
to facilitate handling and to allow routine treatment and examination of the dolphin.
c) At least one isolation pool which meets the minimum space requirements for one animal (as per clause
2.4.4) shall be provided for the quarantine of new animals. Isolation facilities may also be used for sick
animals, or animals which for other reasons must be temporarily separated from the social group, and
should be able to operate independently of the main complex.
2.4.4 Size of pools
a) Enclosures housing T. truncatus shall contain a pool of water and may consist entirely of a pool of
water.
b) sufficient space shall be provided both horizontally and vertically to enable the animals to exercise, to
protect them from undue dominance or conflict and to provide for their social, breeding and husbandry
needs. The space provided shall provided shall not fall below the minimum size requirements detailed
below.
c) Configuration of a pool shall provide for ease of cleaning, draining and maintenance of adequate water
quality, as described in clause 2.5
d) Primary pools
i At least one primary pool will provide a minimum of 1,400 cubic metres pool space in which up to
five animals may be held. an additional 300 cubic metres must be provided for each additional animal
when more than five are held.
ii Minimum dimensions
* The primary pool shall not be narrower than 14 metres or shallower than 2.5 metres and at least half
the pool will be at least 3 metres deep.
* Minimum surface area for each animal will be 49 square metres, with 49 square metres to be added
for every additional animal held (e.g. for 5 animals the minimum surface area will be 245 square
metres).
iii The second primary pool shall meet the minimum dimension requirements outlined in clause
2.4.4(d)(ii) for the number of animals held, except that the pool shall not be narrower than 12 metres
nor shallower than1.8 metres and at least half the pool will be at least 2.5 metres deep. The second
primary pool shall have a minimum volume of 600 cubic metres.
iv The two primary pools may be connectable to allow the movement of animals, and may also be
functionally separate. The second primary pool may also be used for breeding and calving as
recommended by experienced veterinary advice.
e) Holding pools
i Minimum dimensions
These will vary according to the purpose for which the holding pool is used. The dimensions must
meet with approval from a veterinarian experienced in T. truncatus management and should be
determined by the specific needs of the establishment.
ii Holding pools may only be used for less than 24 hours, except on veterinary advice. Animals should
have access to as much water space as possible at all times.
f) Isolation pools
i The isolation pool or pools will be provided with completely separate water systems with independent
filtration. The isolation pool is not meant to be used on a long-term basis.
ii Minimum dimensions
An isolation pool will not be narrower than 7 metres, will have a minimum surface area of 49 square
metres and will be no shallower than 2 metres, but shall be designed to include provision for the lowering
of water levels to facilitate handling and to allow routine treatment, medication and examination of the
dolphin.
2.5 WATER QUALITY
2.5.1 General
a) No pools holding T. truncatus shall contain water which would be detrimental to the health of the
animals.
b) Establishments must determine all the normal operating water treatment parameters and investigate
promptly if these are not being achieved.
c) Water quality must be maintained by filtration, chemical treatment or other means, so as to comply
with the water quality standards specified in this clause.
d) T. truncatus should, as a general rule, be maintained in water of at least 10C, but no more than 28 C,
and protection should be provided against rapid changes of temperature, either within or outside that
range.
2.5.2 Bacterial standards
a) The coliform bacteria content of the pool must not exceed 500 MPN (most probable number) per 100
ml of water. Should the count exceed this level, the condition must be corrected immediately.
b) If chemical treatment is used as a measure to maintain this standard, it should not cause harm t the
animals. For instance, uneven mixing could result in locally excessive concentrations.
2.5.3 The pH of the pool water
The pool water must be maintained within the 7.5-8.4 pH range.
2.5.4 Salinity
T. truncatus shall be maintained in water with a salt concentration of not less than 20 parts per thousand
and not more than 35 parts per thousand (specific gravity at 18 C between 1.022 and 1.024).
2.5.5 Water flow
a) The rate of flow in a circulating system must achieve a sufficient frequency of turnover of the total
water to ensure the removal of animal waste and suspended organic matter and to satisfy the standards set
out in clause 2.5.
b) Pools shall be designed so that there are no areas with inadequate water circulation.
c) New pools must be tested during initial use and all pools must be thoroughly tested every year to check
that full water circulation to all areas is being achieved. Immediate steps must be taken to remedy any
problems.
2.5.6 Testing and monitoring
a) Water samples must be tested at least three times a day to determine pH, salinity and temperature, and
four times a day for chemical additive content. Facilities using natural sea water with no chemical
treatment need only sample once a day for pH and salinity.
b) Water samples must be tested for bacteria (and other pathogens if required) at least once a week.
c) Appropriate surveillance of micro-organisms including pseudomonas or fungal pathogens, as required
on veterinary advice, shall be performed where pools have a history of infection problems.
d) Establishments must have a protocol on timing and place of water sampling, so that samples taken on
different dates are comparable.
e) Each pool must be sampled for each test, even when not operating separately, to check for any water
circulation problems.
f) The results of all tests must be recorded, including time and place of sampling.
g) The contents of grids, meshes, skimmers and similar equipment must be carefully monitored, as well as
filter debris after backwashing. Any unusual material must be promptly investigated.
2.5.7 Disinfection
a) If disinfection of water is deemed necessary to maintain acceptable coliform counts, the chosen method
must be proven safe and effective. The most commonly used systems include chlorination, chlorine
dioxide and ozone.
b) Adequate storage, administration, testing and control equipment and back-up systems must be
provided.
c) All relevant staff must be adequately trained in the general theory and practice of water treatment and
its specific application in their establishment.
d) If chlorination is used, the criteria that apply are as follows:
i) Glossary of terms
* Free residual chlorine: hypochlorous acid has the greatest germicidal efficiency, and is nontoxic, tasteless and odourless. Results in super-clarity of water by destroying organic matter.
* Combined chlorine: mono-, di- and trichloramines formed by the combination of hypochlorous
acid and organic matter. Di- and trichloramines are responsible for chlorine ‘smell’ and severely
irritate the eyes, mucous membranes and skin.
ii Chlorine levels are dependent on both pH and water temperatures, so that tests for free residual
chlorine should take place more frequently in the summer; the minimum frequency at other times is
four tests each day. (See clause 2.5.6)
iii Establishments will maintain combined chlorine levels at an average of no more than an average of
100% excess of free chlorine. As far as possible, production of trichloramines must be avoided.
iv If combined chlorine levels exceed 1.0 pm and/or significant levels of trichloramines are detected and
cannot quickly be brought under control, sufficient water must be replaced to remedy this situation.
2.5.8 Back-up systems
a) Establishments must have a clear policy on pool water renewal if specific bacterial and pathogen
content, nitrogenous compound content, combined chlorine content or any other limits are exceeded and
cannot be brought under control within a period where the animals suffer no harm.
b) Provisions must be made to maintain water quality to standard specifications during routine
maintenance and minor breakdowns of water treatment equipment.
Clause 3 Husbandry and Management
3.1 STAFF
a) Full details of the experience and qualifications of all relevant staff, including a summary of their
careers and a history of all cetaceans previously under their care, must be submitted in support of any
applications to acquire or continue keeping cetaceans.
b) A sufficient number of adequately trained and competent staff must be employed to maintain the
prescribed level of husbandry at all times.
c) Staff must be encourged to improve their knowledge and practical skills through recognised training
courses, staff exchange and attendance at conferences.
d) The senior staff in day to day contact with the animals must have representation at the highest
management levels to ensure full consideration of the needs of the animals and authority to call for
veterinary advice when required.
e) New staff must be expertly trained and provided with a job description and outline of responsibilities.
3.2 FOOD AND FEEDING
3.2.1 Facilities
a) Adequate facilities for the storage and preparation of food will be provided.
b) No dead mammal or other cadavers should be placed in food-fish storage areas.
c) Food preparation areas should be indoors or completely screened and constructed of materials that can
be subjected to periodic steam-cleaning or complete disinfection by chemical means. Walls should be of
non-porous nature with no cracks or crevices.
d) No toxic chemical or harmful material should be used or stored in food preparation areas, other than
disinfectants used in cleaning the areas and food containers.
e) Caution should be used in selecting the type of insecticide used and in its application in food
preparation areas.
3.2.2 General practices
a) Food for T. truncatus shall be wholesome, palatable and of a standard fit for human consumption.
b) The food items’ nutritional value must be sufficient to keep the animals healthy. The diet shall be
prepared with consideration of the previous history of the specimen, age, size, condition, activity and
water and air temperature.
c) Animals should be weighed and measured at least monthly and the results recorded and compared with
the expected normal body development for the species. Any necessary changes in the feeding of
individuals in the light of these results must be made. Animals may be trained to co-operate with
weighing and measuring, at the discretion of the establishment and its veterinary advisers.
3.2.3 Food
a) Food species must be quick-frozen as soon as practicable after catching and packed in containers which
prevent contamination and maximise retention of food quality.
b) Sufficient quantities of food must be kept on hand to guard against problems with supply, but stocks
must be rotated and preferably not stored for over six months.
c) Frozen foods must be stored in freezers at a maximum temperature of - 20 C, but preferably kept in the
range of -25 to -30 C.
3.2.4 Food preparation
a) All chemical and bacterial contamination must be avoided when preparing food.
b) The thawing and preparation of food must be done in a manner which will ensure that the food retains
its nutritive and wholesome quality.
c) The thawed product shall be kept iced or refrigerated until just before feeding.
d) All foods shall be fed to the animals within 24 hours of removal from freezers for thawing, or properly
discarded. Discarded food should not be kept in fresh food storage areas.
e) Food supplements should be added to the diet in accordance with veterinary advice.
f) Food supplements must be appropriately handled and stored, and stocks appropriately rotated.
g) Care must be taken not o include food that is known to have deleterious effects, e.g. fish that contain
thiaminase.
3.2.5 Feeding
a) The animals must be offered a variety of wholesome foods more than once each day and in sufficient
quantities to ensue normal growth and good health unless otherwise dictated by sound veterinary practice
or approved scientific research.
b) Animals must be individually fed by a trained person who must be sufficiently competent to see that
each animal receives an appropriate quantity of food and to observe variations in eating habits in order to
ensure good health.
c) Feeding by the public shall only be permitted on veterinary and/or trainer advice and must only be done
in the presence and under the supervision of an experienced, uniformed staff member. Only food supplied
by the establishment may be fed to animals.
d) Feeding practices shall ensure that animals do not because habituated to a particular food item.
3.2.6 Hygiene
All utensils used in the preparation and distribution of food must be cleaned after use. The kitchens and
surfaces for handling food must be washed down daily and treated with cleaning products (e.g. hot water,
detergents, disinfectants). Such products must not be harmful to animals and must not be stored in areas
used for storing foods.
3.3 SANITATION
a) Particulate animal and food waste, trash or debris that enter the pools of water shall be removed as
often as necessary to maintain the required water quality and to prevent health hazards to the marine
mammals.
b) The walls and floors of the pools shall be cleaned as often as necessary to maintain proper water
quality.
c) Buildings and grounds, as well as exhibit areas, shall be kept clean and in good repair. Fences shall be
maintained in good repair.
d) All boots, aprons, brooms food buckets and receptacles must be kept clean.
3.4 VETERINARY CARE AND PREVENTATIVE MEDICINE
3.4.1 General
Licensees maintaining T. truncatus in captivity are to be responsible for an effective program of
veterinary care and preventative medicine. The attending veterinarian must examine the dolphins on a
weekly basis.
3.4.2 Pest Control
A safe and effective program for the control of insects, ectoparasites and for other pests should be
established and maintained. Insecticides or other such chemical agents shall not be applied in a primary
enclosure housing marine mammals except when deemed essential by an attending veterinarian.
3.4.3 Quarantine
Newly received T. trunatus should be separated from resident ones and from the common water system
until they can be reasonably determined to be in good health. Any communicable disease condition in a
newly acquired T. truncatus must be remedied before the animal is placed with other resident T.
truncatus. The period of quarantine should be as brief as possible because of these animals’ known social
behaviour.
3.4.4. Isolation
a) Since isolation can be detrimental to the welfare of dolphins, the use of holding or isolation pools for
purposes of investigating suspected illness, applying treatment and for special feeding, will be at the
discretion of the veterinarian.
b) Any T. truncatus exposed to a diseased animal shall be isolated to a diseased animal shall be isolated
for observation for an appropriate period of time as determined by the attending veterinarian.
3.4.5 Sanitation
Any pool containing a T. truncatus with an infectious or contagious disease shall be cleaned and sanitised
in the manner prescribed by the attending veterinarian. No extra animals shall be introduced into the
enclosure before such cleaning and sanitising procedures.
3.4.6 Observation
a) All animals, their wastes and their behaviour should be observed each day by a person in charge of the
care of the animals or someone working under his/her supervision.
b) Diseased, injured or stressed animals, or any animals with unusual behaviour, should receive
immediate veterinary care. Any health problems must be promptly reported by the person making the
observations to the veterinary adviser. Remains of parasites in faeces as well as regurgitated products
should be retained for expert examination
3.4.7 Medication
Anaesthetics, analgesics, tranquillisers, antibiotics, anthelminithics, or other chemotherapeutics must be
administered under veterinary supervision..
3.4.8 Necropsies
a) All persons who are responsible for T. truncatus held in captivity shall, in the event of any animal
dying, notify an authorised officer of NSW Agriculture. This should occur immediately after the death of
the animal (or beforehand if a veterinary surgeon has warned of an imminent death) and in any case
within 24 hours.
b) A complete post-mortem examination by a veterinary surgeon or practitioner, with training and
experience of animals. Copies must be kept by establishments and submitted to the appropriate
authorities.
3.5 HANDLING
a) Handling T. truncatus shall be kept to a minimum and shall be carried out as quickly and carefully as
possible in a manner that does not cause unnecessary discomfort, overheating, behavioural stress or
physical harm.
b) A sufficient number of trained staff must be available at all times to handle the animals in the manner
prescribed in these standards. Care must be exercised to avoid harm to the animal handlers.
c) Animals may only be displayed for periods of time and under conditions consistent with thier good
health and welfare, as determined by the veterinary advisers.
d) Contact by the public shall only be permitted on veterinary advice and only in the presence and under
the supervision of an adequate number of experienced, uniformed staff.
e) During public display, all T. truncatus must be handled so there is minimal risk of harm to the public or
the animals, with sufficient distance allowed or barriers placed between the animals and the public to
ensure safety to both the public and the animals. In particular, precautions must be taken to prevent
visitors transmitting any pathogens or providing foreign bodies to the animals.
f) Animals which are not compatible shall not be housed in the same enclosure. Animals shall not be
housed near animals that would cause them distress or discomfort, or interfere with their good health.
The exercise of sound judgement by experienced veterinary and curatorial staff (sometimes with reference
to field ecologists) is essential in identifying and resolving problems relating to compatibility.
g) Animals must be given access to other compatible animals, except when temporarily maintained in
isolation on medical advice.
h) Pregnant animals and animals with young must be accommodated in accordance with veterinary
advice.
3.6 TRAINING
a) Any training of cetaceans shall be done by or under the personal supervision of experienced trainers.
b) The training of T. truncatus must be humane, without physical or mental punishment.
c) Animals shall be trained to co-operate with handling and with regular veterinary procedures.
3.7 BREEDING
a) Breeding should be a fundamental aim of any facility keeping T. truncatus unless this is unrealistic in
light of the future welfare of the new captive-born individuals.
b) A senior and suitably qualified member of staff, with expert knowledge of cetacean breeding, or in
consultation with such an expert, should be in overall charge of the breeding program.
c) Breeding requirements must be considered in the design of pools, in the balance of stock held and in
planned acquisition of new animals.
d) Genetic studies of captive animals and their offspring, as well as of the original wild populations,
should be mad.
e) Full advantage should be taken of opportunities to obtain information on reproductive physiology and
anatomy. Material obtained from routine veterinary examinations and post-mortem examinations should
be fully processed.
f) Establishments should take any opportunity during work with wild animals to obtain the information on
mating patterns, sexual behaviour and rearing behaviour required for the understanding of breeding in
captivity.
3.8 RECORD KEEPING AND PUBLICATION
a) Establishments will keep records of all cataceans on an individual basis that are quick and easy to
examine, analyses and compare with those kept by other establishments.
b) All papers and other information pertaining to each animal from previous locations must be kept safely.
Permanent back-up copies of all records will be kept and stored safely. Animals moving to new locations
will be accompanied by copies of all records relevant to those animals.
c) A daily report shall be prepared and must include at least the following:
i clinical data including treatments administered and health observations;
ii observations of the behaviour of each individual:
at each training session and performance;
before, during and after breeding and during the rearing of young;
at any other time where any unusual or interesting behaviour is noted by staff;
iii any transfers of animals between enclosures;
iv) the results of tests to determine the pH, salinity, temperature and coliform count of each pool as
required by clause 2.5;
v the routine weight and length measurements required by clause 3.2.2(c);
vi the time at which each feeding took place and the type, quality and amount of food taken by each
animal at each feed and any variation in feeding behaviour.
vii the birth and/or death of any dolphin.
viii the arrival or departure of any dolphin.
ix any maintenance carried out or required.
x any measures taken to control pests;
xi the names of staff on duty.
d) The consolidated records for each dolphin will provide at least the following information:
i the correct identification, scientific name and any personal name(s) and identify number(s);
ii the origin (i.e. details of the wild population and social group or of the parents and their origin, and
of any previous location);
iii the dates of acquisition and disposal, with details of circumstances and addresses;
iv the date or estimated date of birth and the basis on which an estimation is made;
v any distinctive markings;
vi clinical data, including details of and dates when any from of treatment, results of routine
examinations and records of the health observations drawn from daily reports;
vii growth and development, including weight and length on arrival and the routine weight and length
measurements;
viii social behaviour and social status, including any incompatibility and conflicts and records of any
unusual or interesting behaviour reported in the daily report;
ix behaviour during training, performances and handling;
x breeding and the details of any offspring;
xi the date of death and the results of the post-mortem reports.
e) establishments will analyses their animal records annually in an approved format, to provide the
information necessary for improving all aspects of the keeping of T. truncatus. Submissions to
recognised journals, such as the International Zoo Yearbook, should be encouraged.
3.9. TRANSPORT
a) Except in an emergency, only animals certified by an experienced veterinary surgeon or practitioner to
be capable of withstanding the journey, may be transported.
b) Written approval, both for sender and receiver, for the transportation of captive marine mammals must
be obtained from the Registrar of the Exhibited Animals Protection Act and also the NSW National Parks
and Wildlife Service. These authorities shall be informed of the following points.
i the transportation facilities;
ii the mode of transport;
iii the duration of the journey;
iv the departure and arrival times;
v details of stops;
vi approximate age, sex and species of animals to be transported.
vii identification features of each animal;
viii circumstances at the present and proposed accommodation;
ix contingency plans;
x qualifications of attendants.
3.9.2. Containers
a) Containers used for transporting T. truncatus must be well ventilated and strongly built to a design that
ensures the well being and safety of the animals. The containers should conform with IATA requirements
for live animal transportation, and any additional requirements provided by authorities at the time of the
transport application.
b) Containers shall be large enough to ensure that each animal has sufficient space for support of its body
in slings, harnesses or other supporting devices, if used (as prescribed in paragraph(c) of this clause)
without causing injury to the animal due to contact with the container.
c) Straps, slings, harnesses or other devices, if used for body support or restraint, shall:
i be designed so as not to prevent access to the animals by attendants during transportation for the
purpose of administering in-transit care;
ii be equipped with special padding to prevent trauma or injury at critical weight pressure points on
the body of the animal;
iii keep the animals from thrashing about and prevent them from causing injury to themselves or their
attendants;
iv provide holes for pectoral fins and for the clearance of excreta.
d) Containers shall have solid bottoms to prevent leakage in shipment and shall be cleaned and sanitised.
e) Containers should be secured and at all times maintained in a horizontal position and on no account
should be stacked.
f) External waterproof labels should be attached to the containers indicating:
i live cargo;
ii correct and number of animals;
iii type and number of animals;
iv temperature range required;
v the consignor’s and consignee’s names, addresses and telephone numbers;
vi details of medical treatment given, if any;
vii date on which animals were crated for transport;
viii copy of written approval from the appropriate authorities;
ix a copy of the certificate from the veterinary surgeon who reviewed the transportation arrangements;
x time that the animal was removed from water;
xi estimated time of journey.
3.9.3. Primary conveyance
a) The animal cargo space of primary coveyances used in transporting live T. truncatus shall be
constructed in a manner which will protect the health and ensure the safety and comfort of the animals at
all times, including protection from:
i draughts;
ii extremes of temperature beyond their thermoregulatory capacities;
iii the inhalation of engine exhaust fumes and gases:
iv vibration;
v any material, substance or device which may be injurious to the health and well being of such
marine mammals.
b) Containers shall be positioned in such a manner that in an emergency the animals can be removed from
the primary conveyances as soon as possible.
c) The interiors of animal cargo spaces in primary conveyances shall be kept clean.
d) Attendants must be able to keep the animals moist at all times during transportation.
3.9.4. Care immediately before and during transport
a) All T. truncatus must be accompanied in transit by at least one approved attendant and veterinarian
who is experienced in the care of these marine mammals during transportation. It will be the attendant’s
responsibility to provide for the animals’ good health and well being, as outlined in further paragraphs of
this clause.
b) The weight of the animal should be evenly distributed to avoid pressure points.
c) Eliminate sharp edges or points with which the animal could come in contact.
d) The entire surfaces of the cetaceans must be kept evenly moist during transit and provision must be
made for the movement of their pectoral fins.
e) The blow hold must not be obstructed at any time and abrasion of the eyes must be avoided.
f) The condition of the animals must be monitored and recorded periodically by the attendant and
adjustments made to prevent injury, urine burn, wind burn, sunburn, pressure or other damage.
g) The attendant shall calm animals to avoid struggling, thrashing and other unnecessary activity which
may cause overheating or physical trauma.
h) T. truncatus to be transportation, as determined by a qualified veterinarian, in order to reduce faeces
production and the consequent soiling and contamination of containers during transit, if applicable.
3.9.5. Transport records
a) A written report on every transport operation, including observations, must be submitted within 30
days. In particular, it should detail any problems arising and should include suggestions as to how these
may be avoided in the future.
b) NSW Agriculture must keep a current summary of transport advice, based on these reports, and provide
a copy to applicants for their information.
3.10 SPECIMEN DISPOSITION
a) Any person responsible for a T. truncatus which dies in captivity shall, whether it is possible to arrange
for a post-mortem examination or not, consult with an officer authroised by the Committee to ensure that
all the required procedures are correctly undertaken. These include the removal, labelling, measuring,
preservation and storage of specimens required for research in anatomy, histology, parasitology,
taxonomy and a osteology.
This arrangements shall not apply if, in the opinion of the veterinary surgeon conducting the post-mortem
examination or other qualified person, the animal was suffering from a communicable disease or its
retention would create a health hazard to humans or other animals or cause unreasonable inconvenience or
unfair expense.
b) The remains of all animals must be disposed of in a manner consistent with sound public health
practice.
No person holding a T. truncatus which dies in captivity shall be required to remains the remains for more
than 48 hours on his own premises or at his own expense, whether or not a post-mortem or research
dissection has been carried out.
Clause 4: Security
Establishments keeping, or seeking permission to keep, T. truncatus must satisfy the Board that a
perimeter fence or alternative security measure is available to reasonable secure their premises at all times
from unwanted intrusion by human or animal entrants.
Clause 5 Educational Programs
5.1 Introduction
Applicants for a licence to maintain T. truncates in captivity must demonstrate to the Director-General’s
satisfaction that education is a significant component of all aspects of the exhibition.
5.2 Aims
a) The main aim of the educational program should be to stimulate the interest and curiosity of all
visitors in the biology, habits and conservation of the species and its relatives. The program
should also give visitors a wider appreciation of the natural world, by effectively exploiting the
opportunities offered by exhibiting the living animals.
b) Various means to satisfy this interest and curiosity should be provided at an appropriate range of
levels, both immediately and in the longer term.
5.3 Methods
a) Through the use of some or all of the following, exhibitors shall promote public understanding and
appreciation of the species exhibited and engender concern for their conservation: talks,
presentations, live demonstrations, guided tours, films, displays, signs, publications and project
sheets.
b) The design of the educational program shall give particular emphasis to the provision of project
material for school groups.
c) Take full advantage of the opportunity to observe animals at close quarters, both above and under
water, and to listen to sounds produced above and under water.
5.4 Information
Using the methods referred to above, exhibitors should ensure that the viewing public has elements of the
following categories of information readily available:
a) the taxonomic and evolutionary significance of the animals;
b) the morphological, physiological and behavioural adaptations of the animals to their habitats;
c) the distribution and abundance of T. truncates in Australia and the world;
d) the ecological relationships between the species and their effects on man and vice versa;
e) the relevant features of the species’ life cycle and behaviour patterns;
f) the conservation status of the species and methods of ensuring long term survival and proper
management.
5.5 Staff
All staff in contact with the public or preparing educational materials for visitors must have at least
adequate, and preferably expert, knowledge of the animals, their biology, habits and conservation, or seek
the assistance of such a person.
5.6 Review
Regular evaluation of the educational programs must be performed by qualified educators and submitted
in support of applications to keep and exhibit T. truncates.
Clause 6. Research programs
6.1 Introduction
Research, at its minimum the systematic acquisition of data, must be an integral part of the keeping of T.
truncates.
6.2 Program
a) establishments must set up information-gathering programs involving all their animals, to include
such things as day to day behaviour changes, social relationships, breeding pool use, feeding,
weight and length changes, health, breeding details, effects of husbandry changes, effects of
training, effects of schedule changes and details of water treatment.
b) Sufficient recording systems need to be set up to provide this data. Regular analyses must be
made and staff responsibilities designated.
c) Establishments should, as far as possible, co-operate and encourage liaison with approved research
workers and students.
d) Establishments should ensure, through collaboration with the veterinary profession, research
workers and other interested parties, that the fullest use is made of any biological specimens and
post-mortem material which may become available.
6.3 Records and Reports
a) Regular reports on acquired data and analyses should be presented in publications used by
researchers working on these animals (e.g. Australian Progress Report on Cetacean Research,
Marine Mammal Science, Journal of Marine Mammology).
b) Communication should also take place regularly with research and veterinary workers interested in
T. truncates both informally and at conferences, seminars and annual meetings (e.g. Australian
Mammal Society, International Marine Animal Trainers Association).
6.4 Staff
a) A senior and suitable qualified member of staff must be in overall charge of the research
programs. The programs are to be formulated and regularly reviewed by an approved researcher
on dolphins.
b) All staff in charge of animal husbandry and management should be give encouragement to
improve and develop their research skills.
c) Establishments should support and encourage the staff’s work with wild animals, particularly
where this would contribute directly to the information required for improved welfare and
husbandry, to conservation and management of wild populations and to the educational activities
of the establishments.
Clause 7 Strandings and rehabilitations
a) Without prejudice to any legal requirements, these standards need not apply to emergency
arrangements for the nursing of live stranded animals, provided that these emergency
arrangements are carried out under experienced veterinary supervision. These arrangements
should be carried out in a manner which presents no risk to the health of any other animal or
person and does not cause unnecessary suffering by prolonging the lives of animals which are
obviously diseased, damaged or stressed.
b) Such arrangements may continue for no more than 30 days. Animals which are not well enough
for release must then receive care in facilities which fully comply with these standards.
c) If it is obvious at the time of the standing that no facilities which fully comply with these
standards will be available for the longer term care of the animals, only animals likely to recover
within 30 days may be taken to emergency accommodation.
All other animals, and those in emergency accommodation which have not recovered after 60 days, must
be humanely destroyed, to prevent further suffering.
Approval may be sought from the Director-General for additional time to allow full recovery of stranded
dolphins if necessary.
d) Rescued animals in emergency accommodation may not be displayed to the public.
e) The holder of a licence to maintain T. truncatus in captivity for exhibition must have a stranding
and rehabilitation program and the facilities for these, in particular isolation pools.
f) The holder of a licence to maintain T. truncatus may be requested to participate in stranding
rescues or research, by providing information on care of cetaceans, assessment of condition of
stranded cetaceans and manpower or other resources where possible, under the direction of the
appropriate authority.
g) Rescue and rehabilitation of stranded animals at an establishment is not to be carried out if, in the
opinion of an experienced veterinarian, the health of the establishment's existing T. truncatus
population would be put at risk.
h) Rehabilitation of a stranded animals at an establishment is to be carried out as a research program
under the guidelines of clause 6, with particular reference to data acquisition, records and reports.
Standards for Exhibiting Captive Macropods (Kangaroos, Wallabies and
Allies) in New South Wales
Exhibited Animals Protection Act.
Clause 1: Facilities
1.1. General Requirements
1.1.1 Construction
a) Enclosures shall be constructed of such materials and be maintained in sufficiently good repair to
ensure that they will contain the animals at all times and are to be safe for the animals, for the staff
attending them, and for the public.
b) The size and shape of enclosures for macropods shall provide freedom horizontally and, where
warranted, vertically and should not fall below the minimum requirements set forth under 1.1.6.
c) All macropod enclosures shall incorporate an adjoining holding yard(s). A number of display
enclosures may make use of the same holding yard. The size of holding yards should not fall below one
third of the minimum requirements for display enclosures.
d) The enclosure shall be well drained and the substrate predominantly of compacted inert material which
is non-abrasive to macropod feet. Concrete is only acceptable for short term holding/hospital enclosures.
e) The accumulation of faeces and urine in or on substrate around watering and feeding points shall be
prevented by at least one of the following:
i) providing readily cleanable substrate around fixed watering/feeding points;
ii) providing a readily replaceable substrate around watering/feeding points which are fixed; or
iii) providing feeding/watering points which can be readily moved.
1.1.2
Fences
a) Establishments exhibiting macropods shall have a dog and fox-proof perimeter fence. (Min.2m high,
0.5 m beneath ground and 0.5 m overhang at 45 degrees outward. If not constructed from smooth
unclimbable panel- other appropriate alternatives will be considered.
b) If climbing species (Musky Rat Kangaroo, Rock Wallabies, Tree Kangaroos and Bettongs) are to be
enclosed by unroofed fences, then the fences shall either be made of a material which is not climbable
(min. 1.4 m high; 2m for Rock Wallabies) or be rimmed by 45 degree outrigger 0.5m wide facing into the
enclosure.
c) Fences which incorporate obstacles protruding out from the fenceline into the enclosure shall not be
used to enclose macropods.
d) Straining wires for fences shall be on the outside of the enclosure.
e) Changes in the direction of fence lines should be as smooth as possible. Any fence angle change
should be clearly visible to the macropods. Where there is dense planting behind changes in the angle of
wire mesh fences, the fence shall be of more visible construction. Bushes may be planted inside the
enclosure, or loosely fitted wire mesh may be placed across corners to reduce the impact of a macropod
encountering sharply angled corners.
f) Mesh size of wire fences should be sufficiently small to ensure that the enclosed macropods cannot get
their heads caught.
1.1.3 Treatment Facilities
Facilities shall be available for the isolation and treatment of sick animals. Reverse cycle lighting shall be
available in these facilities for sick animals which are normally housed in a nocturnal house.
1.1.4
Enclosure Furniture
a) Enclosure furniture and fittings shall be of such style and position as to prevent the likelihood of injury
and, in particular, shall not be placed so as to provide an obstacle which will injure a macropod running a
fence line.
b) Suitable ground cover and/or other sight barriers shall be provided so that individuals can isolate
themselves visually from the viewing public and other macropods sharing the enclosure.
c) Without limiting the generality of (b), suitable ground cover for the following macropod species
includes:
i) Musky Rat - Kangaroo, Bettongs, Hare
Wallabies, Nailtails, Dorcopsis,
Pademelons, Quokka
ii) Rock Wallabies, Wallaroos
iii) Tree Kangaroos
iv) Other Species
Rocks, grass tussocks, low plants/bushes,
small shade trees, solid and hollow logs,
dried grass, leaves to make nests, soil deep
enough for burrowing species to make
warrens.
Large rocks forming a rock knoll, rock
crevices, caves, overhangs, low growing
shrubs/bushes, small shade trees.
Thick vegetation on easily climbed
branches, elevated hollow logs/boxes.
Shade trees - add smaller trees, bushes for
Eastern Grey Kangaroos.
e) Ground cover shall be arranged so as to provide numerous pathways and hiding loci which serve to
prevent stereotypic behaviour.
f) Enclosures for Tree Kangaroos shall include trees which they can climb or rough-barked naturalistic
climbing structures. (These may also be provided for Musky Rat Kangaroos and Rock Wallabies.)
There shall be 15 lineal metres of climbing structure/tree for each Tree Kangaroo. Tree Kangaroos should
be able to attain height of at least 2.5 m. Enclosure boundaries shall be sufficiently distant from trees and
climbing structures to prevent Tree Kangaroos from jumping out.
The requirement for naturalistic climbing structures shall be met by providing a selection of stout, forked
branches, low vertical logs and inclined branches to ensure a variety of arboreal pathways.
g) Shelter: All animals shall be provided with a means of sheltering from wind, rain and extremes of
temperature and sunlight. (This requirement may be fulfilled by providing a combination of ground cover
and external plantings.)
h) There shall be sufficient soft substrate/bedding to allow all macropods to create a hip-hole for
comfortable resting.
1.1.5
Inter/Intra-specific Aggression Reduction
a) Macropod species noted for interspecific aggression shall not be held together in the same enclosure.
b) If an individual macropod is being dangerously stressed by the aggression of other animals in the
enclosure, it shall be removed from that enclosure.
1.1.6 Space Requirements
a) Species
Rat-kangaroos, Bettongs & Potoroos
Musky Rat-kangaroo Hypsiprymnodon moschatus
Long-nosed Potoroo Potorous tridactylus
Long-footed Potoroo Potorous longipes
Brushtailed Bettong Bettongia penicillata
Tasmanian Bettong Bettongia gaimardi
Burrowing Bettong Bettongia leseuer
Rufous Bettong Aepyprymnus rufescens
Desert Rat-kangaroo Caloprymnus campestris
Hare – wallabies
Spectacled Hare-wallaby Lagorchestes conspicillatus
Rufous Hare-wallaby Lagorchestes hirsutus
Nailtail Wallabies
Northern Nailtail Wallaby Onychogales unguifera
Bridled Nailtail Wallaby Onychogales fraenata
Rock Wallabies
Brushtailed Rock Wallaby Petrogale penicillata
Yellow-footed Rock Wallaby Petrogale xanthopus
Dorcopsis Wallabies
Mueller’s New Guinea Forest Wallaby Dorcopsis muelleri
Pademelons
Minimum Floor Area
of Enclosure (m2 per
pair)
10
10
10
10
10
10
10
10
10
10
30
30
30
30
60
Red-legged Pademelon Thylogale stigmatica
Tasmanian Pademelon (Red-bellied) Thylogale billaridierii
Red-necked Pademelon Thylogale thetis
Typical Wallabies and Kangaroos
Parma Wallaby Macropus parma
Tammar wallaby Macropus eugenii
Western Brush wallaby
Whiptail (Prettyface) Wallaby Macropus parryi
Black-striped Wallaby Macropus dorsalis
Red-necked Wallaby Macropus rufogriseus
Agile Wallaby Macropus agilis
Eastern Grey Kangaroo Macropus giganteus
Western Grey Kangaroo Macropus fuliginousus
Common Wallaroo Macropus robustus
Antilopine Wallaroo Macropus antilopinus
Black Wallaroo Macropus bernardus
Red Kangaroo Macropus rufus
Anomalus Wallabies
Quokka Setonix brachyurus
Swamp Wallaby Wallabia bicolor
Tree Kangaroos
Goodfellow’s Tree Kangaroo Dendrolagus goodfellowi
Matschie’s Tree Kangaroo Dendrolagus matschiei
Lumholtz’s Tree Kangaroo Dendrolagus lumholtzi
Bennett’s Tree Kangaroo Dendrolagus bennettianus
40
40
40
30
30
60
250
60
60
250
250
250
250
250
250
250
30
60
40
40
40
40
b) An additional 25% of the area listed in 1.1.6a) shall be added to the enclosure size for each extra adult
female.
c) An additional 50% of the area listed in 1.1.6a) shall be added to the enclosure size for each extra adult
male.
d) Where visitors are permitted to go into an enclosure with macropods, there shall be an area, which at
least meets the minimum size requirements for holding yards and which is designated off limits to the
visitors so the enclosed macropods may escape unwanted visitor attention.
1.1.7
Nocturnal House
As all species of macropod are considered to be predominantly nocturnal and crepuscular, they may be
exhibited in a reversed lighting enclosure.
1.1.8.
Capture Methods
a) A macropod enclosure should include or have access to a confinement run, or well padded crush gate.
Small macropods may be caught in a race made of nets.
b) If a macropod licks its forearms after being chased, the person overseeing its capture shall immediately
attempt to minimise further disturbance until the following day.
Clause 2:
Staff
Captive macropods shall be under the supervision of a person capable of:
a) safely handling and restraining macropods.
b) minimising the likelihood of and danger of attacks on keepers and visitors by macropods.
c) minimising the stress experienced by macropods resulting from keepers carrying out routine duties.
d) providing adequate maintenance diets for the macropods held.
e) demonstrating his/her good record in the maintenance and husbandry of macropods.
f) in the case of studbook species, keeping accurate records of studbook species and participating in their
management to the satisfaction of the Species Co-ordinator of the Australasian Species Management
Scheme.
Clause 3:
Records
3.1 Identification
a) It shall be the aim of the exhibitor to individually identify all macropods and each individual of the
following species must be individually identified by an approved method of identification:
Rufous Hare-wallaby
Tree Kangaroo sp.
Grey Dorcopsis Wallaby
Rock Wallaby sp.
Brush-tailed Bettong
Long-footed Potoroo
Parma Wallaby
Other species may be advised from time to time.
b) Approved methods of ID include eartags, earmarks, tattoos (only where ventral surface of ear or inside
of hind leg is relatively hairless).
c) Establishments exhibiting any of the species listed in (a) as at, or after, 1.7.89 shall ensure each new
individual of these species acquired is individually identified. Existing individuals shall be identified as
the opportunity arises.
3.2 Record Keeping
a) Records for macropods listed in 3.1a) shall be kept on an individual basis in a form which can be
quickly and easily examined, analysed and compared with those kept by other establishments:
i) The records shall provide at least the following information for each individual:
A) The correct scientific name, common name, individual identification, any personal name and any
distinctive markings.
B) The origin (i.e. details of the wild population or of the parents and thier origin, and of any previous
location).
C) The dates of acquisition and disposal, with details of circumstances and addresses.
D) The date or estimated date of birth, stipulating the basis on which the date is estimated.
E) Clinical data, including results of physical examination by a qualified veterinarian and details of and
date when any form of treatment was given, together with results of routine health examinations.
F) Breeding and details of any offspring.
G) The date of death and the results of the post mortem examination.
ii) Animals moving to new locations must be accompanied by copies of all records relevant to those
animals.
iii) All documents and other information pertaining to each animal from previous locations must be kept
safely.
b) The records shall provide at least the following information for each animal from previous locations
must be kept safely.
i) The common name and correct scientific name.
ii) The current total number of animals held, the number of males, number of females, and the number of
unsexed animals.
iii) The dates of acquisition and disposal, with details of circumstances and addresses.
iv) The date or estimated date of each birth, stipulating the basis on which the date is estimated.
v) The date of each death and the results of the post mortem examination.
c) Species identification shall be made by a suitably qualified person and the records shall state who was
responsible for species identification for the purpose of this Act.
d) The Director-General may direct an establishment to utilise the services of a suitably qualified person
to make species identification if there is some doubt as to species identification.
4.1 Feed
a) There shall be food available in addition to the vegetation growing in the enclosure.
b) Omnivorous species (Potoros, Bettongs, Hypsiprymnodon) shall be provided with the opportunity to
obtain animal-based food appropriate to the species in addition to vegetation - based food.
c) Food shall be placed above the substrate in suitable food containers. The enclosure shall have facilities
for placing the food containers under shelter to ensure the provision of unspoiled food.
d) The number of feeders and waterers and the available space at feeders and waterers shall be sufficient
to ensure easy access to food and water by each individual. Food should be available to Tree Kangaroos
which are at or above ground level.
e) Suitable fibrous material shall be a component of macropod diet except for those omnivorous species
which do not require it (Potoroos, Bettongs).
f) Dry food containers (pellets) shall be kept clean, dry and free from pellet dust accumulation.
4.2 Water
a) Uncontaminated drinking water should be available to macropods at all times.
b) A water trough shall be provided which is sufficiently large to allow each macropod to immerse its
forelegs for cooling purposes. The trough shall be designed to prevent macropods sitting in the water.
c) Water troughs shall be in a shaded area away from fence lines.
Clause 5:
Hygiene
a) Substrate of enclosures shall be kept clean. The substrate, any enclosure furniture, food and water
containers and other components of the enclosure shall be maintained in a clean and hygienic condition,
free from the accumulation of faeces and urine.
b) Without limiting the generality of (a), particular attention shall be paid to removing faeces from around
feeding stations, watering points and resting areas.
c) Contaminated substrate material shall be removed and replaced as necessary.
d) Control of potential pests such as wild rodents, birds and insects shall preferably be under professional
guidance.
e) All articles which are likely to be dangerous if ingested shall be removed from the enclosure.
f) Public feeding of the animals shall be controlled by supervision or appropriate signage.
Clause 6:
Transport
6.1 Materials for Container
For transport trips of less than 24 hours duration, macropods should, wherever possible, be transported in
suspended bags made of hessian or similar open-weave materials. The animals shall be accompanied by a
person described in 2.1 who shall monitor their condition.
Where this is not possible, or for transport trips greater than 24 hours duration, the macropods shall be
transported in a container constructed from fibreboard, hardboard, wood/plywood, or other appropriate
material to the design requirements of 6.2.
6.2 Design
a) Framework shall be 20mm x20mm light timber for macropods weighing more than 20 kg.
Framework shall be of 25mm x 25mm light timber for macropods weighing more than 20 kg.
Macropod transport containers shall not have internal framing.
b) Bottom and fixed sides shall be of 6mm (13mm for macropods weighing more than 20kg) plywood
glued and screwed. Macropod transport containers shall not have slatted floors.
c) The end is to be closed by a sliding door of 6mm (13mm for macropods weighting more than 20kg)
plywood which, once in place, shall be secured by screws at each end.
d) The ceiling shall not be solid. It shall consist of flexible chicken wire mesh, padded on the underside
with hessian to protect the animal’s head should the animal become agitated and jump.
e) The container shall be large enough for the animals to turn around, to lie and to stand comfortably.
Dimensions shall not exceed these criteria as no room for exercise is needed and animals may hurt
themselves if too much room is provided.
f) A transport container for macropods shall not allow the entry of light, except through ventilation holes.
The ventilation holes shall be 5cm below the internal roof height and 5cm above absorbent material used
on the floor of the container to prevent spillage. The ventilation holes of 15mm diameter shall be pierced
at no greater than 10cm centres at the top and bottom of each side.
g) Spacing blocks of 2.5 cm shall be fixed to the outside of the box on all four sides.
6.3 Sedation
All macropods shall be sedated with diazepam administered under the supervision of a registered
veterinarian before being enclosed in transport containers.
6.4 Consignment Requirements
A person who consigns a live macropod shalla) affix labels to the container of not less than 20cm in length and 14cm in width on which is clearly,
legibly and indelibly printed in capital letters the word “Kangaroo” or “Wallaby”, “Live Animal” :
“Handle with care” : “This way up” : “Keep cool”.
b) attach to the outside of the container an envelop in which is contained a consignment note showing the
consignor’s name, address and telephone number; the consignee’s name, address and telephone number;
the date of dispatch; the number of macropods despatched and the common name, scientific name of the
species enclosed.
6.5 Release from container
a) An enclosure in which macropods are to be released should have its wire fences made more visible by
hanging hessian or similar material.
b) Macropods shall not be disturbed for at least three hours after release into their new enclosure to allow
familiarisation with their surroundings.
Clause 7:
Security and Safety
Adult males of large macropod species and adult wallaroos of either sex and any other animals which are
aggressive to humans shall not be enclosed in walk-through enclosures.
References
Anon. Undated. Policies for the Exhibition of Native Fauna in New South Wales. NSW National Parks
and Wildlife Service.
Anon. 1980. Animal Management. National Extension college, Cambridge.
Anon. 1989. Live Animal Regulations, 16th edition. International Air transport Association. Montreal Geneva.
Collins, L.R. 1973. Monotremes and Marsupials. Smithsonian Institute, Washington, DC.
Finnie, E.P. 1982. Husbandry of Large macropods at Taronga Zoo Sydney. In Evans, D.D. (ed.) The
Management of Australian Mammals in Captivity. Zoological Board of Victoria, Melbourne.
George, G.G. 1982. Tree-kangaroos Dendrolagus spp: their management in captivity. In Evans, D.D.
(ed.) The management of Australian Mammals in Captivity. Zoological Board of Victoria, Melbourne.
Poole, W.E. 1982. Management of captive Macropididae. In Evans, D.D.(ed) The Management of
Australian Mammals in Captivity. Zoological Board of Victoria, Melbourne.
Rose, R.W. 1982. Tasmanian Betoong B. gaimardi: maintenance and breeding in captivity. In Evans,
D.D. (ed.) The Management of Australian Mammals in Captivity. Zoological Board of Victoria,
Melbourne.
Seebeck, J.H. 1982. Long-nosed Potoroo Potorous tridactylus: husbandry and management of a captive
colony. In Evans, D.D. (ed.) The management of Australian mammals in Captivity. Zoological Board of
Victoria, Melbourne.
Speare, R., Johnson, P.M., Haffenden, A. 1982. Management of Disease in captive macropods in north
Queensland. In Evens, D.D.(ed.) The management of Australian Mammals in captivity. Zoological
Board of Victoria, Melbourne.
Strahan, R. (ed.) 1983). The Australian Museum Complete Book of Australian Mammals. Angus &
Robertson, Sydney.
Standards for Exhibiting Captive Raptors in New South Wales
Exhibited Animals Protection Act
Clause 1: Facilities
1.1 General Requirements
1.1.1 Construction
a) Enclosures shall be constructed of such materials and be maintained in sufficiently good repair to
ensure that they will contain the animals at all times and are to be safe for the animals, for the staff
attending them and for the public.
b) Enclosures shall include a covered shelter, enclosed by weatherproof walls which provide roost
security and protection from wind, rain and extremes in temperature and sunlight.
c) Enclosures for raptors shall include a water mist spray or allow the birds access to rain.
d) Enclosures shall be well drained and have either a readily cleanable substrate or be of a material which
can be replaced to avoid the accumulation of faeces, urates, fungi and moulds.
e) Mesh netting surfaces for raptor enclosures shall preferably be of flexible nylon. Wire mesh shall
be flexible to reduce the impact of birds colliding with it. Wire roof surfaces should be as near to
horizontal as possible.
f) The size and shape of enclosure for raptors shall provide freedom of movement, both vertically and
horizontally and should not fall below the minimum requirements set forth under 1.1.5.
g) Access to raptor enclosures should be through a double door safety entrance. Doors are to be selfclosing and locked upon exiting.
1.1.2 Treatment Facilities
Suitable low light, warm isolation facilities shall be available for treatment of sick animals.
1.1.3 Inter-and Intra-Specific Interaction (Aggression Reduction)
a) Raptor species of similar size and hunting capacity may be held together in the same enclosure if they
are not noted for inter-specific aggression.
b) If a raptor is being dangerously stressed by the aggression/presence of other raptor(s) of its own or
other species in the enclosure, then arrangements shall be made for it to be housed separately from the
other raptor(s) causing the stress.
1.1.4 Enclosure Furniture
a) The total number of perches and/or ledges shall outnumber the number of birds in an aviary.
b) Perch(es)/ledge(s) in the covered shelter shall be placed so that a raptor resting on one of these may
avoid visual contact with raptors in adjoining enclosures. All perches should be placed so that birds in
adjoining enclosures cannot perch within reach of each other through cage wire.
c) Perches/ledges should be placed so as to encourage the raptors to make maximum use of the flight
possibilities within the enclosure. At least one perch should be no less than two(2) metres from the
ground.
d) Competition for the highest vantage point shall be avoided by providing a number of perches at that
height.
e) In addition to the requirements of (a), a number of stumps may also be provided. Enclosures
containing raptors which are incapable of normal flight should include rough-barked branches which
permit the birds to climb to perches from the substrate.
f) All perches/ledges/tree stumps shall be placed so that birds can perch comfortably without their
plumage coming into contact with walls or fixtures.
g) Perches shall be constructed from uncontaminated natural branches and vary in diameter and crosssection so that at least some shall have circumferences not less than the talon span of the species to be
housed.
h) Each nocturnal hole-nesting owl shall be provided with at least a darkened corner to hide from the
light and provide roost security. Provision of a suitable hollow log is recommended.
i) Where enclosures contain male and female raptors, sight barriers shall be provided so that the sexes
can isolate themselves visually.
j) Perches must be no closer to the roof of the enclosure than that distance which is needed for the
bird’s wing to go through its natural are during take-off and landing.
k) Perches in breeding enclosures should be positioned so that there is sufficient overhead clearance
for copulation.
l) An aviary for the housing of raptors shall contain a bathing pond/container with a diameter
sufficient to allow normal bathing behaviour and a depth not greater than 15 cm and not less than
5cm.
m) The pond/container shall have a non-slip, cleanable surface and no sharp edges.
n) The pond/container shall be kept filled with clean fresh water or where the length of the legs of the
shortest bird is less than 15cm to depth equal to the length of that bird’s legs.
1.1.5 Space Requirements
An aviary for the housing of raptors shall be of the following minimum size standards:
Name
Width(M) Length(M) Height(M)
Order Cathartiformes
Andean Condor Vulture gryphus
6
3.5
15
8
5
4
2.5
2.5
3
3
3.5
6
6
8
8
8
4
4
4
4
4
Brahminy Kite Haliastur indus
Whistling Kite Haliastur sphenurus
Collared Sparrowhawk Accipiter cirrhocephalus
Brown Goshawk Accipiter fasciatus
Grey Goshawk Accipiter novaehollandiae
Red Goshawk Erythrotriorchis radiatus
Little Eagle Hieraaetus morphnoides
Wedge-tailed Eagle Aquila audax
White-breasted Sea Eagle Haliaeetus leucogaster
Spotted Harrier Circus assimilis
Swamp Harrier Circus aeruginosus
Crested Hawk (Pacific Baza) Aviceda subcristata
3
3
3
3.5
3.5
4
3
5.5
5
3
3
2.5
8
8
8
10
10
10
8
10
10
8
8
6
4
4
4.5
4.5
4.5
4.5
4
4.5
4.5
4
4
4
Order Falconiformes
Family: Falconidae
3
8
4.5
Australian Hobby Falco longipennis
Peregrine Falcon Falco peregrinus
Black Falcon Falco subniger
Grey Falcon Falco hypoleucos
Brown Falcon Falco berigora
Australian (Nankeen) Kestrel Falco cenchroides
3
3.5
3
3.5
2.5
10
10
10
10
6
4.5
4.5
4.5
4.5
4
Family: Tytonidae
3
3
3
3
3
7
8
6
7
6
3
3
3
3
3
Barn Owl Tyto alba
Masked Owl Tyto novaehollandiae
Grass Owl Tyto longimembris
Sooty Owl Tyto tenebricosa
3
3
3
7
6
7
3
3
3
Order Accipitriformes
Family: Pandionidae
Osprey Pandion haliaetus
Family: Accipitridae
Black-shouldered Kite Elanus notatus
Letter-winged Kite Elanus Scriptus
Black Kite Milvus migrans
Square-tailed Kite Lophoictinia isura
Black-breasted Buzzard
Hamirostra melanosternon
Order Strigiformes
Family: Strigidae
Rufous Wol Ninox rufa
Powerful Owl Ninox strenua
Boobook Owl Ninox novaeseelandiae
Barking Owl Ninox connivens
Clause 2: Staff
2.1
Raptors shall be under the supervision of a person capable of -
a) safety handling and/or restraining raptorial birds;
b) minimising the likelihood of, and danger of, attacks on keepers by raptors;
c) minimising the stress experienced by raptors;
d) “manning” (taming) raptors before being displayed;
e) providing adequate maintenance diets for the raptorial birds held; and
f) recognising aberrant behaviour and indicators of ill health in the speceis under his/her supervision.
a) If raptors are tethered on display, it shall only be for demonstration or other purposes approved by the
Director-General. The tethered raptors shall be under constant supervision to protect them from the
public and animal predators. Birds normally used for demonstrations may remain jessed.
b) If raptors are to be tethered, then the person wishing to handle the birds shall first satisfy the DirectorGeneral that the person has received adequate training in the manufacture and use of the following
falconry equipment:
Aylemerie leather jesses
jess swivels
leashes
gloves
hoods
perches
Clause 3: Records
3.1 Identification
Each raptor shall be individually identified by an approved method of identification, e.g. a leg band.
3.2 Record-Keeping
a) Establishments shall keep records of all raptors on an individual basis in a form which can be quickly
and easily examined, analysed and compared with those kept by other establishments because of the
potential value for the development of improved management practices.
b) All documents and other information pertaining to each animal from previous locations must be kept
safely. Animals moving to new locations must be accompanied by copies of all records relevant to those
animals.
c) The records shall provide at least the following information for each individual:
i) The correct scientific name, common name, individual identification, any personal name and any
distinctive markings;
ii) The origin (i.e. details of the wild population or of the parents and their origin, and of any previous
location);
iii) The dates of acquisition and disposal, with details of circumstances and addresses;
iv) The date or estimated date of hatching, and the basis on which the date is estimated;
v) Clinical data, including results of physical examination by a qualified veterinarian and details of,
and date when, any form of treatment was given, together with results of routine health examinations;
vi) Breeding and details of any offspring;
vii) The date of death and the results of the post mortem examinations; and
viii) Normal diet (including supplement) and feeding routine.
Clause 4: Diet & food collection
4.1 General
a) Suitable whole animals shall provide at least 50% of the nutritional and energy requirements of
raptors.
b) Suitable whole animals will depend upon the species and will include mammals such as guinea pigs (for Condors); domestic mice, rats, rabbits (for mammal-eating
species); fish (for piscivorous sp.); insects (for insectivorous sp.); birds, such as coturnix quail,
domestic chickens (for bird-eating species) and any natural prey species which can be legally
obtained.
c) Suitable fish species shall provide at least 25% of the dietary requirements of piscivorous raptor
species.
d) Suitable bird species shall provide at least 60% of the dietary requirements of birds of the Accipiter
and erythrotriorchis genera and bird-hunting species of the Falco genera.
e) An establishment applying for a permit to exhibit raptors must satisfy the Director-General that it
has guaranteed access to adequate fresh and/or frozen supplies of suitable whole animals.
f) Mammal and bird specimens less than ten(10) weeks of age shall not form more than 25% by
weight of the diet fed to raptors in any one week.
g) Except on starve days, a sufficient quantity of food shall be provided daily so that there is some left
over each day.
h) Raptors may be given no more than one starve day per week and there shall be at least three(3) days
between any two starve days.
4.2 Quality of Food
a) Food supplied to raptors shall be clean and fresh, obtained from a reliable source and, preferably, bred
under laboratory conditions.
b) Before carcasses are offered as food, they shall be cut open and observed for gross lesions
suggestive of disease.
c) The following shall NOT be fed to raptors:
* any animal that has died, or is suspected of dying from any toxic material, including insecticides,
rodenticides, and euthanasing chemicals (CO2 is acceptable).
* animals showing clinical signs of being infected by disease (especially trichomoniasis protozoa
in pigeons and doves).
* birds which have not undergone treatment to remove the risk of trichomoniasis infection.
(Preferred treatment: freeze for at least 24 hours at a temperature equal to or below - 18 degrees
Celsius or remove upper gastro-intestinal tract directly after euthanasia.)
* laboratory mice and rats that have been used in those research programmes which lead to the
food animals containing chemicals different from those of normal laboratory fed mice and rats.
* fatty meat.
* meat which has not been supplemented with an appropriate calcium additive.
* animals which have been killed by lead shot.
d) Food items shall be placed on a non-contaminated surface.
Clause 5 Hygiene
a) substrate of enclosures shall be cleaned at least weekly. The substrate, perches, shelves, nestboxes,
food and water containers and other components of the enclosure shall be maintained in a clean and
hygienic condition, free from the accumulation of faeces and urates.
b) Excrement, left-over food, fur, feathers and castings shall be removed at least weekly to avoid
unhealthy and unsightly accumulation of these matters.
c) Contaminated substrate material shall be removed and replaced as necessary.
d) Solid surfaces within the enclosure shall be disinfected at least bi-annually. These surfaces shall first be
washed with soap and water, or steam. Disinfected surfaces shall be rinsed before raptors come in contact
with them again. Use of suitable disinfectants shall be under veterinary instruction.
e) Perches, shelves, nestboxes and other items of enclosure furniture made from wood shall be
replaced after a period of no more than two(2) years. The items replaced shall be destroyed by
burning.
f) Entry of potential pests, such as wild rodents, birds and insects shall be controlled.
g) The use in or around raptor enclosures of insecticides containing chlorinated hydrocarbons and
animal poisons, e.g. rodent baits, shall be under veterinary instruction in view of the known toxicity of
these substances to raptorial birds.
Clause 6: Veterinary Care
Application for a permit to keep raptors should be accompanied by a statement which briefly explains the
programme by which the veterinarian will monitor * growth of beaks and talons (to avoid bumblefoot)
* the level of internal parasites
* incidence of avian tuberculosis
Clause 7: Transport
7.1 Containers
a) A transport container for raptors shall not allow the entry of light except through ventilation holes.
Ventilation holes shall be pierced around the lower half on all sides of the container, about 10cm
above the internal floor height and about 7.5cm apart. Two holes shall be pierced on all four sides
10cm below the internal roof height.
b) The dimensions of the transport container shall be at least 30cm longer and wider than the length of
the bird from beak tip to tail tip and shall provide at least 15 cm head clearance for the bird when
standing at rest on the floor of the container or on any perch in the container.
c) A perch consisting of a block of wood of sufficient size to allow the bird a firm grip may be firmly
fixed to the floor of the container if desired.
d) If the container includes no perch, the floor of the container shall be lined firmly with a resistant
material which will provide grip for the birds’ talons. (Non-looped artificial grass is recommended.)
e) Access to the container shall be from a hinged or sliding door/lid on the top side of the container.
The door/lid shall be well secured during carriage of the bird. The transport container may be
constructed of sturdy cardboard, polystyrene, or wood. Use of any other material must first be
approved by the Director-General.
f) In situations where the bird will not be accompanied by an experienced raptor handler at all times
during its transport, the transport container shall be constructed of wooden sheets and framing sturdy
enough to withstand damage in transport. Containers must be clearly marked ‘LIVE ANIMALS,
HANDLE WITH CARE, THIS WAY UP, KEEP COOL’.
g) No more than one raptor shall be enclosed in a compartment of a transport container unless all the
birds in the container are young fledglings from the same nest.
h) It is recommended that the attending veterinarian or an approved raptor rehabilitator be consulted on
conditions of transportation before transporting injured or sick raptors for medical treatment or diagnosis.
i) For journeys less than twenty-four (24) hours duration, the birds to be transported shall not be fed
within four(4) hours of departure. Provision shall be made for feeding on arrival at the destination
point.
j) For journeys greater than twenty-four(24) hours, transport containers must include access to food.
Birds should be fed once they have been in transit for twenty-four(24) hours.
k) Provisions (i) and (j) do not apply to nestlings - feeding of these birds shall be under veterinary
direction.
l) Raptors must not be subjected to temperatures greater than 30 degrees or less than 10 degrees
Celsius during transport.
m) Noise must be minimised during transport.
n) Time from boxing to destination must be minimised.
7.2 Release into New Enclosure
a) Raptors that are to be released into a new enclosure (from the wild or from another enclosure/transport
container) should be released at a suitable time, i.e. owls at dusk, diurnals early morning, so as to avoid
heat/cold stress and allow time for orientation in a new surrounding. Release should be carried out away
from public view (using screens) and separate from other birds when applicable (using partitions).
b) Raptors may be “manned” (tamed) before being put on display.
Clause 8 : Security and public safety
a) Raptors shall not be enclosed in walk-through aviaries. If the Director - General is satisfied that
visitors will not be attacked, exemption to this requirement may be granted.
b) Any raptor taken from its enclosure for show or performance purposes shall have been trained to
accept being tethered and shall at all times be under the control of an experienced handler. The raptor
shall be belled and be fitted with jesses which have the owner’s name and contact address on them.
c) Members of the public are not permitted to handle raptors except when the birds are fully “manned”
and are under the strict supervision of an experienced handler.
d) A safety fence shall be provided to keep visitors from coming into contact with enclosures
containing White-breasted Sea Eagles or Wedge-tailed Eagles.
References
Bird, D.M., Ho, S.K. 1976. Nutritive Values of Whole-Animal Diets for Captive Birds of Prey. Raptor
Research. 10(2): 45-49.
Brown, L. 1976. Birds of Prey - their Biology and Ecology. Hamlyn, London.
Brown, L. 1976. Eagles of the World. David & Charles Ltd., Devon.
Bruning, D.F. 1984. Breeding the Andean Condor (Vultur gryphus) at the NY Zool. Park. International
Zoo Yearbook. No.23: 11-14.
Cade, T.J. 1980. The Husbandry of Falcons for Return to the Wild. International Zoo Yearbook. No.20:
23-35.
Cooper, J.E. 1978. Veterinary Aspects of Captive Birds of Prey. Standfast Press, Gloucestershire.
Cooper, J.E. & Greenwood, A.G. (eds) 1981. Recent Advances in the Study of Raptor Diseases.
Proceedings of the International Symposium on Diseases of Birds of Prey. Chiron Publications,
Keighley, W. Yorkshire.
Dunn, R.W. 1984. Breeding the australian Peregrine Falcon (Falco peregrinus macropus) at the Royal
Melbourne Zoo. International Zoo Yearbook. No.23: 83-84.
Ford, E. 1982. Birds of Prey. Batsford, London.
Ford, E. 1982. Falconry in Mews and Field. Batsford, London.
Fowler, M.E. (ed) 1986. Zoos & Wild Animal Medicine. 2nd ed. W.B. Saunders Pty Ltd., Philadelphia.
Garcelon, D. & Bogue, G. (In press). Raptor Care and Rehabilitation. Alexander Lindsay Junior
Museum,Calif.
Glasier, F. 1978. Falconry and Hawking. Batsford, London.
Haigh, R. 1984. The Breeding and Artificial Incubation of Hawks, Buzzards and Falcons, Accipiter,
Butes and Falco spp. International Zoo Yearbook. No.23: 51-58.
Hardy, J.W. 1983. The Use of Falconry Hoods in Handling Australian Kestrels. Corella. 7(2): 41-43.
Jakob-Hoff, R.M. 1988. The Husbandry and Diseases of Raptors in Australian Wildlife. The John Keep
Refresher Course for Veterinarians. Post-Grad. Comm, Uni. of Sydney.
Kirkwood, J.K. 1980. Energy and Prey Requirement of the Young Free-flying Kestrel. Annual Report
Hawk Trust. No.10: 12-14.
Klapste, J. & Klapste, P. 1982. Successful Rearing of the Spotted Harrier in an Artificial Nest. Corella.
6(2): 42-43.
McKeever, K. 1979. Care and Rehabilitation of Injured Owls. Owl Rehabilitation Research Foundation,
Ontario.
Minnemann, D. & Busse, H. 1984. Longevity of Birds of Prey and Owls at East Berlin Zoo.
International Zoo Yearbook. No.23: 108-110.
Olsen, J. & Olsen, P. (In press). Australian Raptors in Captivity.
Patton, K.T., Croonquist, M.J. & Crawford, W.C. 1985. Management-Related Stress in the Redshouldered Hawk. Zoo Biology. 4(3): 235-243.
Schodde, R. & Manson, I. 1980. Nocturnal Birds of Australia. Lansdowne, Melbourne.
Schodde, R. & Tidemann, S. (eds.) 1986. Complete Book of Australian Birds. 2nd ed. Reader’s Digest,
Sydney.
Slater, Peter, Slater, Pat and Slater, R. 1986. The Slater Field Guide to Australian Birds. Lansdowne Rigby, Sydney.
Weaver, J.D. & Cade, T.J. (eds). Falcon Propagation - A Manual on Captive Breeding. The Peregrine
Fund, New York,
With critiques from:
Lin Notley, Taronga Zoo Keeper
Ron Parrish, Taronga Zoo Keeper
David Pepper - Edwards, Taronga Zoo Keeper
Richard Jakob - Hoff, Curator/Veterinarian, Western Plains Zoo
Bruce Kubbere, Featherdale Wildlife Park
Nick Mooney, Tasmanian National Parks and Wildlife Service
Jerry and Penny Olsen, Australasian Raptor Association
Steve Wilson, Raptor Rehabilitator.
Philip Pain, Eagles Heritage, WA.
Standards for Exhibiting Carnivores (excluding Otariidae, Odobenidae, Phocidae) in
New South Wales
Exhibited Animals Protection Act
Clause 1 Security and public safety
1.1
GENERAL
a) Carnivores shall not be enclosed in walk-through enclosures.
b) Members of the public are not permitted to handle or touch carnivores.
c) A safety fence shall be provided to keep visitors from coming into contact with enclosed
carnivores.
1.2
ENTERING ENCLOSURES
a) All carnivores shall be removed from their enclosure before any person is permitted to enter that
enclosure, due to their potential danger to humans.
b) The requirements of (a) do not apply where i) where it is recognised that the animals at this stage of development present no risk of serious
injury; and
ii)
the carnivores weigh less than 20kg; or
iii)
the carnivore(s) is(are) anaesthetised by a veterinarian or other authorised person; or
iv)
the animal(s) has(have) been restrained/netted; or
v)
protection is ensured by a vehicle which prevents contact between its occupants and any
carnivore; or
vi)
an animal trainer, approved by the Director-General, needs to enter the enclosure for
training or performance purposes.
1.3 FEEDING ROUTINE
If carnivores are to remain in an enclosure while food is being provided, it must be possible for the
keepers to carry out this task from a position where they cannot be reached by the animal.
1.4
ANIMAL SERVICE AREAS
a)
Animal service areas adjacent to carnivore enclosures shall contain well marked danger zones and
appropriate warning signs.
b)
A high pressure water hose for animal control shall be available for use in these areas at all times.
It is recommended that a fire extinguisher (CO2 type) also be available in these areas.
1.5
RECAPTURE PLANS
An establishment shall not be permitted to exhibit carnivore species until it satisfies the Director-General
that the establishment has a suitable plan for recapture.
Adequate firearms shall be kept on the premises for use in case of emergency by a person described under
3.1.
Clause 2 Facilities
2.1
GENERAL REQUIREMENTS
2.1.1 Construction
a) Enclosure boundaries
i) Enclosures shall be constructed of such materials and be maintained in sufficiently good repair to ensure
that they will contain the animals at all times and are to be safe for the animals, for the staff attending them
and for the public.
ii)
Without limiting the generality of 2.1.1 (a)(i), the boundary of a carnivore enclosure shall
be made secure against escape. Minimum dimensions of materials to be used in enclosure
boundaries are set forth under Schedule 1.
iii)
Moating systems for carnivore enclosures should incorporate the following safety
features:
* installations to prevent stormwater raising the level of the moat and it is recommended that a
50mm float valve be installed to maintain the correct water level at all times.
* a base of clay or some other impervious material to limit the loss of water through the rock soil
subgrade.
· a barrier (possibly) incorporating vegetation) on the viewing side of the moat to reduce the risk of
visitors falling into the moat.
b) Gates/Doors/Slides
i) Doorways etc. in enclosure boundaries shall be placed so that there is no direct access to the
enclosure from areas which are unable to safely and securely contain the enclosed animals.
ii)
Design of main enclosures and holding facilities shall ensure that the enclosed carnivore
can be safely and routinely confined in or out of its main enclosure when access by staff to either
section is necessary.
iii)
All gates/doors/slides etc. shall be as effective in containing the animals as the enclosure
barrier. They shall be designed and maintained to prevent the animal from damaging its safe
operation and/or unfastening the securing device.
iv)
All gates/doors/slides etc. shall be designed and maintained so that they can be safely
operated and secured in position as staff require. The control mechanism shall be situated in an area
so that the animal is unable to contact the person operating the controls.
v) All gates/doors/slides etc. shall be securely locked when closed. Locks used in carnivore
enclosures shall be of the type which only allow removal of the key once the lock is secured.
c) Holding facilities
Holding facilities for felids and ursids shall include denning facilities so that all individuals in the holding
facility may be denned separately. Dens shall be weatherproof and kept dry.
Exception: African and Asiatic Lions
d) Size and shape of enclosures
The size and shape of enclosures for carnivores shall provide freedom of movement, both vertically
and horizontally and shall not fall below the minimum requirements set forth in Schedule 1.
e) Shelter
Display enclosures and holding facilities shall include (natural or artificial) shelter in which the
enclosed carnivores can obtain a sense of security, and protection from wind, rain, sunlight and
extremes in temperature.
f) Drainage
The enclosures shall be well drained and regularly cleaned to avoid the accumulation of excreta and unused
food.
2.1.2 Treatment Facilities
Suitable facilities shall be available for treatment of sick animals.
2.1.3
Inter- and Intra-Specific Interaction (Aggression Reduction).
a) Enclosures shall contain no more than one species of carnivore except where the enclosure allows space
sufficient to ensure the avoidance of inter-specific aggression or stress. Carnivore species which hybridise
shall not be kept in the same enclosure.
b) If a carnivore is being unduly stressed by the aggression/presence of other carnivore(s) in the
enclosure, then it, or the aggressor(s), shall be removed from the enclosure.
c) Felids may be housed in one of the following ways:
i) alone (except lions and cheetahs) or female with offspring;
ii)
as a compatible pair, with or without offspring;
iii)
as a single sex group (only in the case of lions and cheetahs);
iv)
as a juvenile group while all animals remain under breeding age;
v)
d)
as a pride in the case of African Lions.
Canids may be housed in one of the following ways:
i) as a pack;
ii)
lone female with offspring;
iii)
as a compatible pair, with or without offspring;
iv)
as a juvenile group while all animals remain under breeding age.
e) Lone canids shall not be exhibited except as required for veterinary reasons or where the
establishment is arranging for acquisition of a mate or disposal of the animal to another establishment.
Signage for a lone canid shall explain the normal social grouping of the species and advise of the
intended acquisition of a mate or its intended disposal to another establishment.
f) Nocturnal species shall be provided complete and free access to a suitable sleeping quarter at all times.
g) Breeding of carnivores shall follow a breeding programme approved by the Director-General.
2.1.4 Enclosure Furniture
a) Where enclosures contain male and female carnivores, sight barriers shall be provided so that the
sexes have the opportunity to withdraw from visual contact.
b) The Director-General may require a carnivore enclosure to contain a bathing pond/container with
a diameter sufficient to allow normal bathing behaviour.
c) The pond/container shall have a non-slip, cleanable surface and no sharp edges.
d) The pond/container shall be kept filled with clean fresh water.
e) Display enclosures and holding facilities for Ursids, Felids, Procyonids, Viverrids and Red Foxes
shall include scratching posts or logs and climbing structures. These species must be able to climb to
a minimum height of 2 metres. Enclosures for Cheetahs are exempted from the requirement for
climbing structures. Enclosures for foxes are exempted from the scratching post requirement.
Carnivores shall have access to an area where they can bask in the sun.
2.1.5 Size Requirements
Carnivore enclosures shall not be of lesser size than the minimum standards set out in Schedule 1
attached.
Clause 3 Staff
3.1 Supervision of Carnivores
Carnivores shall be under the supervision of a person capable of;
a)
safely handling and restraining the carnivores exhibited.
b)
minimising the likelihood of carnivore attacks on keepers.
c)
minimising undue stress experienced by carnivores.
d) providing adequate diets for the carnivores held.
e) recognising aberrant behaviour and indicators of ill health in the species under his/her supervision.
f) using an adequate firearm in cases of emergency.
Clause 4 Records
4.1 Identification
Each carnivore shall be individually identified by an approved method of identification.
4.2
Record-keeping
a) Establishments shall keep records of all carnivores on an individual basis in a form which can be quickly
and easily examined, analysed and compared with those kept by other establishments because of the potential
value for the development of improved management practices.
b) All documents and other information pertaining to each animal from previous locations must be
kept safely. Animals moving to new locations must be accompanied by copies of all records relevant
to those animals.
c) The records shall provide at least the following information for each
individual:
i)
the correct scientific name, common name, individual identification, any personal name and any
distinctive markings;
ii)
the origin (i.e. details of the wild population or of the parents and their origin, and of any
previous location);
iii)
the dates of acquisition and disposal, with details of circumstances and addresses;
iv)
the date of birth;
v)
clinical data, including results of physical examination by a registered veterinarian and
details of and date when, any form of treatment was given, together with results of routine health
examinations;
vi)
breeding and details of any offspring;
vii)
the date of death and the results of the post mortem examinations;
viii)
normal diet (including supplement) and feeding routine.
Clause 5 Diet and food collection
5.1
General
a) An establishment applying for a permit to exhibit carnivores must satisfy the Director-General that
it has guaranteed access to adequate fresh and/or frozen supplies of suitable animals.
b) The feeding programme shall be carried out under veterinary supervision to ensure the carnivores
are receiving a balanced diet.
c) Carnivores shall be provided with sufficient fresh water daily to meet each animal's requirements.
5.2
Quality of Food
a) The following shall NOT be fed to carnivores:
* any animal that has died, or is suspected of dying from any toxic material, including euthanasing
chemicals (C02 is acceptable), insecticides and rodenticides.
* animals showing clinical signs of being infected by disease.
* laboratory animals that have been used in those research programmes which lead to the animals
containing chemicals different from control animals.
* a diet consisting solely of muscle or organ meats.
b)
Food items shall be presented on an uncontaminated surface. (Meat may be stored in deep freeze
and thawed before feeding.)
Clause 6 Hygiene
a)
Excrement, left-over food, bones, fur and feathers shall be removed daily to avoid unhealthy and
unsightly accumulation of these matters.
b)
Contaminated substrate material shall be removed and replaced as necessary.
c)
When disinfecting solid surfaces within the enclosure these surfaces shall first be washed with
soap and water, or steam. Disinfected surfaces shall be rinsed before carnivores come in contact with
them again. The use of suitable disinfectants shall be under veterinary instruction. (Cats are sensitive to
phenols - disinfectants containing creylic acid.)
d)
The use in or around carnivore enclosures of insecticides and animal poisons, e.g. rodent baits,
shall be under veterinary instruction in view of the known toxicity of these substances to carnivores.
e)
Feral or domestic cats must be excluded from establishments exhibiting felines due to possibility
of transmitting pan leucopenia.
Clause 7 Veterinary care
Application for a permit to keep carnivores should be accompanied by a statement
which briefly explains the programme by which the veterinarian will * vaccinate for viral diseases
* monitor and control the level of internal parasites
* be able to safely anaesthetise individuals of each species when desired.
Clause 8 Transport
8.1
Containers
Except as the Director-General otherwise determines, transportation of carnivores
within Australia by NSW exhibitors must comply with the IATA regulations set forth under Schedule 2.
References
Anon 1980. Animal Management. National Extension College, Cambridge.
Anon 1993. Uve Animals Regulations. 20th edition. International Air Transport
Association. Montreal - Geneva.
Anon 1985. Zoos - Safety, Health & Welfare Standards for Employers and Persons at Work. Health &
Safety Executive, Merseyside.
Crandall, LS. 1964. Management of Wild Animals in Captivity. University of Chicago.
Fowler, M.E. (ed) 1986. Zoos and Wild Animal Medicine. 2nd ed. W.B.Saunders Pty.Ltd., Philadelphia.
Macdonald, D. (ed) 1984. The Encyclopaedia of Mammals, Vol.l. George, Allen & Unwin, London.
Woodroffe, G. 1981. Wildlife Conservation and the Modern Zoo. Saiga, Survey.
Schedule 1
Figures in first column represent surface area of enclosure for 1 (one) pair.
Figures in brackets (1st column) represent the minimum surface area for the holding facility for 1 (one
pair).
Mesh fence height is from ground level to the point where the inhang starts.
*** in columns 3, 4, 5 means these animals should not be enclosed by a moat or an unroofed mesh fence.
Name
Surface Area (SQM)
Add Area for
extra Ad.
Animal SQM
Height above
water of wall
adjoining moat
(M)
Dingo Canis familiaris
dingo
New Guinea Wild dog
Canis familiaris hallstromi
European Red Fox Vulpes
vulpes
100(25)
10
0.8
100(25)
10
0.8
2.5
1.8
100(25)
10
***
***
Maned Wolf Chrysocyon
brachyurus
200(25)
10
0.8
Dhole Cuon alpinus
150(25)
10
Cape Hunting Dog Lycaon
pictus
400(50)
Moat
Width
(M)
Moat Depth
(M)
Mesh fence
Height (M)
Wire Mesh
Dia. (MM)
Mesh
Spacing
(MM)
Depth of
O’Hang/In
hang (M)
O’Hang
above
horizonts
3
50 x 50
0.5
35
2.4
50 x 50
3
0.5
35
***
2.4
3
50 X 50
3.5
1.8
2.4
3
50 X 50
0.5
35
***
***
***
2.4
3
50 x 50
20
1.0
3.5
1.8
2.4
3
50 x 50
0.5
35
200(30)
20
2.2
5
75 x 50
1.5
35
Brown Bear Ursus arctos
200(30)
20
2.2
5
1.8
4.2
75 x 50
1.5
35
Kodiak Bear Ursus arctos
middendorffi
200(30)
20
2.2
5
2.1
4.8
5
75 x 50
1.5
35
4
***
2.4
3
50 x 50
-
-
Order Carnivora
Family Canidae
2.5
1.8
2.4
Family Ursidae
5
1.8
4.2
American Black
Bear Ursus americanus
Nepalese Red Panda
Ailurus fulgens
50(10)
Family : Procyonidae
***
***
5
Binturong Arctictis
binturong
50(10)
4
***
Family : Viverridae
***
***
2.4
3
50 x 50
--
-
Puma Felis concolor
150(25)
10
1.8
Family : Felidae
6
1.8
4.2
5
75 x 50
1
35
Serval Felis serval
60(10)
4
Jagurundi Felis
yagouarandi
Caracal Lynx caracal
Bobcat Lynx rufus
40(10)
4
60(10)
50(10)
African Lion Panthera Leo
***
***
2.4
3
50 x 50
-
-
***
***
***
2.4
3
50 x 50
-
-
4
4
***
***
***
***
***
***
2.4
2.4
3
5
75 x 50
75 x 50
-
-
200 (30)
10
1.8
8
1.8
4.2
5
75 x 50
1
35
Jaguar Panthera onca
150 (25)
10
***
***
***
3.6
5
75 x 50
-
-
Leopard Panthera pardus
150 (25)
10
***
***
***
3.6
5
75 x 50
-
-
Tiger Panthera tigris
Sumatran Tiger Panthera
tigris sumatrace
Cheetah Actnonyx jubatus
200(30)
10
10
1.8
1.8
8
8
1.8
1.8
4.2
4.2
5
5
75 x 50
75 x 50
1
1
35
35
20
1.5
6
1.8
2.4
3
75 x 50
1.5
35
200(30)
400(30)
***
SCHEDULE 2
Chapter 4 – Container Requirements
General container requirements
For general transport purposes, animals will be carried only in closed containers; carriage
in open stall must be especially arranged with the carriers concerned.
It is essential that containers be well constructed. Dimensions, where stated, are length,
width and height. Dimensions shown Regulations are illustrative and therefore should be
related to the actual size of the animal for which the container is constructed.
Although few limitations exist for freighter aircraft, such factors as the size of the
compartment door and area of the aircraft hold determines the acceptability of live animal
consignments. Consequently this should be considered when determining the size of the
container to be used, in accordance with the principles of design outlined in this chapter
when routing the consignment.
The container must be suitable to keep the animal inside at all times.
It must be adequately ventilated on three sides, with the majority of the ventilation being
provided on the upper part of the container, but note must be taken that there are
exceptions to these usual requirements which are stated in the container requirement for
that particular species. Any labeling, especially on small containers, should not occlude
ventilation openings.
It must protect the animal from unauthorized access, i.e. the doors must be constructed so
that accidental opening cannot occur, either from the inside or the outside, and the
ventilation apertures must be small enough to prevent the egress of the animal.
It must in able to withstand other freight damaging it or causing the structure to buckle or
bend. Joints of wooden container must be made so that they cannot be damaged by the
animal gnawing or clawing the container from the inside.
It must be rigid enough to prevent the animal escaping through gaps as the seams or
joints.
It must not cause the animal to damage itself, i.e. all inside edges must be smooth or
rounded. There must be no sharp projections (such as nails) upon which the animal could
hurt itself. The ventilation apertures must be small enough to prevent any part of the
animal to protrude from the container.
It must be suitable for the species being transported.
It must in general allow the animal to stand, turn and lie down in a natural manner. There
are a few exceptions to this rule found in the container requirement for the species
concerned. In bird containers there must be sufficient perch space for each individual,
and enough height for the bird to perch with its head upright and its tail clear off the
floor. Non-perching birds should be able to stand upright except in the case of pheasants.
It must be clean and, if being reused, it must have been thoroughly disinfected or
sterilized.
It must be leak-proof, absorbent padding must be provided by the shipper that is suitable
for the species. Straw is unacceptable as many countries prohibit its importation.
It must be constructed of non-toxic materials. Chemically impregnated wood may be
poisonous, as are soldered tin water containers.
It must be easy for staff to handle. Spacer devices should be incorporated into the design
as they will provide handles for moving the container as well as prevent the ventilation
apertures becoming blocked by other freight. Handles may be attached in addition to the
spacer bars.
It must give the handlers protection from being clawed or bitten by the animal.
If forklift spacers are required they must be at least 5 cm (2 in) thick. Allowance for the
extra height must be made when calculating the dimensions of the container.
Food and water containers must be provided, either fixed inside the container or attached
to it with a means of access provided, in case of undue delays during the journey. These
containers must have rounded edges and be made of non-toxic materials suitable for the
species. Shippers instructions for feeding and watering must be given in writing at the
time of acceptance.
Feeding and watering instructions must be affixed to the container and a copy accompany
the documents. Any feed or water given must be recorded on the container instructions
with the date and time of supply.
Food must be provided by the shipper but it must be checked that it does not contravene
any regulations of the country(ies) of transit or importation. In the case of sealed
containers, feeding is not possible and the shipper must be aware of this fact. Likewise,
products of animal origin, such as meat or food containing meat, should not be accepted
inside the container for the same reason.
The container must be correctly labelled and marked with the consignee’s name, address
and telephone number. Labels must not block ventilation holes, especially on small
containers.
The appropriate container requirement for individual species should be consulted.
Certain species require either reinforced containers due to size and weight while others
need lined or metal containers due to their destructive capabilities. The container
requirement will be relevant to the species concerned and the principles of design must be
adhered to for that species.
When animals are carried in Specific Pathogen Free (SPF) conditions, the shipper must at
least comply in all respect with the specific container requirement in this chapter. Special
measures must be taken to ensure that ventilation rates are maintained within the
container.
Note: Requirements for ventilation, strength, etc. are different for shipment of one or two
animals as opposed to bulk shipment.
In general, tranquilisation is not advocated for the transportation of live animals.
However, certain wild species require the use of such medication. Whenever used, they
must be administered under competent supervision and the name of the sedative, time of
administration and the route of administration must be clearly marked on the container
and a copy of the record must be attached to the documents relating to that shipment.
Any further medication administered must be recorded and accompany the shipment with
the name of the sedative, time of administration and the route of administration.
For other species which are obviously disturbed by the shipment, reducing the light
within the container and the noise level within its vicinity will usually be sufficient to
quieten the animal. Pets are best left by their owners at the time of acceptance in order
that they can become quietly accustomed to the strange surroundings. They should
preferably be held in a darkened area and with as little noise as possible nearby.
It must be noted that the IATA Live Animal Regulations container requirements stipulate
the minimum requirements for air shipment. The construction principle of containers
described within these Regulations are not intended to conform to any Airworthines
requirement.
Specification for structural aircraft container is published in the IATA ULD Technical
Manual.
The illustrations shown throughout the container requirements are examples only.
Container Requirement 11
Applicable to:
Andean cat, Bear species, Binturong, Cheetah, Jaguar, Leopard species, Lion species,
Panther species , Puma species, Tiger
Note:1 The above species should be provided with space to lie comfortably but not turn
around, except for bear species and binturong which should have space to turn around.
There should be at least a 10 cm (4 in) clearance around the animal when standing in a
normal position.
Note 2: Should a veterinary certificate be provided starting that the large cat being
shipped is suitable to be transported in a container which permits it to turn around, that
container may be accepted for shipment.
See USG Exceptions in Chapter 5 and Exception SV-01 in Chapter 6.
1. DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION
(see Exception QF-01 in Chapter 6)
Materials
Hardwood and metal, plywood or similar material.
Principles of Design
The following principles of design shall be met in addition to the General Container
Requirements outlined at the begining of this chapter.
The frame of the container shall be solid wood or metal, lined with plywood or other
suitable strong material. There must be sliding or hinged entry and exit doors. The front
exit door shall be formed of steel welded mesh or strong iron bars. The bars must be
spaced in a manner which will prevent the animal from putting its legs between them.
Both doors must have secure fastening with screws or bolts in order to prevent accidental
opening.
The floor shall be constructed in grille form over a liquid proof tray in a manner to permit
the animal’s excreta to fall into the tray. When a grill floor is not necessary, the floor of
the container must be liquid-proof and be covered with sufficient material to absorb the
animal’s excreta.
To ensure adequate ventilation, air inlets must be provided at heights which must be
provided through ventilation at all levels, particularly when the animal is in a prone
position. Ventilation holes with a minimum of approximately 2.5 cm (1 in) diameter,
shall be positioned on the side and top as indicated in the diagram. These holes may be
screened on the exterior with mesh.
To prevent disturbance to the animal and give protection to the handlers of the container,
the front of the container should be provided with a sliding light wooden shutter
containing ventilation holes of 10 cm (4 in) or be slatted with 7 cm (23/4 in) between the
slats over its upper two thirds.
The height shall provide adequate space for the animal to stand upright with head
extended, the length shall permit it to lay in the full prone position. Actual container
dimension vary according to species and size of animal.
When the weight of the container plus animal exceeds 60 kg (132 Ib), forklift spacer bars
must be provided, and the container must have metal bracing for reinforcement.
Food and water containers with adequate safe access for replenishment must be made
available by the shipper, taking into account the duration of the flight.
Water and food containers should be placed at the front of the container, off the floor to
prevent soiling and with external access
(Container Requirement 11 (cont’))
Where more than one animal is to be carried in a container, multiples of the above
provisions shall apply. Divisions can take the form of partitions such as metal grills.
Where a container is partitioned, separate access must be possible into each compartment.
Compatible animals need not be separated by a partition when it is probable they will not
harm each other during shipment.
Note: For bears and other strong clawing animals, the container must be totally lined with
sheet iron or other hard metal sheeting, with through ventilation holes.
2. Preparations Before Dispatch
(see Chapter 1.1.1)
Food intake should be reduced 2 to 3 days before shipment. A light meal may be given
prior to dispatch and food should be provided in case of emergency.
These species should be kept in darkened containers to avoid stimulus from their
surroundings. They have the tendency to become aggressive and belligerent if disturbed
by outside interference or noise
3. Feeding and Watering Guide
(for emergency use only)
Animals should not require feeding or watering during 24 hours following the time of
dispatch.
If feeding or watering is required due to an unforeseen delay, feed once daily, preferably
late afternoon,1kg of meat per 20kg ( Ib per 20 Ib) of live weight polar bears will also eat
fish and brown bears like fish and fruit.
4. General Care And Loading
(see Chapter 3)
Animals covered by this Container Requirement prefer to travel in darkness or semidarkness.
Container Requirement 23
Applicable to:
Bandicoot Meerkat
Cacomistle Mongoose species
Civet species Pig-footed bandicoot
Coatimundi Polecat
Fossa Prairie dog
Hedgehog Racoon
Hyrax Skunk (deodorised)
Ichneumon Tenrec
Linsang species
Weasel
See USG Exceptions in chapter 5 and Exceptions CX-01, GF-01, and OS-02 in Chapter
6.
1.DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION
(see Exception QF-01 in Chapter 6)
Materials
Wire mesh, hardboard (masonite), plywood, wood, non-toxic plastic, fibreglass and
synthetics.
Principles of Design
The following principles of design shall be met in addition to the general Container
Requirements outlined at the beginning of this chapter.
when constructing containers for shipment of these animals, the normal habits and
necessary freedom of movement should be considered.
In compartmented containers, access must be provided by individual sliding doors at the
rear of the container.
For communal carriage of sociable species, a sliding door extending the length of the
container is required at the rear. A sliding door in front of the steel welded mesh must be
provided irrespective of whether communal or solitary carriage is involved.
Two rows of meshed ventilation openings, approximately 2.5 cm (1 in) in diameter,
should be provided at about 5 cm (2 in) spacing on the sides and top. The front and the
rear doors should have 10% ventilation openings.
Ventilation openings are to be covered with wire mesh.
One third of the front shall consist of wire mesh and a sliding door should also be
provided.
Food and water troughs must be provided. The food and water troughts should fit into
slots made in the plywood front and shall be attached to the uprights of the framework so
that they can be replenished without being removed.
Warning: Soldered tin must not be used.
To facilitate handling an ventilation, a hand grip/spacer bar and also handles should be
provided as illustrated.
Access into the container shall be adequately secured to prevent accidental opening.
2. Preparations Before Dispatch (See Chapter 1, 1.1.)
For solitary species, such as water mongoose, white mongoose, Egyptian mongoose,
fossa, linsang, hedgehog and weasel, these must be packed individually and partioning is
necessary. For sociable species, such as meerkat (suricate), tenrec, dwarf and banded
mongoose, no partitioning should be placed in the container.
3. Feeding Guide
(for emergency use only)
Animals should not require additional feeding or watering during 24 hours following the
time of dispatch.
If feeding is required due to an unforeseen delay, pieces of raw meat, a little fish and milk
should be provided for these animals.
4. General care and loading
(see Chapter 3)
When animals are to be carried in quantity, maintain proper separation of cartons in the
aircraft. Care shall be taken that there is adequate air circulation throughout the stacks
and the boxes are secured in a manner which will prevent them from toppling during
flight.
Container Requirement 24
Applicable to:
Carnivores
Ermine
Ferret species
Fox (farm)
(Also see
Container 28)
Marten species
Mink
Sable
Herbivores
Agouti species
Chincilla species
Chipmunk
Desman
Gopher
Guinea pig
Gundi
Hamster
Hare
Hutia
Lemming
Marmot
Moonrat
Muskrat
Nutria
Paca
Pacarana
Pika
Rabbit species
Squirrel species
Tuco-tuco
See USG Exceptions in Chapter 5 and Exceptions BA-02, CX-01/02, GF-01, and OS-02
in Chapter 6.
Note 1: Mink are to be housed in individual compartments of the container.
Note 2: Normally one animal per compartment unless the animals are used to co-habiting.
1. DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION
(see Exception QF-01 in Chapter 6)
Materials
Sheet metal, fibreglass, rigid plastic, strong welded wire mesh or wood-lined with wire
mesh and nylon mesh.
Principles of Design
The following principles of design shall be met in addition to the General Container
Requirements outlined at the beginning of this chapter.
Size of the container shall allow the animal to move freely.
The floor of the container shall be liquid-proof and be covered with sufficient absorbent
material.
Adequate ventilation shall be provided. Containers constructed without wire mesh liner
must provide wire screening cover on all air vents.
Nylon mesh or other similar suitable material may be required as a screening material for
some species.
Access into the container shall be adequately secured to prevent accidental opening.
For palletised shipments, cages should be totally constructed of welded wire mesh or
similar open materials. Vertical and horizontal spacers must be provided to ensure
adequate ventilation.
Metal water container must be provided.
2. Preparation Before Dispatch
(see Chapter 1, 1.1)
Squirrels should be given a piece of sacking from which to make their own bedding.
3. Feeding and Watering Guide
(for emergency use only)
Animals should not require additional feeding or watering during 24 hours following the
time of dispatch.
If feeding is required due to an unforeseen delay, the carnivorous species should be
provided with pieces of raw meat, a little fish or dog food and milk. The herbivorous
species should be provided with carrots, fruit, nuts or grains. The shipper’s instructions
must always be followed.
Note: Laboratory and SPF animal containers shall not be opened, therefore, these animals
must be fed under scientifically controlled conditions.
(Container Requirement 24 (cont’d))
4. General Care and Loading
(see Chapter 3)
Animals known to be for laboratory use shall be separated completely from other animals
to reduce any risk of cross-infection or contamination, e.g. specific pathogen free (SPF)
consignments.
Mink, when disturbed, give off a strong feral odour which will contaminate loads.
When animals are to be carried in quantity, maintain proper separation of cartons in the
aircraft. Care shall be taken and the boxes are secured in a manner which will prevent
them from toppling during flight.
Warning: These species bite.
Density Guidelines
Species
Chinchillas
Hamsters
Smaller
Animals
Larger
Animals
Weight of
Animal
(grams)
450-550
Young
170-280
281-420
421 or more
2,000 or less
2,001 – 5,000
5,001 or more
Maximum
Number per
Compartment
in Container *
2 **
18
12
12
12
4
2
1
Space per Animal
Height of
Box
Cm2
260
32
90
160
230
770
9701,160
1,400
Cm2
23
13
15
15
15
20
25
30
In2
40
5
14
25
36
120
150-180
220
In2
9
5
6
6
6
8
10
12
* If ground temperature exceeds 240C (750 F), reduce maximum number per
compartment in the container by 10%.
** If ground temperature exceeds 240C (750F), allow 520 cm2 (80 in2) per animal. A
temperature in the box of more than 270C (800F) is liable to be lethal to chinchillas.
Container requirement 25
Applicable to :
Beaver species
Capybara
Falanouc
Genet cat
Grison
Olingo
Porcupine
Wombat species
see USG Exceptions in Chapter 5 and Exceptions GF-01, IB-01 and OS-02 in Chapter 6.
1. Design and Construction
(see Exception QF-01 in Chapter 6)
Materials
Plywood, rigid plastics, strong welded wire mesh, wood, sheet metal.
Principles of Design
The following principles of design shall be met in addition to the general Container
Requirements outlined at the beginning of this chapter.
Size of the container shall allow the animal to move freely.
The floor of the container shall be sheet metal and be covered with sufficient absorbent
material.
Adequate ventilation shall be provided and covered with heavy gauge mesh on the inside.
The wire mesh should be of such size as to prevent the animals protruding feet or snout.
The ratio of vent to container surface area (top and sides) should not be less that 1 to 5.
Access into the container shall be adequately secured to prevent accidental opening.
Handles must be placed on the sides of the container and 2.5 cm (1 in) spacer bars must
be fixed all round the container.
Sliding doors must be provided on both front and rear of the container. A gap of 2.5 cm
(1 in) in front bottom of weld mesh must be left open to allow food and water to be
passed in. The mesh is to be braced on the inside of the bottom.
The whole of the interior of the container shall be lined with heavy gauge wire mesh as
these animals are notorious gnawers.
The lining of the container for porcupines should be sheet metal rather than wire mesh in
order to prevent the animals damaging its quills.
Rounded edged water and food container must be provided.
Only one animal per container or partitioned section.
2. Preparations Before Dispatch
(see Chapter 1, 1.1)
No special requirements.
3. Feeding and Watering Guide
(for emergency use only)
Animals should not require additional feeding or watering during 24 hours following the
time of dispatch.
If feeding is required due to an unforeseen delay, fruit or grain should be provided
although some species are omnivorous and may eat meat. The shipper’s instructions
must be followed.
4. General Care and Loading
(see Chapter 3)
No special requirements.
Container Requirement 27
Applicable to:
Cats (domestic)
Dogs (domestic)
See Exception GBG-05, HKG-01, SAG-02, USG Exceptions and ZWG-02/03/04 in
Chapter 5 and Exceptions AF-01, BA-04, DA-03/04, EI-01, SV-01 in Chapter 6.
Note: For carriage of domestic pets in passenger cabins as accompanied baggage see
Chapters 5 and 6.
1. Design and Construction
(see Exception AC-01, DA-02 and QF-01 in Chapter 6.
Some governmental regulations require spaced double wire meshing over doors and
ventilation openings in order to provide a nose and paw-proof container. Wooden
kennels are not accepted in the United States for onward travel. Certain airlines will not
carry wooden containers. See Chapter 6.)
Materials
Fibreglass, metal, rigid plastics, wicker work, weld mesh or wood.
Principles of Design
The following principles of design shall be met in addition to the General Container
Requirements outlined at the beginning of this chapter.
Fibreglass, Metal, Rigid Plastics
Containers shall be constructed with a strong framework, with joints made so that the
animal cannot claw or bite through the joints, or escape due to continual biting and
scratching at the corners of the container.
The whole of one end of the container shall be open and covered with bars, weld mesh, or
smooth expanded metal, securely attached to the container in a manner which will
prevent the animal from dislodging the grille. This provides the main ventilation
opening.
Access to the container should be by means of a sliding or hinged door adequately
secured to prevent accidental opening (some Governments may require that cat and dog
containers are locked and/or sealed). The door can be the main ventilation opening.
Ventilation may be provided by wire mesh on one side or end of the container, in
addition ventilation openings 2 cm (3/4 in) must be provided over the whole surface of
the opposite side at a distance of 10 cm (4 in) from centre to centre of each opening.
Similar openings must be provided on the upper third of the remaining two sides. The
total ventilated area must provide a minimum of 16% of the total surface area of the four
sides. These are minimum requirements and containers providing additional ventilation
holes on top or sides or larger ventilation openings covered with wire mesh are permitted.
The container shall be large enough to permit the animal to stand in a natural position,
turn around and lie down (see the proportional dimensions specified in the illustration).
Note 1: A maximum of two adult animals of comparable size up to 14 kg each, that are
used to cohabitation, may be shipped in the same container. Animals over that weight
must travel individually.
Note 2: Animals up to six months old from the same litter, up to a maximum quantity of
three, may be shipped in the same container/compartment.
Note 3: Measurements A, B, C and D for determining the container dimensions should
relate to the largest animal; the width of the container being calculated as: two animals
Cx3; three animals Cx4
Note 4: the height and length are determined the same as for a single animal.
(Container Requirement)
Containers shall be nose and paw-proof, i.e. ventilation apertures shall be of such size
that it is impossible for the animal to protrude its nose or paws outside the container.
Weld Mesh Containers
The design of weld mesh containers shall be based on the same principles specified
above. However, containers made principally of wire mesh should not be accepted for
international carriage.
Wicker Work Containers
Wicker work containers should be adequately secured and only be used for small dogs
(up to approximately 3 kg) and cats only as long as the container can withstand normal
handling and should be capable of being properly secured.
Note: For small or young animals, a wicker container especially made for their carriage is
acceptable. Fibreboard containers are not suitable for carriage of cats and dogs in the
cargo compartment.
Wooden Containers
The design of wooden containers shall be based on the same principles specified above.
However, containers made of wood may not be suitable for large dogs.
Water must be provided in all the above containers.
Dimensions of Container
The measurements in the following table are based on the animal standing in a natural
position and serve as a guide to obtain the correct size of the container. These
measurements should not vary by more than 10 cm (4 in). All measurements are internal.
Legend
A= length of animal from nose to root of tail.
B = height from ground to elbow joint. A+1/2 B = length of container.
C = width across shoulders. Cx2 = width of container.
D = height of container (top flat or arched) / height of animal in standing position.
Labelling
Either the IATA approved labels or clear imprinting of the same on the container.
2. Preparations Before Dispatch
(see Chapter 1. 1.1 and Chapter 3)
Feed the animal only a light meal and a short drink approximately two hours before
dispatch and exercise the animal immediately before dispatch.
Snub nose dogs, such as boxers, bulldogs, pekingese and pugs, are affected more than
other breeds by rarefied atmosphere and care must be taken to ensure that the front of the
container has open bars from the top to the bottom of the box for ventilation. It is
essential that the animal be free from respiratory troubles.
Shipment of females in heat (estrus) is not recommended.
Females with suckling young and unweanted animals will not be accepted for carriage.
Weaned puppies younger than eight weeks should not be shipped due to possible
dehydration effects in air transportation.
Puppies and kittens may travel well together. The quantity must be related to the size and
strength of the individual animal. Avoid shipping a weakling which could be harmed by
its companions. Certain national regulations require cats or dogs to be crated separately
unless the consignment is a litter with the mother.
For pet animals, a familiar article in the container helps to placate the animal. Animal’s
name should be marked on the outside of the container.
For pets taken in the passenger cabin in under-seat containers, the container plus the
animal should not weigh more than 4 kg (9 lb).
Specific Pathogen Free (SPF) dogs and cats must be transported in containers whose
dimensions conform to the requirements published in this Container Requirement. SPF
labeling must be affixed to the container plus " This Way Up" labels. Filter containers
for SPF consignments have special gauge air filters fixed in the ventilation apertures.
Ventilation must be a minimum of 16 % of the surface area of the four sides. Sufficient
water must be provided for the journey. Food should be provided, if required, at the
point of origin in order that the sealed container is not opened during transport.
3. Feeding Guide (for emergency use only)
Animals should not require additional feeding during 24 hours following the time of
dispatch.
If feeding is required due to an unforeseen delay, meat, biscuits and canned pet food
should be provided but care must be taken not to overfeed.
4. General Care and Loading
(see Chapter 3)
Containers of young animals of the same species may be loaded adjacent to each other.
Containers with cats and containers with dogs should be kept apart, unless they are used
to cohabiting. Care should be taken in loading different breeds of dogs to prevent
snapping and disturbing one another and, in particular, where one animal is stronger than
the other, subjecting the weaker of the two to fear.
Warning 1: Snub-nosed dogs should be stowed as far away as practical from other loads
to ensure they have the largest amount of air space available in the hold.
Warning 2: If it is necessary to open the box for any reason, this should always be done
in an enclosed area in order to prevent the animals from escaping.
Animals in quarantine shall be segregated from those which are not.
Container Requirement 28
Applicable to:
Aardwolf
Badger species
Bobcat
Bush dog
Caracal
Coyote
Dhole
Dog, bush wild
Dog, Hunting wild
Fox species
Hyaena specie
Jackal
Jaguarundi
Lynx
Maned wolf
Ocelot
Otter species
Panda (lesser or red)
Tasmanian tiger
Wild cat species (
small)
Wolf
Wolverines
See Exceptions GBG-05, HKG-01, SAG-02, USG-08 and other USG Exceptions in
Chapter 5 and Exceptions AF-01, BA-04, IB-01 in Chapter 6.
1. Design and Construction
(see Exception AF-01 in Chapter 6)
Materials
Metal, wire mesh and wood
Principles of Design
The following principles of design shall be met in addition to the General Container
Requirements outlined at the beginning of this chapter.
Containers shall be constructed with a strong framework, with joints made so that the
animal cannot claw or bite through the joints, or escape due to continual biting and
scratching at the corners of the container.
A dropping tray with absorbent material must be provided.
One end of the container shall be covered with welded wire mesh over which a sliding
panel with two 10 cm (4 in) holes in the upper part and multiple 2.5 cm (1 in) ventilation
holes below. The panel must be easily raised in order to permit feeding and watering.
Access to the container should be by means of a sliding door adequately secured to
prevent accidental opening. The door can be the main ventilation opening.
The main ventilation opening shall be supplemented by a meshed ventilation opening
along the upper part of the container walls and/or holes regularly spread over the opposite
end of the container from top to bottom, as well as over the top third of the side, covering
not less than 20% of the surface of all four walls. Holes of 2.5 cm (1 in) diameter, at
horizontal and vertical intervals of 10 cm (4 in) centre to centre, regularly spread over
this surface, will meet this requirement. These are minimum requirements and containers
providing additional ventilation openings on top or sides or larger ventilation openings
covered with wire mesh are permitted. Lower ventilation openings are required to
provide air circulation for the elimination of harmful waste gases.
The container shall be large enough to permit the animal to stand in a natural upright
position, turn around and lie down.
Containers shall be large enough to permit the animal to stand in a natural upright
position, turn around and lie down.
Containers shall be nose and paw-proof, i.e. ventilation apertures shall be of such size
that it is impossible for the animal to protrude its nose or paws outside the container.
If the weight of the container plus animal exceeds 60 kg (132 lb), forklift spacers must be
provided and metal bracing added to the frame of the container.
Note: For hyaena, wolves, badger, otter, wolverine and wild dogs, the container must be
totally lined with sheet iron or other hard metal sheeting with through ventilation
openings.
Warning: Plastic containers shall not be used.
For palletised shipments, cages should be made of welded wire mesh.
Food and water container must be provided.
2. Preparations Before Dispatch (see Chapter 1,1,1 and Chapter 3)
No special requirement.
3. Feeding and Watering Guide
(for emergency use only)
Animals should not require additional feeding or watering during 24 hours following the
time of dispatch.
If feeding is required due to an unforeseen delay, canned dog or cat food should be
provided but care must be taken not to overfeed.
4. General Care and Loading
(see Chapter 3)
Animals in quarantine shall be segregated from those which are not.
Hand-reared young may be loaded in the same container as long as they are used to
cohabiting.
Container Requirement 29
Applicable to :
Small species
Bettong species
Cuscus species
Rat Kangaroo
Large species
Kangaroo
Tree kangaroo
Wallaby species
See USG Exceptions in Chapter 5.
1.
Design and Construction
(see Exception QF-01 in Chapter 6)
Materials
Fibreboard, hardboard and wood.
Principles of Design
The following principles of design shall be met in addition to the general container
Requirements outlined at the beginning of this chapter.
Framework of 2x2 cm (¾ x ¾ in ) light timber.
For the small species, the top, bottom and fixed sides of 0.6 cm (1/4 in) plywood glued
and nailed.
For the large species, the top, bottom and fixed sides of 1 cm (3/8 in) plywood glued and
nailed.
The end is closed by a sliding door of 0.6 cm (1/4 in) plywood which, once in place, shall
be secured by screws at each end. Alternatively, the lid may be screwed, not nailed, onto
the container.
The ceiling should be padded on the inside to protect the animal’s head, should it become
agitated and jump.
The container shall be large enough for the animals to turn around in, to lie and to stand,
fully erect. Dimensions shall not exceed these criteria as no room for exercise is needed
and animals may hurt themselves if too much room is provided.
Ventilation openings of 2.5 cm (1 in) shall be provided from top to bottom as indicated in
the diagram on all sides and separation partition in order to provide ventilation. For small
animals, the holes shall be covered with screening on the inside. In addition, corners of
the partition may be cut off to provide more ventilation. Lower ventilation openings shall
be at least 5 cm (2 in) above absorbent material etc. so as to prevent spillage.
Spacing blocks or bars with a minimum thickness of 2.5 cm (1 in) shall be affixed to all
four sides.
For wallabies, ventilation openings should be shielded to reduce the amount of light
entering the container. Because cuscus and tree kangaroo are arborial species, it is
recommended that slanting branch-like bars be fixed into the container.
Water container must be provided.
If the weight of the animal, plus the container exceeds 60 kg (132 Ib), forklift spacers and
metal reinforcement must be provided.
2.
Preparations before Dispatch
(see Chapter 1, 1.1)
The floor of the container must be covered with a minimum of 2.5 cm (1 in) layer of soft
material, such as wood shavings or wood packing, placed over a layer of newspaper.
Food may be placed inside each compartment of the container.
(Container Requirement 29 (cont’d))
3. Feeding and Watering Guide
(for emergency use only)
Animals should not require additional feeding or watering during 24 hours following the
time of dispatch.
If feeding is required due to an unforeseen delay, carrots, fruit and water should be
provided. Care must be taken not to overfeed.
4. General Care and Loading
Under no circumstances may more than one animal be contained in one compartment of
the container.
Little or no attention should be paid to these animals since they are extremely nervous.
Disturbance may cause them to become unnecessarily fractious.
.
Standards for Exhibiting Circus Animals in New South Wales
Exhibited Animals Protection Act
Definitions
Animal: Any member of the vertebrates.
Beast Wagon: Any wagon, truck, float or van intended for the transport, and/or holding
and/or static display of an animal or animals.,
Behavior.Any pattern of action and attitude assumed by an animal.
Big cats: A large member of the cat family which has the ability to roar.
Bridging Signal: Any signal discernible by an animal and originating from a handler or
trainer which informs the animal that a desired behaviour has been completed
satisfactorily.
Box: Any confinement facility that has a roof, four solid sides and a solid floor.
Cage: Any facility that enables close confinement of any animal and has at least one
vertical side consisting of material that enables direct viewing of the contents of the
facility.
Camelid: Any member of the camel family (eg. Arabian Camel, Llama, Alpaca).
Carnivore: Any canid, felid or ursid.
Cetacean: Any whale (toothed or baleen).
Circus: An mobile establishment in which animals held and exhibited therein are made
to perform behaviours at the behest of human handler/trainers for the entertainment
and/or education of members of the public.
Command Signal: Any signal discernible by an animal and originating from a handler or
trainer which informs the animal that a given behaviour should be performed.
Disease: Any condition suffered by an animal such that normally accepted parameters of
health are not met.
Distress: Occurs when the animal's mechanisms for coping with stressors are being
utilised but not over-extended. Signs of distress may be anxiety, elevated heart and
respiration rates, aggression, aversion, frustration, boredom, displacement behaviours, for
example. A number of these signs are evident when an animal is experiencing a 'fight or
flight' response.
Domestic animal: Any of the various animals which have been domesticated by man, so
as to commonly live and breed in a tame condition.
Substrate: Any bedding or litter placed on the flooring of a cage, box, stall or enclosure.
Tethering: The tying of an animal to an anchorage.
Trainer: Any person who engages in interaction with an animal with the purpose of
inducing that animal to perform a desired behaviour or to modify an existing behaviour in
a desired fashion.
Ungulate: Any hoofed animal.
Welfare: State of health and well-being which can be compromised by the effects of
disease, injury, pain, stress and deprivation.
i) That a satisfactory application for each animal act was first submitted by the agent
of the circus owner to the Registrar, EAPA, at least 2 months prior to the animals
arriving in NSW. It is desirable that this application be accompanied by a video or
diagrammatic presentation of the animal act, and the housing and transport facilities
to be used when performing in NSW.
ii) That the animals were transported to Australia in accordance with accepted
international standards governing the health, welfare and safety of animals in transit.
iii) That the manager responsible for each act has ensured that each trainer
understands the level of animal care expected under these standards. This may
involve questioning of the manager responsible for each respective act by the
Exhibited Animals Advisory Committee (EAAC) or its representative, to
demonstrate the managers knowledge of this document.
iv That upon entry to Australia the animals were examined by a registered
veterinarian experienced with the family of animals involved, and that each
individual animal was certified as being in good health prior to training and
performance recommencing.
v) That prior to undertaking performances in NSW a veterinarian nominated by the
EAAC clears each animal for performance in NSW.
Any imported circus animals arriving in NSW in breach of the above requirements will
not be authorised to be exhibited and must be held off display or moved out of NSW.
1-5. Hybrid animals (excluding the donkey/horse cross -'mule') are not considered
appropriate animals for circuses. Existing hybrid animals must not be replaced and
where possible every effort must be made to place the animals in a suitable new
environment which meets existing standards for the housing of animals in zoos in NSW.
1.6.
Different species capable of cross-mating must not be housed together. This
clause does not apply while animals are performing or being trained together in the circus
ring. Any progeny from accidental matings must not be exhibited.
1.7.
Social species shall not be exhibited as single specimens unless compelling
reasons can be shown.
1.8.
Species Groups
1.S.A. Big Cats
Lions - In the wild, lions are basically sedentary individuals. They only become active
during hunting, feeding, fighting, territorial marking or mating. These active periods
have been shown to occupy only a very small part of the normal waking hours of lions,
making lions a more suitable big cat to be kept in a circuses than other species of big cats.
never prove themselves to be a source of stressful stimuli otherwise the animals will no
longer tend to 'trust" that human and allow themselves to be led by that human.
Male elephants periodically undergo a condition known as "musth" in which they are
more aggressive and sexually active. A must bull elephant will attack anything that it
perceives to be a rival, and is therefore potentially very dangerous, especially in captivity.
Because of this it is recommended that Australian circuses do not hold bull elephants
except where a documented manageable safe history can be demonstrated.
Elephants are intelligent, inquisitive and social creatures, and therefore circuses should
not attempt to maintain single elephants. Existing circuses that hold elephants may
acquire single Ws to add to their existing group, however new circuses wishing to obtain
elephants for the first time must acquire two or more compatible animals. Elephants kept
in circuses must be supplied with mental stimulation, avenues of play and social contact
with other elephants. Regular training will provide some of the necessary stimulation,
providing the training is based on positive reinforcement only. This training should
involve the introduction of new behaviours and the modification of existing routines.
It is now considered unacceptable to tether elephants via the use of metal leg bands and
chains, therefore any circus considering holding elephants must be competent in
containing elephants via the use of electric fencing for the majority of daylight hours
every day. For safety reasons tethers will be allowed at night, during storms, when the
elephant trainer/handler is temporarily absent from the circus, and in emergency
situations.
1.8.E. Monkeys/Chimpanzees
Monkeys and apes are intensely hierarchical, very intelligent social animals. Their
association with humans is based on their perception of humans being a source of food
and other types of rewards, as well as their (preferred) perception of humans being at the
top of their social order. Given proper care and facilities, most individuals adapt to
existence in a circus. This care includes constant sources of mental stimuli. Training on
an ongoing basis must be pursued to provide a regular source of mental stimuli.
Their amenability to training is due to their high intelligence and inquisitive nature. Both
these tendencies are well catered for if the animals are being trained. Their intelligence
also means that they need constant stimulation when not training or performing otherwise
they become bored and frustrated.
Large apes (orangutans and gorillas) and arboreal apes (gibbons) are unsuitable animals
for the circus environment due to their large living space requirements, and therefore
must not be held by Australian circuses.
1.8.F. Birds
The need in birds for large display cages to allow natural flight and their nervous nature
around humans generally renders them unsuitable animals for circuses. The exceptions
to this are domesticated pigeons and doves, domestic poultry and parrots.
1.8.J. Amphibians
Due to their untrainable nature circuses may not hold amphibian species.
1.8.K.
Fish
Due to their untrainable nature, circuses may not hold fish species.
1.S.L.
Cetacea
Due to the inability for circuses to provide the proper facilities of large enough size to
maintain the health and well-being of cetacea, circuses may not hold cetacea species.
Clause 2 Responsibilities of The Circus Proprietor/manager
Display sites
2.1.
The circus proprietor/manager shall only choose display sites which maximise the
size available to the animals. At all times the display dimensions available to the animals
must not tall below the minimum sizes set out in this document.
2.2.
Animals must not be housed on a sealed surface (eg. bitumen, concrete, etc.).
The only instances where this is allowable is where the sealed surface is first covered by
a suitable material which will absorb the heat and cold effects of the sealed surface.
2.3.
It is permissible for animals to be housed off site in alternative -suitable and
adequately spaced areas when animal husbandry demands or when staging perfortnances
at indoor venues.
Animal care
2.4.
During all stages of animal performance, the audience must be encouraged to
treat the animals with respect.
2.5.
Animals must be provided with shelter from climatic extremes at all times, and
access to drinking water must be available to all animals when the circus is not in motion.
2.6.
Young animals must not be removed from the company of their own species so
that they become imprinted exclusively on humans. Every effort should be made to
imprint the animal on members of its own species prior to the animal becoming
humanized.
2.7.
Trainers/handlers should be encouraged to have a long tenure with their animals
in order to develop a solid relationship with their charges.
4.3.
Each vehicle carrying animals should be fitted with a radio transceiver and all
vehicles should use the same operating frequency to allow for ready communication. If
no radio transceivers are available, a vehicle not engaged in the transport of animals must
follow at the rear, to ensure that assistance can be rendered in the event of an emergency.
4.4.
If animal transportation vehicles stop for longer than a 15 minute period during
the day in an area away from a built-up township, beast wagons must have their sides
opened to allow fresh air and sunlight to enter the animals quarters when weather
permits.
4.5.
All circuses in Australia must provide facilities to enable appropriate transport
of their animals from venue to venue. These facilities must include adequate ventilation
for the animals.
4.6.
There must be at least two ex-tended lay-over periods, of at least two weeks
separate duration each year, when transportation equipment can be overhauled and the
animals rested from training/performance.
4.7.
When circuses are at lay-over sites they must ensure that the animal housing
provided complies with the standards for display outlined in this document.
4.8.
When any circus animals are held in holding parks in NSW (eg. retired animals,
breeding animals, or display animals being rested), animal housing must be provided
which satisfies the requirements for each species set out under the Exhibited Animals
Protection Act for a static animal display.
4.9.
A maximum five year phasing in period will be given during which existing
equipment can be replaced or modified. Each circus will develop a five year phasing in
program in conjunction with Exhibited Animals Protection Act Inspectors to allow for a
workable program of purchasing new equipment. All equipment that conforms to the
new standards will have its compliance registered and the compliance registration
number stamped on the main structure of the facility. The circus proprietor must have the
compliance documentation always in his/her possession. Facilities without compliance
documentation after the end of the five year period will be deemed illegal.
4.10.
Circuses must comply with all other transport requirements not specific to
circus transportation, for example the Standards for the Transportation of Exhibited
Animals must also be complied with in NSW.
4.11.
4.11.A.
Species Groups
Big Cats
A.1
Since big cats tend to defecate in one given area of the cage, the food presentation
and sleeping areas should be set as far away as possible from these areas to prevent faecal
contamination of food and bedding. Where cats are seen not to practice this sort of cage
discipline', containers and bedding must be raised above cage floor level to be tethered,
the tether must be of sufficient length to allow their free movement up and down.
4.11.D.
Elephants
D.1
Except in short-term exceptional circumstances elephants must be transported in
enclosed floats. The float must be strong enough to withstand the weight of an elephant
either leaning or being thrown against the side walls. They must be well ventilated to
prevent build-up of heat and waste gases.
D.2
During transportation each elephant must be sufficiently contained so that it can
stand up normally but is unable to turn around thereby causing itself possible injury. This
can be achieved by stalling each individual elephant or housing each elephant side by
side width ways across their transportation vehicle. Nothing that can cause injury to an
elephant must be present inside the transportation vehicle. The vehicle must allow
adequate and safe inspection of all elephants being transported.
DJ
During transportation, dry fodder may be offered to elephants provided it is
contained in a feed crib that is within easy reach of the animals, but that cannot cause the
elephants injury in any way.
4.11.E. Monkeys/Chimpanzees
E.1
Due to the fact that the "report wagon for primates often also acts as the display
facility for them, the transport facilities must be designed to take in the total needs of the
housed primates. Where primates do not defecate in a particular area of their wagon the
food presentation and sleeping areas should be raised above cage floor level to prevent
faecal contamination of these areas.
E.2
Compartments for ~porting primates must provide sufficient space to allow each
animal to assume normal standing posture, lie down fully stretched, and turn around.
Where individuals are known to display aggression towards each other, or in the case of
nursing mothers these individuals must be physically but not visually separated for
transport from others of their species. In other instances primate species may travel in
group situations.
EJ
Hardwood flooring is an acceptable material for the transport wagons of
primates. Bedding of a suitable material must be provided at all times.
E.4
All facilities to house primates must only have access to the animals through a
double locked door which allows clear vision into the enclosure. The animals must be
excluded from this area before the keeper enters.
E.5
Transport facilities which hold primates must provide insulation from the heat
effects of the sun while maintaining adequate ventilation.
AJ
Any display housing facility for big cats must have the capacity to mount, either
within the wagon itself or outside the wagon, a suitable cage to enable physical restraint
for safe veterinary examination or administration of drugs.
A.4
Big cat display enclosures must have access to sunlight and shade from direct
sunlight during daylight hours. Drinking water and shelter from climatic extremes must
be provided at all times, to satisfy the needs of all the cats housed within.
A.5
Access to the animals must be through a double locked door which allows clear
vision into the enclosure. The animals must be excluded from the area into which the
handler/keeper is entering.
5.3.B.
B.1
Dogs
Minimum Display Dimensions for Dogs
Small/Medium Dogs
(under 15kgs)
Minimum floor space
for one pair (M2)
Increased floor space
for each additional
animal (M2)
Minimum width (m)
B.2
B3
4.5
Large Dogs (over
15Kgs or above 0.5m
height at rump)
6
2.25
3
3
3
The enclosure material must be suitably strong to contain the dogs.
Where dogs are confined via the use of running leashes, see Clause 19.B.1. for
minimum requirements.
B.4
The area in which the dogs are kept while not performing must have access to
sunlight and shade from direct sunlight during daylight hours. Drinking water and shelter
from climatic extremes must be provided at all times of the day to satisfy the needs of all
the dogs.
5.3.C.
Ungulates & Camelids
C.1
Ungulates and camelids must be confined in a compound by ordinary or electric
fencing when at the performance site.
DJ
Under some circumstances the tethering of elephants for short periods of time
is acceptable. See Clause 19.1.D.l. for minimum requirements.
D.4
The compound must have access to sunlight and shade from direct sunlight
during daylight hours. Drinking water and shelter from climatic extremes must be
provided at all times to satisfy the needs of all the elephants held within the compound.
The ground underfoot where possible must be clean, well-drained, non-abrasive and not
stony.
5.3.E. Monkeys/Chimpanzees
E.1
When at a performance site all primates must be given access to display areas
in accordance with the size dimensions outlined in 5.3.E.2. If this area requirement is not
provided within the traveling wagon itself, demountable enclosures annexed to the
primates beast wagon must be provided. Annexes should be constructed from steel tube
framed interlocking mesh panels or other acceptable materials of sufficient strength to
contain primates. These exercise areas must be available at all times during daylight
hours.
E.2 Minimum Display Dimensions for Primates
Minimum floor space for one
animal (m2)
Increased floor space for each
additional animal (m2 )
Minimum height (m)
Minimum width (m)
Small primates (Macaque Large Primates
Sized)
(Chimpanzees &
Baboons)
5
20
2.5
10
2.5
2.4
2.5
2.4
E.3
Due to their extreme activity level primates have one of the highest living space
requirements. Cage sizes must be maximised. The utilisation of cage volume must be
maximised by fixing climbing elements within the cage (such as solid branches,
mezzanine floors, etc.) to utilise the dimension of height.
E.4
Primates of different species may mix in the display areas provided that there is
no evidence of interspecies aggression.
E.5
Primates must be kept occupied as much as possible when not performing or
training. This can be achieved through the use of durable toys, swings, climbing
elements, grips and perches. These playthings must be changed regularly to provide a
periodic change in stimuli.
Clause 6 Night Quarters
6.1.
Since most caged animals tend to defecate in one given area of the cage, the
food presentation and sleeping areas must be set as far away as possible from these areas
to prevent faecal contamination of food and bedding. Where animals are seen not to
practice this sort of "cage discipline, containers and bedding areas must be raised above
cage floor level. Water and food containers should never be placed under perches in the
case of birds.
62.
Species Groups
6.2.A.
Big Cats
A.1
The night quarters of big cats may consist of their transportation wagons.
Big cats must have access to dry overnight shelter which provides protection from
climatic extremes.
A.2
Bedding in the form of dry straw or other suitable material changed daily
must be provided for the cats.
6.2.B.
Dogs
B.1
Dogs must have access to dry shelter overnight which provides protection
from climatic extremes.
B.2
Suitable bedding material must be provided for insulation. An area free of
bedding must also be available for each dog at night.
6.2.C. Ungulates & Camelids
C.1
Ungulates and camelids must have access to overnight shelter which will
protect the animals from climatic extremes.
6.2.D.
Elephants
D.1
Elephants must have access to overnight shelter which will protect the
elephants from climatic extremes.
6.2.E.
Monkeys/Chimpanzees
E.1
The night quarters of primates may consist of their transportation wagons.
Primates must have access to dry overnight shelter which provides protection from
climatic extremes.
7.10.
Any stools, ladders, planks or steps used as props must either be fixed to the ring
sides or have a wide enough base to be sufficiently stable. If there are any wood
elements within these items, this wood must not be splintery or split. Any props must be
well designed and as simple as possible.
When deciding on the colour of a prop that the animal must be able to see in order to
utilise it properly, it should be remembered that most animals are colour blind and
therefore the colour of the prop should contrast clearly with that of its background As
animals eyes are sensitive to shape and motion the shape of the prop should also contrast
with that of its background in order to enhance its visibility to the anij7iaL Swirling
designs on the prop that break up its outline should not be used as they make the prop
harder for an animal to see. The same should apply to the inside of the circus ring.
Clause 8 Command And Bridging Signals
8.1.
No training or command implement must be used in such a manner that pain,
injury or distress will be inflicted on the animal.
8.2.
Any device capable of administering an electric shock must not be used for
training animals for performance.
8.3.
Elephant hooks must have a probe (blunt) point on the hook, and must never be
applied in a painful manner. Gentle pressure to the ears, or to the elbows with the hook is
acceptable. All other guiding pressures should be applied with the butt or the side of the
stick.
8.4.
Collars, head collars or leads should not be jerked or pulled forcefully in order
to guide an animal.
8.5.
Rattans (canes) and other types of rods may be used to push or guide an animal,
and they may be struck against each other or against apparatus to provide a noise
stimulus, but they must not be used to strike an animal. The ends of these devices must
always be blunt.
8.6.
The use of sharp spurs, or spurs with fixed rowels, is not permitted under any
circumstances for the training of animals.
8.7.
All training implements must be non-toxic to animals by virtue of their
composition and construction.
8.8.
Animals must not be struck with any training device unless the safety of humans
or other animals is under direct threat.
Stationing (each animal to its own perch), Assemblage (animals arranged together in
various groups and postures), Rearing, Leaping (over obstacles, through hoops (but not
hoops of fire), onto narrow perches, etc.), Vocalising, Rolling, Close contact with handler
(trainer lying against or sitting on animal, "shaking hands", manual opening of jaws, etc.),
Balancing Acts (running along narrow plank, etc).
9.6.B.
Dogs
Dogs may be trained to perform the following basic behaviours on command:
Stationing, Assemblage, Bipedal walking and Dancing, Vocalising, Leaping on or over or
through various objects, Rolling, Retrieving objects.
9.6.C.
Ungulates & Camelids
Ungulates and camelids may be trained to perform the following basic behaviours on
command:Assemblage, Stationing, Gait Changes on Command, 'Dancing", Rearing, Bipedal
Walking (not camelids), Foot Tapping, Vocalising, Prehension of Objects (eg. retrieving
a scarf), Wheeling, Synchronised Movement.
9.6.D.
Elephants
Elephants may be trained to perform the following basic behaviours on command:
Stationing, Assemblage, Rearing, Vocalising, Prehension (with the trunk), Wheeling,
Balancing Acts (restricted to cylinders not balls), Weight Lifting, Dancing.
Elephants need to be accustomed to taking orders front humans so that everyday
handling is not a trauma, either for the animals or the handler. Because they are social
animals, they also appear to benefit psychologically from the stimuli provided by their
trainers and from the training and performance of desired behaviours.
9.6.E.
Monkeys/Chimpanzees
Primates may be trained to perform the following basic behaviours on command:
Stationing, Assemblage, Balancing and Climbing Acts (may include the use of
apparatus), Object Retrieval, Vocalisation, "Dancing", Riding (on the back of other
animal species).
Clause12 Veterinarian Attention
112.1. Each circus must establish a regular arrangement with veterinary surgeons who
have specialised knowledge of circus animals. These veterinarians must check all circus
animals on a six-monthly basis regardless of their state of health. Where the regular
veterinarian is unavailable, sick or injured animals should be examined by a local
veterinarian who should be provided with the regular veterinarian's contact address and
phone number.
112.2. Copies of all medical records pertaining to each circus animal must be
maintained by the circus and travel with the animal in a central accessible location.
* Copies of medical records must travel with the animals to
ensure any consulting
Veterinarian can immediately view the medical record of a particular animal.
12.3. Circuses must maintain an up-to-date list and locality guide of suitably qualified
veterinarians and make themselves familiar with the name and location of the nearest
veterinarian upon arriving at a given venue.
12.4. If any treatment commenced involves the use of a prescription scheduled drug,
the advice and attendance of a registered veterinarian must be sought. Should. a suitably
qualified veterinarian not be available, the advice of one must be gained verbally over the
phone and confirmed by fax or letter for the animal's medical record.
12.5. If a disease condition is diagnosed by a veterinarian that requires hospitalization,
either the animal should be removed for treatment or if the space is available hospital
facilities can be set up within the circus. These would comprise of a separated area
within the existing facilities where the animal can be contained, isolated, monitored and
nursed if necessary.
12.6. If a diagnosed disease involves an infectious agent that renders it communicable
to other animals, or to humans, a hospital area within the circus must be quarantined.
Only selected staff shall have access to the area and disinfection measures should be
devised under the guidance of the attending veterinarian to prevent the spread of the
disease.
12.7. Surgery of any sort must only be performed by a registered veterinarian.
Declawing of big cats must only be undertaken in the circumstances set out in the NSW
Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (General) Regulation 1981, Clause 6A (3b). Under no
circumstances is the detoothing of a big cat an acceptable surgery procedure unless the
detoothing is necessary to improve the animal's health.
12.8. Veterinary opinion must be sought before moving animals in late stages of
pregnancy.
A.3
Big cats while on display must always have access to an area away from
public view.
A.4
It should always be remembered that these animals are potentially dangerous
to members of the public, and pictorial signs must be used on safety barriers to alert the
public to this fact.
15.1.B.
Dogs
B.1
Staff supervision must ensure that no circus dog is teased or otherwise abused
by members of the public.
B.2
If one of the circus dogs is unwell or frightened, it must be kept away from
the public to minimise the risk of further stress on the animal.
B.3
Dogs must not be confined in such a manner that it is impossible for them to
retreat from members of the public. They must always be provided with an area where
they can remove themselves from public attention while still receiving socialisation from
other dogs.
1.5.1.C. Ungulates & Camelids
C.1
Ungulates and camelids must be confined so that they can avoid the
attentions of members of the public if they wish to do so.
C.2
Under supervision, members of the public can be allowed to pet and feed
good-natured ungulates and camelids, as long as the feeding is supervised by circus
personnel to ensure no unwholesome food stuffs are given to the animals and that the
animals are not stressed or mistreated.
15.1.D.
Elephants
D.1
Members of the public must never be allowed to approach an elephant
unsupervised. It should always be remembered that elephants are potentially dangerous
to members of the public, and pictorial signs must be used on safety barriers to alert the
public to this fact.
D.2
Elephants must be confined so that they can avoid the attentions of
members of the public if they wish to do so.
15.1.E.
Monkey s/Chimpanzees
E.1
No member of the public should ever be allowed to approach a primate
unsupervised. It should always be remembered that primates are potentially dangerous to
members of the public, and pictorial signs must be used on safety barriers to alert the
public to this fact.
A.2.
Tigers
It is acceptable to house tigers together provided that there is no antagonism between
cage mates.
It is vital that any wagon used to hold tigers can be subdivided into separate
compartments for each tiger if this becomes necessary.
Tigers are social cats, but less so than lions. A hierarchy will always form, and this
should be observed, evaluated and taken into account when handling or housing these
animals. Tigers must be fed separately as, in the wild, they are accustomed to feeding
solitarily on their kills.
A-3.
Leopards
Facilities to hold leopards must have provision to transport, display and feed all leopards
separately.
Of all the big cats, this group tends to behave in a manner most similar to that of the
domestic cat.. Animals in this group tend to be solitary creatures, although some
individuals will tolerate the sharing of their cage with another if they are 'old friends',
however this is the exception rather than the rule. Therefore, there must be provision to
transport, display and feed all leopards separately.
16.1.B. Dogs
B.1.
Dogs have a strong hierarchical tendency that tends to make colony situations
self-regulating. Protective measures to intervene should only be taken if one individual is
being constantly attacked or if an attack is likely to lead to serious injury or death for the
loser. A retreat area must always be provided for individuals from the group.
16.1.C. UnguIates & Camelids
C.1.
As ungulates and camelids are social herd animals, they must always have visual
access to others of their species.
Most ungulates will only assert dominance over other members of their colony if there is
something that can not be shared equally between all members. This may be fees an
oestrus female or a choice spot in the enclosure. 21crefore feed should be made equally
available as should 'good' areas of the enclosure. During the mating season, rival males
may have to be separated, and males and females may have to be separated if breeding is
not desired.
relate to their charges on an individual basis. In this way, trainers will be able to detect
problems (physica4 medical or psychological) and hidden talents in their animals before
anybody else can.
2.
A thorough familiarity with the behavioural tendencies of the species for
which they are engaged to be responsible;
3.
A thorough familiarity with the potential physical capabilities of the species
for which they are engaged to be responsible;
4.
A thorough familiarity with the accepted methods of handling, physical
restraint and training of the species for which they are engaged to be responsible;
5.
A basic sense of. hygiene,, cleanliness and neatness in regard to facilities,
equipment and feed;
6.
Basic skills in visually assessing animal demeanour, physical condition,
faecal output, feed intake, etc.;
7.
The ability to maintain coherent, comprehensive and relevant records in
relation to the animals under their care;
8.
The ability to liaise with the circus management;
9.
The ability to delegate responsibility appropriately where circumstances
warrant this;
10.
The ability to recognise and carry out safe work practices;
11.
The ability to liaise with the visiting public;
Because members of the public ultimately Determine the viability of a circus, questions
from the public. must always be treated with respec4 even if the person asking the
questions is basically antagonistic to the idea of animals in circuses. Ale circus must
dcn7onstrate its willingness to talk to any member of the public about any aspect of the
presence of animals in circuses.
12.
Ability and willingness to consult and communicate with veterinary consultants.
17.3.
Staff to be involved in the care of animals in circuses should be encouraged to
utilise the following' avenues for obtaining the necessary skills to be considered
competent regarding animal matters:
1
Undertake one of a number of formal courses dealing specifically with
specialised animal care (ie. animal husbandry, zoo keeping, animal ethics). Many animal
care courses can now be undertaken by correspondence.
18.1.B. Dogs
B.1.
Because of their long standing association with humans, dogs derive a large
amount of stimulation from interacting with people. Training also gives dogs the
stimulation of learning new performance behaviours.
B.2.
As dogs are pack animals, they derive stimulation in interacting with other dogs,
therefore they must be housed together wherever possible,
18.1.C.
Ungulates and Camelids
C.1.
As ungulates and camelids are herd animals, they derive stimulation in
interacting with other members of their own-species,-therefore they must be housed,
with--their own, , species wherever possible.- Where two individuals sharing the same
enclosure results in constant fighting or bullying, these individuals must be physically but
not visually separated.
18.1.D.
Elephants
D.1.
As elephants are herd animals, they derive stimulation in interacting with other
members of their own species, therefore they must be housed with their own species
wherever possible. Where two individuals sharing the same enclosure results in constant
fighting or bullying, these individuals must be physically but not visually separated.
D.2.
Because elephants are intelligent, inquisitive and social creatures, they must be
supplied with mental stimulation, avenues of play and social contact with humans and
other elephants. In between shows elephants must be given durable objects to play with,
provided these objects are not capable of causing the elephants injury.
18.1.E.
Monkeys/Chimpanzees
E.1.
As primates are highly social animals it is very important that they derive
stimulation. from interacting with others of their own species. Primates must never be
housed alone unless aggression between individuals causes a health threat to a particular
individual. in which case the aggressor should be separated temporarily.
E.2.
Every effort must be made to encourage foraging behaviour by the hiding of
food such as nuts in different areas of the enclosure including clean substrate.
C.3. When ungulates or camelids are not performing or are tethered, no harnesses of any
sort except a light headstall shall be worn by the animals. The headstall must not rub
around she animals ears or cheeks.
C.4.
Camels must not be tethered via their nose pegs. If tethered for transportation,
camels must be restrained with a long tether tied from their headstall to floor level so that
the camel can sit completely down.
C.S.
Cattle must not be tethered via their nose rings.
C.6.
Tethers for ungulates and camelids must be constructed of light rope or other
material which is strong enough to contain the animal, but does not weigh the animals
head down. Metal chain may only be used on a tether when an animal is to be staked
outdoors, and under these circumstances the. chain must form the extreme lower section
of the tether (that nearest the ground), and must not exceed 30cm in.-length.
19.1.D.
Elephants
D.1.
Tethering of elephants is only acceptable at night, during storms, or while
their trainer/handler is temporarily absent from the circus. Under any circumstances
elephants must only be tethered via a metal leg band around one leg. The minimum
tether length to be used for elephants is 4 metres.
D.2.
Harnessing of elephants during performances is allowed if the elephant is
going to pull or carry something. A harness must be applied so that no rubs, cuts, galls or
bruises result. Metal components of these harnesses must not come into direct contact
with the animal's skin, especially under pressure. Decorative head pieces may be worn
but these must be removed when the elephant is not performing.
19.1.E.
Monkeys/Chimpanzees
E.1.
Primates may be fitted with permanent non-chafing leather neck collars with
a maximum of 10cm of light metal chain. Permanent collars must be checked on a
weekly basis for tightening around the animals neck and adjusted accordingly. Shoulder
harnesses may be used for the purposes of training and performance handling only, they
must be removed after the animal has completed its performance or training session.
E.2.
Primates may only be tethered immediately prior to performance or training for
a maximum of 15 minutes.
19.I.F. Birds
F.1.
Birds may not be tethered.
D.1.
Where access to grooming materials (water, loose dirt, large trees to rub
against) are not available to elephants to enable self-grooming to occur, they should have
their hides bathed and scrubbed once a day to remove loose skin flakes except where the
ambient temperature falls below 15 degrees Celsius, in which case elephants should be
brush cleaned.
20.1.E.
Monkeys/Chimpanzees
E.I.
Teeth and gum health shall be maintained by providing a diet which includes
firm foods such as apples, to polish the teeth and massage the gums.
20.1.F.
Birds
F.1. Birds will groom themselves. Access to cuttlebone and similar substances will aid
beak and claw maintenance. Access to baths is compulsory.
F.2.
The correct perches (natural branches of varying widths), and floor substrate
(natural material), will help to maintain the birds claws.
Clause 21 Record Keeping
21.1.
Daily records must be maintained for each individual animal. These records
must show:
i)
Species (common and scientific name);
ii)
Given name of animal and its sex;
iii)
Date of birth;
iv)
Name of breeder, place of birth, sire and dam (if known);
v)
Date of acquisition by circus;
vi)
Previous ownerships - names and dates;
vii)
Breeding history - mating dates, mating partners, number and sex of any
offspring, and the fate of those offspring;
viii)
Medical History (including diagnoses of diseases, medical treatments, surgical.
procedures, vaccinations). Dates are essential;
ix)
Any scarring or distinguishing marks;
x)
Any noteworthy incidents involving this animal;
xi)
Any comments or precautions (eg. side effects of certain drugs).
xii)
Identification - eg. legband, eartag, microchip, tattoo number or appropriate
photograph;
xiii)
Dietary. preferences;
xiv) Routine husbandry procedures (nail trimming, hoof trimming, worming, etc).
Standards for Exhibiting Koalas (Phascolarctos cinereus) in
New South Wales
Exhibited Animals Protection Act
A publication of the Director-General, NSW Agriculture pertaining to the conditions of
display of koalas (pursuant to Clause 8(2) of the Exhibited Animals Protection
Regulations, 1995)
Clause 1: Facilities
1.1 Construction
a) Enclosures shall be constructed of such materials and be maintained in sufficiently
good repair to ensure that they will contain the animals at all times and are to be safe for
the animals, for the staff attending them, and for the public
b) Enclosures, or the perimeter fence in the case of an establishment where koalas are
permitted to free range, shall be designed in such a way as to prevent the entry of wild
koalas. This requirement only applies to establishment located in areas where wild
koalas are known to occur.
c) Enclosures may be of open, semi-enclosed or totally enclosed design.
d) Sufficient shelter must be provided to allow protection from wind, rain and
extremes in temperature and allow sufficient access to shade during the hot periods of
the day.
e) The size and shape of enclosures for P. cinereus shall provide freedom of
movement, both vertically and horizontally.
f) The enclosure shall be well drained and have either a readily cleanable substrate or
be of a material which can be replaced to avoid the accumulation of faeces and urine.
1.2 Isolation Facilities
Suitable isolation facilities shall be provided for quarantine of incoming or sick animals.
1.3 Protection from Noise, Harassment and Stress
a) The establishment shall satisfy the Director-General that sufficient numbers of
experienced, identifiable employees are in attendance to protect koalas from abuse
and harassment where koala handling occurs and to ensure that stress on the koalas
does not occur.
b) Koalas must not be placed directly on any visitor or directly held by any visitor for any
purpose. If koalas are to be held by visitors, the koala must already be clinging to some
suitable object. The visitor can then be permitted to hold the object with the koala on it.
c) The licensee shall ensure that koalas are not repeatedly removed from objects to
which they are clinging.
1.4 Enclosure Furniture
a) There must be at least two free forks per koala not less than 1.8 metres above ground
and not closer than 0.9 metres to the next fork.
b) All supports and branches shall provide sufficient traction for koalas to climb easily
and safely.
Clause 2: Hygiene
Substrate of enclosures shall be cleaned daily. The supports and branches shall be
replaced as necessary and be maintained in a clean and hygienic condition, free from the
accumulation of faeces and urine.
Clause 3: Records
3.1. Identification
Each Koala shall be individually identified by an approved method of identification
3.2 Record - Keeping
a) Establishment shall keep records of all koalas on an individual basis in a form which
can be quickly and easily examined, analysed and compared with those kept by other
establishments.
b) All documents and other information pertaining to each animal, including records
from previous locations, must be kept safely. Animals moving to new locations must
be accompanied by copies of all records relevant to those animals.
c) The records shall provide for each koala at least the following information:
i) the correct identification number, scientific name, any personal name and any
distinctive markings;
ii) the origin (i.e. details of the wild population or of the parents and their origin,
and of any previous location);
iii) the dates of acquisition and disposal, with details of circumstances and
addresses;
iv) the date or estimated date of birth, and the basis on which the date is estimated,
or the date of the first emergence of the juvenile from the pouch;
v) weight on arrival, the thereafter monthly. The requirement for weighing animals
monthly shall not apply to koalas which are either free-ranging within the perimeter
barrier of the establishment, or are not dependent on hand feeding for nourishment.
vi) clinical data, including results of physical examination by a qualified
veterinarian and details of and date when any form of treatment was given, together
with results of routine health examinations;
vii) breeding and details of any offspring;
viii) the date of death and the results of the post mortem reports which must be
performed by a qualified veterinarian.
d) The Director-General may require records of daily leaf collections to be maintained,
including details of i) leaf species,
ii) area of collection,
iii) weights of leaves before and after feeding,
iv) the identities of the koalas which fed on the leaves.
Records may be required to be submitted to the Director-General at three monthly
intervals for a period of two years from the date of initial issue of a permit to exhibit
koalas.
3.3 Transaction Records
a) A written report, including records of any clinical observations, shall be submitted to
the Director-General within 30 days, on every transport operation, in particular detailing
any problems arising and with suggestions as to how these may be avoided.
b) The Director-General must keep a current summary of transport advice, based on these
reports and provide a copy to applicants for their information.
Clause 4: Diet and food collection
4.1. General
a) An establishment applying for a permit to exhibit koalas must satisfy the DirectorGeneral that it has guaranteed access to adequate fresh supplies of leaves from at least
three suitable koala food tree species. This is important when particular species can be
susceptible to insect attack at particular times of the year. Known food trees include the
species listed below:
E. botryoides
E. camaldulensis
E. camphora
E. citriodora
E. cypellocarpa
E. goniocalyx
E. grandis
E. haemastoma
E. maculata
E. microcorys
E. nicholii
E. obliqua
E. ovata
E. paniculata
E. pilularis
E. propinqua
E. punctata
E. radiata
E. robusta
Southern Mahogany
River Red Gum
Broad-leafed Sally
Lemon-scented Gum
Mountain Grey Gum
Long-leafed Box
Flooded Gum
Scribbly Gum
Spotted Gum
Tallowwood
Small-leafed Peppermint
Messmate
Swamp Gum
Grey Ironbark
Blackbutt
Small-fruited Grey Gum
NSW Grey Gum
Narrow-leafed Peppermint
Small Mahogany
E. rubida
E. saligna
E. scoparia
E. sideroxylon
E. tereticornis
E. viminalis
Candle Bark
Sydney Blue Gum
Wallengarra White Gum
Red Iron Bark
Forest Red Gum
Manna Gum
b) A sufficient quantity of eucalypt leaves shall be provided continuously and
replaced at least once daily.
c) Preferred species of eucalypt should be supplemented by a variety of different
species of eucalypt as a precaution against local or seasonal differences in
digestibility and palatability of dietary leaf matter. Both young and mature leaves
should be provided.
d) Feed must be presented as close and accessible to the koalas perch as possible and
care taken to prevent wastage of feed placed out of reach.
e) Fresh soil shall be provided, but not around the base of perches, to provide for
supplementation of mineral intake or alternatively a mineral salt lick be provided.
f) Clean accessible drinking water facilities shall be provided. Water shall be
replaced at least once daily.
4.2 Quality of Food Leaves
Frequency of leaf cutting and the operation of leaf storage facilities shall ensure the
koalas receive palatable, uncontaminated, nutritionally adequate food leaves.
Clause 5 : Transport
5.1. Quarantine
a) Koalas to be transferred between establishments must be subject to a period of 30 days
quarantine at either the importing or exporting establishment unless an exemption from
the quarantine period is advised and certified by a veterinarian following a complete
veterinary examination.
The certificate must also establish that the koala is i) not in a weakened or emaciated condition ; and
ii) is free from
- keratoconjunctivitis,
- pneumonia,
- dermatitis, and
- urogenital discharge,
before release from quarantine.
5.2 : Transport Cage
Koalas must be transported individually in solid framed cages measuring at least 95 cm x
75 cm x 95 cm high. The cages must have removable, leakproof metal drop trays fitted at
the base. Sides and top must be of stout wire mesh and be fitted with light hessian or
shadecloth covers. Each cage must be fitted with a resting branch providing at least two
forks.
5.3 Feeding in Transit
a) Koalas must each be accompanied by at least 3.6kg of the leaves on which they are
normally fed; the leaves being left on the stem and the base of the stem remaining in
water or sealed.
b) One Kilogram of these leaves must be placed in the cage with the koala before
departure.
5.4 Stress Reduction
a) Koalas must not be subjected to temperatures greater than 30 degrees or less than
10 degrees Centigrade during the trip.
b) Koalas must be accompanied by a keeper familiar with the animals being
transported at all times except during air transport.
c) Noise must be minimised during transport.
d) Time from caging to destination must be minimised.
References
Bergin, T.J. (ed) 1978. The Koala. Proceedings of the Taronga Symposium, Sydney
1978. Zoological Parks Board of New South Wales.
Brown, S. 1986. “Management of Captive Koalas” from Koalas Management Proceedings of the Australian Koala Foundation Inc. Conference on Koala Management,
Australian Koala Foundation, Queensland.
Collins, L.R., 1973. Monotremes and Marsupials. A Reference for Zoological
Institutions. Smithsonian Institution Press, City of Washington.
Drake, B., 1982. Koala, Phascolarctus cinereus: its husbandry at Royal Melbourne
Zoological Gardens in D.D. Evans (ed.) Proceedings of the Scientific Meetings of the
Australian Mammal Society, Healesville, Victoria. February 1979. The Zoological
Board of Victoria.
Lee,A. & Martin, R. 1988 The Koala. A Natural History. University of New South
Wales Press.
Anon. Policies for the Exhibition of Native Fauna in New South Wales. National Parks
and Wildlife Service.
Anon. Conditions for the Export of Koalas. Australian National parks and Wildlife
Service.
Exhibited Animals Protection Act - Guidelines For The Pinioning of
Birds
Introduction
Under clause 4(2) of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1979, an offence- has
been committed if an animal is "unreasonably, unnecessarily or unjustifiably: beaten,
kicked, killed, wounded, pinioned, mutilated, maimed, abused, tormented, tortured,
terrified or infuriated”.
The purpose of this document is to set out guidelines for the justification and humane
method under which pinioning may occur in the exhibited animals industry. By
following the guidelines in this document it will be considered under the Prevention of
Cruelty to Animals Act that an individual pinioning a bird for exhibition is exempt from
this clause.
Definitions
Pinioning
A surgical procedure performed on a bird's wing to render the bird permanently incapable
of flight. The definition of pinioning does not include feather clipping.
The operation typically involves amputation of that part of the wingtip from which the
flight (primary) feathers grow by severing the second and third metacarpal bones. An
alternative, but less effective operation is commonly referred to as tendonotomy.
Tendonotomy involves the removal of part of a tendon from a wing causing reduced
flying ability, but leaving the bird fully feathered. It is only necessary to perform these
procedures on one wing to prevent flight.
Feather clipping
Involves the cutting of the flight (primary) feathers of one wing, rendering the bird
temporarily incapable of flight until the feathers are replaced at the next moult. Most
adult birds moult only once a year and are usually clipped once a year. Juveniles may go
through a rapid series of moults requiring frequent feather clipping to ensure flight is not
possible.
Justifications for Pinioning
In terms of exhibition, pinioning offers a number of advantages for both the animal
exhibitor and the display bird.
The benefits to the animal exhibitor are:
* that pinioned birds can be displayed in a more cost-effective way in
larger, more open exhibits giving the visitors the impression that the birds
are 'free';
* the visitors can get closer to the birds;
* it helps to ensure that the birds do not escape; and
* the pinioned birds may serve to attract additional wild birds to utilise an
open exhibit.
The benefits to the pinioned bird are:
* a larger exhibit, if well designed, can provide greater avenues for
behavioural enrichment than a smaller meshed enclosure which allows
flight.
* for nervous species, such as pheasants, pinioning prevents a startled bird
from flying rapidly upwards which could otherwise result in the bird
injuring or killing itself by colliding with the framework of the enclosure
roof.
Guidelines
1.
Prior to making a decision to pinion a bird's wing the owner must consider:
(a)
whether a regime of feather clipping would not be equally suitable;
(b)
whether the bird could be satisfactorily displayed in a large enclosed
aviary which supplies the bird with appropriate behavioural enrichment as
well as appropriate flying space.
2.
Pinioning may be performed on the following bird orders:
Ciconiiformes (Herons, Ibises, Storks, Flamingos)
Anseriformes (Ducks, Swans, Geese, Screamers)
Galliformes (Megapodes, Quails, Pheasants, Guineafowl, Guans)
Gruiformes (Button-quails, Rails, Cranes, Bustards)
Pinioning may also be performed on the following bird families which are not
in the above orders:
Anhingidae (Darter), Phalacrocoracidae (Cormorant);
and on the following species:
Burhinus magnirostris (Bush Thick-knee), Petrophassa smithii (Partridge Pigeon),
and.Phaps histrionica (Flock Bronzewing Pigeon).
Suitable candidates for pinioning are therefore those adapted primarily to a terrestrial
existence, where the majority of time is spent on water or land feeding, resting or
breeding.
3.
Whenever possible it is recommended to pinion birds under three days of age via
the wingtip amputation method. At this stage their wing tips are relatively
undeveloped and the birds can become accustomed to a flightless lifestyle more
easily.
4.
Pinioning of birds under three days of age via the wingtip amputation method can
be performed by either a registered veterinarian or the bird's owner under
instruction from a veterinarian. Use of anaesthesia for this method of amputation
is not necessary for birds of this age.
Exception: Any Megapode, no matter the age, must be anaesthetised while being
pinioned. Pinioning of Megapodes must only be performed by a registered
veterinarian
5.
Pinioning of a bird over three days of age via the amputation method must only be
performed by a registered veterinarian. The bird must be anaesthetised while
being pinioned.
6.
Pinioning of a bird of any age via the tendonotomy method must only be
performed by a registered veterinarian. The bird must be anaesthetised while
being pinioned by this method.
7.
Enclosures used to house pinioned birds must provide adequate predator control
through the use of night shelters, security fencing, baiting programs, keeper
supervision, etc.
Head Office ORANGE
NSW Agriculture
161 Kite Street, Locked Bag 21
ORANGE NSW 2800
Telephone (063) 91 3100
Draft Transport Standards For Exhibited Animals
INTRODUCTION
A.
Suitable Animals For
Transportation
1.
2.
Quality of the animals
Caging constraints
B.
1
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Animal Container
Design and materials
Obligatory features
Desirable features
Density of animals
Environmental considerations
Bedding
8. Procedures to be followed during
accidents
9. Humane destruction of animals
E.
Transportation Standards For
Specific Species
1
C. Preparation Prior To
Transportation
1. Preparation of animals
2. Preparation of container
3. Holding facilities
4. Loading ramps
5. Standards for transport vehicles
D. Transportation
1. General considerations
2. Mode of transport
(a)
Road transport
(b)
Air transport
(c)
Rail transport
(d)
Sea transport
3. Loading of animals
4. Food and water
5. Welfare problems associated with
transport
6. In-transit health and routine
inspections
7. Duration of journey and rest stops
Transportation of Koalas
2
Transportation of Raptors
3
Transportation of Carnivores
4
Transportation of Macropods
5
Transportation of Reptiles
6
Transportation of Bottle-nosed
Dolphins
7
Transportation of Horses
8
Transportation of Cattle
9
Transportation of Camels
10 Transportation of Pigs
11 Transportation of Goats
12. Transportation of Deer
13. Transportation of Sheep
14. Transportation of Domestic Fowl
15. Transportation of Wombats
15. Transportation of Flying Foxes
F. Release of Animals After
Transportation
1. General principles for the unloading
of animals
2. Release of ungulates
3. Release of macropods
4. Release of birds
5. Release of carnivores
6. Release of primates
Appendix 1 - Box Dimensions For
Commonly Transported Species
Appendix 2 - Transportation Guidelines
Appendix 3 - Firearms & Ammunition
Suitable For The Humane
Destruction of Livestock Feral Animals
Plain English Code Of Practice For The Welfare Of Animals In Films
And Theatrical Performances
What is the Code and What Does it Aim to do?
The Code is a standard of practice which establishes clear guidelines for the use of
animals in the film and television industry, corporate and educational productions, stage
performances and commercial photography for advertising or promotion.
A mandatory code has existed since 1990 and it has now been revised under the
Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1979.
General Guidelines
Animals should never be endangered, injured or abused or deliberately killed for a
production. When a script is being prepared, care must be taken about the possible
impacts on the welfare of the animals. An animal should only be required to do what it is
capable of being reasonably trained to do and only well-trained animals should be used
for stunts or special effects.
Only competent animal handlers, trainers or veterinarians should manage animals. The
welfare of animals is their prime consideration and they have the power to halt
production if they believe the animals are at risk. Animal handlers must have no other
responsibilities on set and similarly, other positions on set must not take responsibility for
animals, eg if a director is using his or her pet dog for a production, they cannot take
responsibility for the animal and direct - an animal consultant must be used.
In all instances a veterinary must be on call or arrangements must be in place for seeking
urgent veterinary assistance if required. A vet should be sought immediately if an animal
becomes sick, injured or distressed.
Animals may be used to perform tasks with other animals of the same or different
species, with people or special effects. When they are used in this way, they must not
suffer any distress, sickness, injury or abuse.
The ultimate responsibility for the animals rests with the producer (or his or her
authorised representative) whether they are on the set or not.
What Preparations should be made for using an Animal on-set?
Notification
When an animal is to be used on a set or portrayed, either the Royal Society for the
Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA/ NSW) or the NSW Animal Welfare League
(NSW AWL) must be notified. A notification form should be sent to either agency and
accompanied by a copy of the script scenes involved. If any major changes to the script
occur, the agency with whom you are dealing should be notified.
Background animals
If animals are to be used only for background purposes, eg birds in an aviary, and they
will be affected in a minimal way, for example by lighting, then notification alone is
adequate. The agency will advise if they have any concerns.
Featured animals and animal handlers
If an animal is to be used for a specific purpose, advice must be obtained from an
experienced animal handler or trainer. This should include advice on the most suitable
types of animal that should be used, the number, sex and age of animals, the availability
of the animal, the time likely to be needed for acclimatisation and training, any special
requirements of the animals, possible problems and the likelihood of thier occurrence,
estimated costs associated with the care and use of the animal as well as advice about
minimising disturbance to the animals living on or near the set.
Animals to be featured should be trained, handled and cared for by experienced animal
trainers, or competent animal handlers under the supervision of an experienced animal
trainer.
If several different species of animals are being used, the producer may be required to
consult with additional animal trainers or veterinary surgeons.
Native animals
If native animals are to be used or if the production is likely to disturb native animals
living near the set, the producer may be required to consult with the National Parks and
Wildlife Service.
When is a Veterinary Surgeon Required and What is his or her role?
In most cases, the presence of experienced animal handlers or trainers will be sufficient
on set. However, if there appears to be any risk of distress or injury to animals, for
example, scenes involving fast movement or large numbers of animals, those at an
advanced stage of pregnancy, very young or very old animals, difficult terrain, adverse
weather, reduced visibility, large amounts of smoke or fire, or any frightening special
effects, then the vet must be present. In some instances, the RSPCA or the AWL may
also request that a vet be present.
A vet, when engaged, must be available to advise on the health and welfare of the
animals on the set, during assembly of the animals, training and rehearsal, filming or
performance and until the end of production or dispersal of the animals.
When is the vet not required on the set?
If the vet decides the activity is low risk, he or she need not be present, though the
handler or trainer should be. The vet must be available to attend promptly if called.
Vet’s right to halt production
The veterinarian has the authority to give instructions to the producer or agent regarding
the treatment and welfare of an animal on set and may call a stop to production if the
welfare of the animal is in question.
Owner’s selection of vet
The owners of animals may have their own vet and if so, they should sign the rights to
treat the animal over to the producer’s vet if their own vet is unavailable.
Payment for vet treatment
The producer is responsible for the authorisation and payment for any treatment that the
attending vet thinks is appropriate, but this does not imply the acceptance of liability.
Destruction of injured animals
Any injured or sick animals must be treated or humanely destroyed either by the
consultant vet or an experienced vet surgeon. The final decision rests with the vet (if
possible after consultation with the owner).
Administering drugs to animals
Sedatives and anaesthetics for performance enhancement are prohibited. Other drugs are
not to be administered to animals on set except by or under the specific instructions of a
vet.
Animal Handlers
What are the trainer/handler’s responsibilities if no veterinarian has been engaged, or if
the consultant vet is not present?
Animal trainers or handlers should liaise with the consultant veterinary Surgeon when
engaged, or otherwise with an experienced veterinary surgeon regarding the care and
management of animals, and about procedures for reporting any signs of disease or
injury.
They should look after the animals’ health and welfare and decide if there is a need to
call a vet at any time. The exclusive task of any animal handlers and trainers on the set is
to take responsibility for the animals and ensure their welfare.
The set should be inspected each day to make sure it is suitable for the animals.
No animals other than those intended for use should be present on sets during rehearsal,
filming or performance. No unauthorised people are to interfere with or disturb the
animals and no one under the influence of drugs or alcohol may be present on the set
while animals are working.
Fireworks or other special effects designed to frighten animals must not be used.
Any disturbing factors such as heat or glare should be avoided, and animals should be
moved away from distressing situations.
Employing A Consultant, Animal Handler or Trainer
What must the producer provide?
The producer or his or her agent must provide the consultant with a copy of the Code of
Practice, a copy of the Film Industry Safety Guidance Notes - Use of Animals, a written
description of what is required of the animals to fulfil the script requirements, the
location and description of the sets, and details of likely environmental conditions.
The producer is responsible for the prevention of disease or injury, and that includes
making sure the animals are isolated, and that they are vaccinated and protected from
weather extremes and parasites. The producer must also ensure the animals have social
integration where possible and relevant training for their tasks.
The producer should also ensure that the set has the facilities for conveying urgent
messages, as well as some means of holding, restraining and examining animals and a
method of moving and transporting sick or injured animals.
What must the animal trainer/handler provide?
The handler should provide the producer with written information on their contact details,
their veterinary contacts and requirements, any animal management, care and transport
requirements and any safety requirements, any animal management, care and transport
requirements and any safety requirements from the trainer or handler department. They
must also provide safety requirements from other departments, for example, art or
location, and these must be made available by the producer to everyone involved with the
animals prior to production.
Contractual requirements between the parties
A formal contract should be completed, specifying the responsibilities accepted by the
producer for the animals, and the responsibilities of the trainers, handlers,. suppliers and
owners, including agreement by both parties to abide by the Code of Practice. Please
note: this contact does not lessen the responsibility of every person on the set to consider
the welfare of the animals used.
Management of Animals
Maintenance and transport
Common sense is the key to maintaining and managing the welfare of animals. They
should be given sufficient food and water. Proper shelter, clean and free of contaminated
materials, should be provided. Animals should be exercised if their conditions are
confined. if they become ill or distressed, humans and animals around them should be
withdrawn immediately and prompt veterinary treatment obtained
Large animals may be kept on set if suitable arrangements are made. Animals unfamiliar
with the environment on set should be kept in conditions with which they are familiar,
and they should become acquainted with the set before their performance begins.
During training and rehearsals, animals and actors should be accustomed to each other’s
presence.
Animals which are compatible should be allowed time to mix. Incompatible animals
should be kept separate to reduce the risk of aggression, fear or distress.
Animals need to be controlled so they cannot attack or escape - especially when they are
aggressive, timid, venomous, in season, or of a large size. Capture equipment should be
available one set in case it is needed; equipment which is likely to harm or distress
animals must not be used.
Animals must be transported carefully and in accordance with all relevant Codes of
Practice.
Procedures to follow for Training the Animals
The producer should inform all personnel working with animals that patience is essential
and that training or handling methods involving pain or distress are not permitted.
All animals should be fit and healthy. It may be necessary to condition them to work on
set, or several identical animals may have to be used to accomplish difficult scenes. Only
suitably trained animals should be used for stunts or special effects.
The Notification form Made Easy
Notifications forms are available in tear off pads. When completed, they should be faxed
or posted to the RSPCA or the AWL changes to the information submitted should also be
notified to the same agency. (The notification form may also be used as the basis of the
contract now required between the producer and animal consultant. Refer to the back of
the notification form for further information).
Information required includes:
Script action: Brief description of animal action or copy of script scenes involving
action to be attached.
Method of achieving: Description of how script requirement is to be fulfilled
including special risk considerations.
Animals to be used: Details of types of animals to be used and any special conditions
eg large numbers of free running animals, native fauna etc.
Likely environmental conditions: Are there any conditions envisaged which will
endanger animals used, eg stunt sequences using pyrotechnics, smoke etc.
Performance Date and Time: Date and time performance, or attach copy of call
sheet.
On-Set Contact: Contact details for most responsible animal person on set including mobile telephone number.
When Production is finished
Arrangements must be made for the return of animals to their normal conditions within a
reasonable time.
What are the legal considerations?
The producer and his or her agent must be familiar with the relevant sections of the
Prevention of Cruelty to Animal Act, the National Parks and Wildlife Act and the
Occupational Health and Safety act. They should also refer to the Film Industry Safety
Guidance Notes.
Officers appointed under the prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act have the legal
authority to attend any set and must be allowed access at all times when animals are
being used. Officers of the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service have similar legal
authority in relation to native fauna.
But What is Meant in the Code When they say ....
animal - any live member of a vertebrate species, including any fish, amphibian, reptile,
bird or mammal other than a human being.
set - a place where filming, photography or theatrical performances occur, or where
training and rehearsal in preparation for filming, photography or theatrical performances
is undertaken.
consultant veterinary surgeon - a veterinary surgeon registered in New South Wales
engaged by the company, whether on a permanent, temporary, full-time or part-time
basis, as a consultant.
company - a film or theatre company, including an advertising company.
experienced animal trainer - an animal trainer who has prior professional experience
both in the management, care and handling of the species of animal to be used and in any
training methods that will be required.
experienced animal handler - an animal handler who has prior professional experience
in the management, care and handling of the species to be used.
competent animal handler - a person involved in and capable of the management, care
and handling of the species of animal to be used, but not necessarily having prior
professional experience in these practices.
experienced veterinary surgeon - a registered veterinary surgeon who has experience
both in the management, care and treatment of the species of animal to be used and in any
veterinary procedures to which the animals will be subjected.
The Film Industry Safety Guidance Notes
(compiled and written by Lynn Gailey and Tim Read)
Use of Animals
State and territory legislation generally makes it an offence to be cruel to animals.
The Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act (NSW 1979) is typical, making it a criminal
offence to commit acts of cruelty or aggravated cruelty (as defined, but including killing)
to any animal or to be party to such offences.
Companies and persons using animals in film and television productions are advised to
familiarise themselves with the relevant act in each state and territory.
Legislation which covers the acquisition and disposal of animals must be followed and
accurate records kept. Quarantine requirements may apply where interstate or overseas
travel is involved.
An appropriately experienced animal supervisor must be employed whenever animals are
being used.
Adequate pre-production must be allowed for training and familiarisation of animals and
performers for the particular sequence involved.
The wranglers department must consist of sufficient appropriately skilled and
experienced crew to cover the number of animals involved and the complexity of the
sequence.
The facilities for animals during pre-production and production should be consistent with
maintaining the animals in good health. This applies to the size and cleanliness of the
housing which should be adequate for comfort, and to the food and water which should
be clean and unspoilt
The same conditions should apply to holding areas on set which should also be sufficient
to prevent the escape of animals. In both cases only authorised crew should handle the
animals.
Stress, including stress arising from restraint or being held in confined areas for longer
than necessary, should be avoided, especially for animals know to be very prone to stress.
Animals kept under confined conditions should be able to exercise at least once a day.
Adequate precautions to ensure the general safety of animals, including safety from their
predators, should be taken. Clause 37 of the Safety Code which deals with firearms and
ammunition shall be observed.
The animal supervisor should ascertain (with veterinary advice if required) that all
animals are disease-free and whether special hygiene precautions are needed.
A qualified veterinarian is the only person able to prescribe drugs, including
tranquillisers. She/he should examine all animals prior to use to ensure their good health
and that they have received all appropriate inoculations and medication. Some animals
such as reptiles should not be sedated.
Sedation or tranquilisation of animals to alter behaviour of performance may only occur
if supervised by a veterinarian and after discussion has made it clear that the same effect
cannot be achieved with a fake or trained animal. Undue pressure for heavy or lengthy
sedation of animals should not be placed on veterinarians.
The use of venomous reptiles should appear on the call sheet together with the location of
the appropriate antidote, name of doctor and medical facility.
Pre-production time must be allowed for any actor required to ride or drive a horse. The
route to be ridden or drive a horse. The route to be ridden or driven by the actor should
be surveyed by the safety supervisor or other appropriate person who should walk and
ride it first and advise actor after consultation with the animal master.
An experienced pick-up rider nominated after consultation between the stunt coordinator
and animal supervisor must be in attendance at all times when horses are working on set.
All harnesses, saddlery and other animal - related accessories must be in good condition
and of a high safety standard.
As a general rule animals should be pre-conditioned to any unusual behaviour they are
likely to experience, even to the extent of familiarisation with clapper boards, boom poles
or strange noises likely to occur during the take.
Only extremely well trained animals should be used in stunts or special effects (SFX) or
stunt/SFX sequences. The animal supervisor, stunt/SFX coordinator and safety
supervisor must have sufficient pre-production time with key stunt and SFX personnel.
When animals are on set, the animal supervisor should have direct liaison with the 1st
AD and the stunt and or special effects coordinators.
Free running animals such as cattle and brumbies can present special hazards. Sequences
involving them should be carefully planned in regard to camera and cast positions and
there should be sufficient experienced and skillful handlers to ensure safety.
Horse falls should not be achieved by trip-wires or pitfalls.
No shod or hard hoofed animal should be led, ridden, draughted or driven over
mains/electrical cables.
Animals should be pre-conditioned to fire and their coats and tails protected from it with
fireproofing solutions or water.
Squibs should never be close enough to animals to frighten them. Action and breakaway
props should be of safe materials such as sugar glass, balsawood, rubber etc.
The animal supervisor and safety supervisor should satisfy themselves concerning the
precautions taken to protect the safety of people applying make-up or prosthetics to
animals, and of course the animals themselves.
The precautions taken for the movement of actors during SFX sequences should apply
equally when animals are on set.
Horse-drawn vehicles may only be used when operated by, or under the instruction of, a
qualified driver whose decisions regarding the capabilities or limitations of the rig is
final.
A receipt of purchase should be held by the production office for any dead animals
acquired for use in scenes. Such animals should not have been killed expressly for the
production.
Use of ‘Free-Living’ Animals
State and territory legislation generally makes it an offence to be cruel to animals. The
Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act (NSW 1979)) is typical, making it a criminal
offence to commit acts of cruelty or aggravated cruelty (as defined but including killing)
to any animal or to be party to such offences.
Companies and persons using animals in film and television productions are advised to
familiarise themselves with the relevant act in each state and territory.
Other Legal Considerations
Protected native fauna - Part IX of the National Parks and Wildlife Act 1974 (NSW)
prohibits the taking or holding of most native fauna except under licence. Additionally,
no animal may be released in New South Wales that is not native to New South Wales
except under licence. Animals that are native to New South Wales may only be released
in the locality of their capture.
Non-native fauna and unprotected native fauna - the taking of these animals may be
subject to legislative provision, especially those concerned with land tenure and the
method of taking.
Definition
‘Free-living’ animals are defined as animals not routinely under human control, including
those that have been captured but are intended for return to the wild within ten days of
capture.
General Considerations
A person competent in the handling of the particular species concerned should supervise
all actives. This will ensure that a full knowledge of normal species behaviour and its
likely responses to captivity will be available to reduce stress.
Capture
Free-living animals are likely to be distressed by capture. This should be minimised by
the use of skilled operators and suitable techniques.
Particular care should be taken to limit disruption to the animals social structure and
breeding activity. Regular monitoring for traumatic or metabolic injury is necessary and
remedial steps should be taken whenever found.
Where traps are used they should be checked regularly to minimise stress. Trapped
animals should be protected from predators, exposure and lack of food and water.
If a large or unknown number of animals is likely to be caught, then an estimate should
be made of the likely reasonable maximum number, and sufficient competent persons
provided to ensure they are caught and processed with the minimum of stess.
Transport
Transport methods should be varied to suit the species and number of animals to be
transported.
Transport containers should be constructed to prevent escape and injury.
Transport containers should be constructed so as to minimise stress, and designed and
constructed to provide adequate shelter, noise reduction, inner shelters where necessary,
ventilation, tranquillisation, even temperature and humidity, motion support and space to
lie. The animals’ need for separation should be considered, regular food and water
provided and suitable release areas prepared for arrival.
Handling and Restraint
Methods of handling and restraint should take into account that captured free-living
animals are usually apprehensive and therefore prone to injury or stress induced diseases.
To reduce the risk of such injuries and diseases, there should always be sufficient
competent persons to allow for firm and quiet handling, minimum times of restraint and
prevention of injury to both handlers and animals.
Chemical restraints, including tranquillisation to induce calm or for the animal’s best
protection, may be used where appropriate and under the supervision of a veterinarian.
Holding
Holding areas must be safe and quiet and free of sharp objects or material likely to injure
the animals. They should be free of badly placed solid objects which restrict movement
such as fences posts and feeding and watering containers.
There should be adequate shade, access to drinkable water for those species which
require it, and appropriate cover.
Because the animals are outside their normal environment, steps to provide protection
from predators must be taken at all times.
Release of Free-Living Animals
The requirements of state legislation in this matter should be followed. For example, the
relevant NSW legislation requires that animals must be released in the locality of thier
capture. Some reasons for this are:
Animals should be assisted to find their way to ‘safe’ areas.
Human perception of suitable alternatives might not be correct.
The animal may introduce disease or unsuitable genetic material into a new community.
The animal may be stressed by or cause stress to a new community.
NB: The extract quoted below, from NSW legislation, should be noted.
Animals should not be released unless they can move freely and unaided and the area
they are entering is as free as possible from potential hazard and injury. Prior to their
release, animals should be handled quietly and firmly.
The points made in Use of Animals (see over) also apply during production to ‘freeliving’ animals.
The Code is attached to the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (General) Regulation 1996:
7. Use of animals in films and theatrical performances
(1) A person must not use an animal in connection with the production of a film or
theatrical performance, or cause or permit an animal to be used in connection with the
production of a film or theatrical performance, otherwise than in accordance with the
relevant Code of Practice.
‘relevant Code of Practice’ means the document entitled Code of Practice for the Welfare
of Animals in Films and Theatrical Performances, as approved on February 3 1997 by the
Animal Welfare Advisory Council, copies of which are available from the Department of
Agriculture, and which is reprinted here.
1. Introduction
1.1 This Code applies to all animals used in the production of films (including television),
in theatrical performances, and in still photographs for advertising or promotion.
1.2 This Code aims to prevent cruelty to and ensure the safe, considerate, humane
treatment of animals so used.
1.3 The Code recognises that animals used in films and theatrical performance will be
required to perform tasks, which may be complex, with:
1.3.1 other animals of the same or different species
1.3.2 people
1.3.3 special effects
Such tasks must be manage in a way which avoids distress, sickness, injury, or abuse.
2. General Principles
2.1 The staging of any act that intentionally endangers, kills, injures or abuses an animal
is not permitted.
2.2 Ultimate responsibility for ensuring the welfare of the animals and compliance with
this Code Code rests with the Producer or the Producer’s authorised agent, whether such
person is on the set or not.
2.3 Animals must only be trained, handled and managed by competent people, with due
consideration for the welfare of the animals.
2.4 Film making and theatrical techniques must be considered for their impact on the
welfare of animals.
2.5 Whatever the requirements of the script, all people responsible for the management of
animals used on sets must consider the welfare of animals under thier control.
2.6 Arrangements must be made for provision of veterinary attention for animals.
2.7. Only well-trained animals should be used in stunts or special effects.
2.8 Producers must ensure that the welfare of animals is always given priority over
continuing of filming or performing.
2.9 No animal is to be killed for the purposes of film making or theatrical production.
3. Legal Considerations
3.1 The Producer and his or her agent must be familiar with relevant part of:
3.1.1. The Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act
3.1.2 National Parks & Wildlife Act
3.1.3 Occupational health & Safety Act
3.1.4 The Film Industry Safety Guidance Notes
3.2 Officers appointed under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act have legal
authority to attend any set and must be allowed access at all times when animals are
being used. Officers of the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Services have similar legal
authority in relation to native fauna.
4. Planning for use of Animals
4.1 Either the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (NSW) (RSPCA)
or the NSW Animal Welfare League (AWL) must be notified in every case where
animals will be involved. Before arrangements are made to obtain or use animals, the
Producer or his/her authorised agent shall complete and forward that attached notification
form and a copy of the relevant script scenes, where applicable, as the means for
notifying the RSPCA or the AWL.
4.2 Where animals do not need to be specifically obtained because animal involvement is
minimal - for example paddock livestock in the background of a shot, or birds in an
aviary in the background where the animals are unaffected by film lighting or other
disturbance - the notification of the RSPCA or AWL alone is adequate. The RSPCA or
AWL will in turn indicate if they are satisfied that no further action is required, or if they
have concerns.
4.3 For more direct animal involvement, where animals will be specifically obtained, the
Producer or his/her agent shall also consult with an experienced animal trainer and/or
experienced animal handler to obtain
early advice on:4.3.1 the most suitable species or type of animal
4.3.2 the number, sex and age of animals required
4.3.3 the availability of the animal(s)
4.3.4 the period of time likely to be needed for training and acclimatisation
4.3.5 any special requirements for the care, management and performance of animals
4.3.6 possible problems and the likelihood of their occurrence
4.3.7 estimated costs associated with animal care and use
4.3.8 means of minimising disturbance to animals normally living on or near the set,
where appropriate.
4.4. Any substantive last minute or unavoidable changes to the script/animal action must
be notified to the RSPCA or AWL
4.5 When stunts are intended which could have a potentially harmful impact on animals,
when any other significant risk or hazard can be identified, where large numbers of
livestock are involved, or where required by the RSPCA or AWL after examination of
the proposal in 4.1, the attendance and input of a consulting veterinarian, who is
knowledgeable in the animal(s) being used, is required.
4.6 Further consultation by the Producer may be required with:
4.6.1 additional animal trainers and/or veterinary surgeons if several species of animals
are to be used
4.6.2 experts in native fauna or exotic animals
4.6.3 the National Parks and Wildlife Service if native animals are to be used or if filming
is likely to disturb native animals living in the vicinity of a set.
4.7 Where no veterinarian is in attendance for any animal involvement, the Producer or
his/her authorised agent must arrange for a veterinarian to be available to attend animals
within a reasonable period of being called.
4.8 The Producer or his/her agent shall ensure that all consultants are provided with:4.8.1 a copy of this Code of Practice
4.8.2 a copy of the Film Industry Safety Guidance Notes - Use of Animals
4.8.3 a written description of what is expected and required of the animals(s) to fulfil the
script requirements
4.8.4 the location and description of the sets(s)
4.8.5 details of likely environmental condition.
4.9 Formal contractual arrangements should be made between the Producer or his/her
agent, the animal trainers and handlers, and/or the animal owners for services provided,
which specify the responsibilities accepted by the Producer for the animals and the
responsibilities of the trainers, handlers, suppliers and owners, including agreement to
abide by this Code. Such arrangements do not negate the requirements for care set down
in this Code.
4.l0 A contracted animal trainer or handler shall provide written advice to the Producer
which details:Trainer/handler contact numbers
veterinary contacts and requirements
animal management, care and transport requirements
safety requirements from the trainer/handler department safety requirements from other
departments (e.g., art or location)
This advice will be made available by the Producer to all parties involved with the
animals, prior to the day of filming or production involvement.
5 Management of Animals
5.l Animals shall be maintained and transported in a manner that provides proper and
humane care and complies with all other relevant Codes of Practice.
5.2 Animals must receive food and water consistent with their needs. emergency
supplies should be arranged before they are needed if a shortage of food or water appears
likely.
5.3 Proper shelter must be provided for all animals. Large animals and wildlife
accustomed to the environment of outdoor sets may be kept on the set if arrangements are
suitable. Animals kept under confined conditions should be exercised regularly in
accordance with thier needs.
5.4 Any animal that is not accustomed to the environmental conditions of a set should be
held, as far as possible, under conditions with which it is familiar and in which it is not
distressed, and must be familiarised with the set conditions prior to performing.
5.5Animals must be controlled so they cannot attack or escape, particularly if they are
escape, highly aggressive, timid, venomous, in season or of large size.
5.6 Animals that are of different species or are otherwise incompatible should be housed
separately to prevent aggression, fear and distress
5.6.1 Where animals are considered compatible, suitable time must be allowed for social
integration.
5.7 All facilities for animals must be kept clean and free of contaminated materials.
5.8 Equipment or gear (including harnesses or restraints) that is likely to cause distress,
pain or injury must not be used on animals.
5.9 Each animal should be inspected at least once daily by an experienced and competent
person. Where the health or welfare of an animal is in doubt, the Producer or authorised
agent of the Producer should be notified immediately.
5.10 Any animal which becomes sick, distressed, injured or is in danger of injuring itself,
other animals or people, shall be withdrawn immediately. Prompt veterinary examination
and/or appropriate treatment should be sought for sick, distressed or injured animals.
5.11 The Producer must ensure that all personnel who will be working with animals are
informed that patience is essential and that training or handling methods involving pain
or distress to animals are not permitted.
5.12 Actors and animals should be familiarised with each other during training and
rehearsals on the set.
5.13 Animal handlers and trainers must not be required to take responsibility for other
tasks (e.g., lighting). Their attention must be directed towads the animals, which must
not be left unattended to run loose on the set.
6. Maintenance of sets
6.1 Sites for sets should be inspected before use each day by an experienced animal
trainer or handler (or veterinary surgeon) to ensure that they are free of obstacles or
hazards which may injure animals.
6.2 Animals, other than those intended for use in a film or theatrical performance, should
not be present on sets during rehearsal, filming or performance.
6.3 The Producer must take all reasonable steps to prevent interference or disturbance by
unauthorised persons to animals on the film set.
6.4 A catching net or other capture equipment should be provided around the set if
deemed necessary by the consultant veterinary surgeon, animal trainer or handler.
6.5 Persons known to be under the influence of drugs or alcohol should not be permitted
o any set during training, rehearsal, filming or performance whilst animals are working.
6.6 The producer to the producer’s authorised agent shall be responsible for providing in
sets:
6.6.1 means of conveying urgent message
6.6.2 facilities for holding, restraint and examination of animals
6.6.3 means of moving and transporting sick or injured animals.
7. Special Considerations
7.1 Glare, heat, noise or other factors likely to cause distress to animals should be
avoided, since some animals, particularly wildlife, may be extremely sensitive to such
stimuli. Exposure to these factors should be reduced to the shortest possible time.
7.2 Animals must be removed from a set or sufficiently protected when special effects
likely to cause fright are used.
7.3 Fireworks or other special effects intended to frighten animals must not be used.
7.4 Animals at an advanced stage of pregnancy or very young animals may only be used
with the approval of the consultant veterinary surgeon. Special arrangements must be
made by the Producer for the care of these animals.
8. Veterinary Care
8.1 When required (see Clause 4.5) at least one experienced veterinary surgeon must be
engaged as a consultant by the Producer or authorised agent of the Producer.
8.2 The consultant veterinary surgeon shall advise on the health and welfare of all
animals on the set:
8.2.1 during the period from the time the animals are assembled
8.2.2 during training, rehearsal and filming or performance
8.2.3 until their dispersal
8.2.4 In those instances in which a consulting veterinary surgeon is not required, it is the
responsibility of the consulting animal trainer or handler to advise the Producer on the
health and welfare of animals and the need to call for veterinary assistance as required.
(Veterinary assistance must be available - refer to Clause 4.7).
8.3 Any animal that becomes sick or is injured during this period must be treated or
humanely destroyed by either the consultant veterinary surgeon or another experienced
veterinary surgeon. The final decision as to whether or not a sick or inured animal
should be humanely destroyed rests with the veterinary surgeon, after consultation where
practicable with the animal’s owner.
8.4 The consulting veterinary surgeon, or the consulting animal trainer or handler when
no consulting veterinary surgeon has been engaged, shall have the authority to give
instructions to the Producer or the authorised agent of the Producer regarding the use,
care, treatment and welfare of animals on a set, including the authority to stop a scene if
the welfare of animals is considered to be in danger.
8.5 The owner of an animal supplied for use in a film or theatrical performance may
engage a veterinary surgeon privately to attend to his/her animal, but must give written
consent to the administration of necessary treatment to his/her animal on a set by a
veterinary surgeon engaged by the company, if the owner’s own veterinary surgeon is not
available.
8.6 Where an animal becomes sick or is injured on a set, the Producer or the authorised
agent of the Producer shall authorise and pay for any care and treatment deemed
appropriate by the attending veterinary surgeon. Such authorisation and payment does
not imply acceptance of liability.
8.7 Animals requiring veterinary treatment or humane destruction shall be dealt with
promptly.
8.8 No drug may be administered to an animal on a set except by, or under the specific
directions of, a veterinary surgeon.
8.9 where animals are used in films or theatrical performances, the Producer or the
authorised agent of the Producer shall ensure that, on veterinary advice, all reasonable
steps have been or will be taken to prevent disease and injury. Such steps may include,
but not be limited to:
8.9.1 isolation of animals
8.9.2 vaccination against infectious diseases
8.9.3 protection from extremes of weather
8.9.4 treatment of internal and external parasites
8.9.5 relevant training and acclimatization of animals, including social integration.
9. Attendance by Veterinary Surgeons on Sets
9.1 When, in accordance with Clause 4.5 of this Code, a consulting veterinary surgeon
has been engaged, the veterinary surgeon must be present on a set at all times during
training, rehearsal and filming or performance of scenes where the consultant veterinary
surgeon considers their is a risk of distress or injury to animals, including but not limited
to any scenes involving:
9.1.1 fast movement of any type by animals
9.1.2 large numbers of animals
9.1.3 animals at an advanced stage of pregnancy
9.1.4 very young or very old animals
9.1.5 obstacles to movement by animals
9.1.6 difficult terrain or ground surfaces
9.1.7 adverse weather
9.1.8 reduced visibility
9.1.9 large amounts of fire and/or smoke
9.1.10 special effects, especially those involving unusual noise or lighting, that may
frighten animals.
9.2 For training, rehearsal and filming or performance of scenes which are considered by
the consultant veterinary surgeon not to involve a risk of distress or injury to animals it is
only necessary for the animal trainer or handler to be present on the set. However, an
experienced veterinary surgeon must be available to attend animals within a reasonable
period of being called.
9.3 Any veterinary surgeon who is employed on a full-time basis by the company shall
ensure that suitable alternative arrangements are made if he or she intends to leave the
set.
9.4 Arrangements must be made for animals to be returned to their normal conditions at
the end of filming or at the closure of a theatrical production.
The animals must be returned as quickly as possible once the production or filming ends.
10. Sedation and Anaesthesia of Animals
10.1 Because sedatives and anaesthetics are potentially dangerous, their use on a set for
the purpose of performance enhancement is prohibited. Effects should be achieved by
training or by the use of dummies. (This does not affect the right of veterinarians to use
prescribed drugs for the treatment of animals).
11. Training of Animals
11.1 Animals used in films or theatrical performances, other than for minimal
involvement (see Clause 4.2), should be trained, handled and cared for by experienced
animal trainers, or competent animal handlers under the supervision of an experienced
animal trainer.
11.2 Animal trainers must ensure that animals under their care are properly cared for
Animal trainers or handlers should liaise with the consultant veterinary surgeon when
engaged, or otherwise with an experienced veterinary surgeon regarding the care and
management of animals, and about procedures for reporting any signs of disease or
injury.
11.3 Animal trainers should only use animals that are fit and healthy. It may be
necessary for animals to be conditioned so that they are fit to perform their tasks and
accustomed to the environment of the set, or to use several identical animals to
accomplish difficult scenes.
11.4 Animals that have been trained for the specific tasks required in the film or theatrical
performance should be used wherever possible.
11.5 Only extremely well-trained animals should be used in stunts or special effects. For
example, animals must be suitably trained for stunts such as horse falls, rather than using
trip-wire.
12 Definition
12.1 “animal” means any live member of a vertebrate species, including any fish,
amphibian, reptile, bird or mammal other than a human being.
12.1 “company” means a film or theatre company, including an advertising company.
12.3 “consultant veterinary surgeon” means a veterinary surgeon registered in New
South Wales engaged by the company, whether on a permanent, temporary, full-time or
part-time basis, as a consultant.
12.4 “experienced animal trainer” means an animal trainer who has prior professional
experience both in the management, care and handling of the species of animal to be used
and in any training methods that will be required.
12.5 “experienced animal handler” means an animal handler who has prior professional
experience in the management, care and handling of the species to be used.
12.6 “competent animal handler” means a person involved in and capable of the
management, care and handling of the species of animal to be used, but not necessarily
having prior professional experience in these practices.
12.7 “ experienced veterinary surgeon” means a registered veterinary surgeon who has
experience both in the management, care and treatment of the species of animal to be
used and in any veterinary procedures to which the animals will be subjected.
12.8 “film” includes commercial, serial, television, video, feature, documentary and
educational film.
12.9 “set” means a place where filming, photography or theatrical performances occur or
where training and rehearsal in preparation for filming, photography or theatrical
performances is undertaken.
12.10 “theatrical performance” includes live productions of plays, operas and musicals
but does not include circuses or other animal exhibits which are covered by the Exhibited
Animals Protection Act, 1986.
12.11 “still photograph” includes photography for advertising or promotion.
Introduction.
The ideal in the transport of animals is their arrival at their destination in a better state
than they were at the point of departure. It is known that animals which are used to being
handled will usually suffer less stress due to transport procedures than other less
experienced animals. Although such an ideal may be achievable in the case of a dog
travelling with a known handler, in the vast majority of cases it must be accepted that the
animals will suffer varying degrees of 'stress' during the journey. A number of researchers
emphasise the problems of accumulated stress (new social grouping, strange box, lack of
water, etc).
In practical terms this means that procedures must be simplified and minimised and each
transfer should involve a check of all the steps. Transporters have a responsibility to get
animals to their destination as speedily as possible, within the confines of legal
requirements, and to minimise any adverse effects on them.
The transporter of the vehicle is responsible for the care and welfare of all animals during
transport except when the owner, an attendant appointed by the owner or an agent of the
owner travels with the consignment.
For the purpose of these standards, transport includes loading, waiting periods during
loading, transit, rest periods, unloading and release at the destination.
These standards were compiled by myself, and constitute a first draft only. Any
comments on changes will be gladly received to incorporate into future modified drafts,
particularly in the area of releasing animals after transportation.
Catherine Greenwood
Assistant -Registrar
Exhibited Animals Protection Act
02 February 1994
A. Suitable Animals For Transportation
1. The Quality of The Animals.
1.1
Prior to transport each animal should be thoroughly examined by a person (ideally
a veterinarian) experienced in the signs of ill health exhibited by that species. Signs of ill
health that pose a significant risk to the animal's welfare if transported warrants the
exclusion of the animal from transport.
1.2
Any animal displaying significant signs of illness, injury or weakness must not be
transported.
Exception to the above standard are:
* animals that are either ill or injured and which must be transported for veterinary
treatment.
1.3
Transport invariably involves stress and often exacerbates sub-clinical infection.
Even when animals are to be transported over a short distance they should be given the
same care and attention as if the journey was complex and of long duration.
1.4
Any animal known to be intractable or unmanageable must not be transported,
except when transporting an animal to a destination where husbandry or facilities
available may solve the manageability issue, or in the exception stated in clause 1.2.
1.5
Eutherian mammals in the third trimester of pregnancy must not be transported
unless absolutely necessary.
2.
2.1
Caging Constraints.
Different species must not be transported together in the same container.
2.2
Individuals of the same species must not be contained together unless they are
used to being enclosed in close proximity to each other in their normal enclosure.
2.3 Predators should not be transported in the same vehicle as potential prey species.
Where separate transportation vehicles are not possible, the species must be transported
in a manner such that visual contact between the species is not possible.
B. Animal Container
1. Design and Materials
1.1 The functions of the container are:
(a) To contain the animal in reasonable comfort for the duration of confinement.
(b) To contain all the requirements necessary for the animal during the journey or to
enable these requirements to be met.
(c) To maintain an environment in which those factors known to cause stress are reduced
to a minimum.
(d) To contain the waste products of the animal.
1.2 Obligatory features of the container design:
(a) Must be escape proof
(b) Must be leak proof
(c) Must allow adequate ventilation
(d) Must be capable of being handled without risk to the handlers
1.3 Desirable features of the container design:
(a) Material should be easily cleaned
(b) Should not take up too much storage space - preferable able to be folded flat or be
nestable/stackable.
1.4 Materials for the container may be wood, metal, cardboard or plastic:
* Wood is warm, provides good insulation and is less expensive than metal, but is almost
impossible to sterilize or clean, properly, and such containers can often only be used
once.
* Metal conducts heat, is heavy and expensive, but is very strong and can be sterilized.
Crates made wholly of metal or partly of wood should be used for large animals.
* Cardboard containers are the cheapest alternative, but can only be used once, and are
suitable only for small animals in situations when it can be guaranteed that the containers
will not be crushed or wetted.
• Containers of wholly plastic construction are becoming much more widely used.
A very popular material currently in use is twin-wall extruded polypropylene
sheet (Correx). This is autoclavable, very strong, very lightweight and so is
particularly attractive for air transport of small animals.
1.5
Ventilation is of vital importance. Air vents are best sited an the sides of the
containers, more than one side must have vents to avoid asphyxiation caused by piling in
transit. They should be placed high on the sides to eliminated draughts, and also to
reduce the likelihood of vents being blocked from the inside by animals lying. against
them. Circular or oval vents are preferable to rectangular or square designs. If lid vents
are used they must be protected from blockage by the use of adequate spacers and 50%
more vent area should be allowed. The holes or vents in conventional containers should
be covered on the outside by wire mesh of such a size that the animal's muzzle or feet
cannot protrude.
1.6
In many cases, the choice of container is dictated by factors other than those of
economy and sterility. The International Air Transport Association (IATA) have laid
down regulations concerning the transport of animals, by air; these include the size,
construction and packing of suitable containers. If moving an animal by air these
standards will need to be consulted. A copy of the Live Animals Regulations can be
obtained from:
International Air Transport Association
2000 Peel Street
Montreal, Quebec
Canada H3A 2R4
1.7
Packing of animals either too loosely or too tightly predisposes them to injury;
partitions should be used to reduce the likelihood of injury if animals are boxed together.
1.8
Bedding and litter must always be provided for species which normally require it
in their sleeping quarters. Such material should be clean wholesome and acceptable to
the animal. All mammal containers should contain litter which is able to absorb urine
effectively. The quantity and type of bedding offered will vary with the species, type and
size of the container, and will also be influenced by the ambient temperatures to be
expected during the journey and the length of the journey.
The commonly used materials include coarse softwood sawdust, granulated peatmoss or
proprietary mineral or wood products. Such substances are usually provided to a depth of
2-5cm for small mammals.
Amphibia require moist moss or leaf mulch to a depth of several centimetres for long
trips, but for short trips amphibia can be satisfactorily transported in plastic bags filled
with oxygen.
1.9 Ungulates, particularly large animals, require a padded/barrier at chest height if the
animal is transported in stalls facing forward. This barrier should be within a few inches
of the animal's chest when it is in its stall to minimise forward movement.
1.10 If large animals are to be moved that are unfamiliar with transport then the
container should be designed to have doors at each end allowing the animal to enter and
leave head first. Seeing light at the end of the container may help to minimise stress on
the animal during loading.
2.
Securing Container During Transport.
2.1 If rectangular boxes are used, then the sides should slope slightly towards the top in
order to ensure ventilation space between the boxes if packed together. If there is any
possibility of blockage of vents, cleats should be fastened to the outside of the box.
2.2 Heavy items must not be placed an top of a container.
2.3
The container must be secured inside the vehicle to prevent movement.
C. Preparation Prior To Transport
1.
Preparation Regarding The Animal
1.1 The consignee should receive full details of the shipment (including estimated time
of arrival) before transportation begins.
1.2 Inspection of animals for transportation should take place as near to packing time
as possible and any necessary veterinary certificates signed.
1.3 If herd animals are to be transported in the same container, they should be selected
and grouped together at least 24 hours prior to transportation.
1.4 Consideration must be given to the likely prevailing weather conditions and
climate; if hot weather is expected (air temperature exceeding 24 degrees celsius) then
the number of animals per group container must be reduced by 25%
1.5
All transported animals must be able to obtain shelter from heat, wind, cold, rain,
snow and hail.
2.
Preparation Regarding The Container
2.1 The container must be examined before use to ensure satisfactory construction with
special regard to air vents.
2.2 All containers which will not be accompanied for the duration of the journey by
keepers from the animal's departure institution must be labelled using large and legible
lettering bearing in mind dim light and unaccustomed eyes. Labels should show:
(a) Name, complete address and telephone number of consignee.
(b) Name, complete address and telephone number of consignor, (Include emergency
numbers for both in case either needs to be contacted outside normal office hours)
(c) Purchase order number
(d) Date and time packed
(e) Description of contents, number, sex, species, strain, age
(f) A large outline illustration of the boxed animal
(g) Indication if box is one of a number, ie 1/6
(h) Instructions on handling, feeding, watering etc. easily accessible for emergency use
in the event of unexpected delay
* (i) The value of the box (for Customs information)
* (j) Abbreviations should be avoided. The design of the label should include in bold
print such words as: Urgent - Live Animals, Keep Away From Heat, Cold, Rain Or
Direct Sun;.
(k)
If a veterinary certificate of health is required, a copy should be attached to the
container and protected by a plastic envelope.
* Requirement (i) will only be necessary if the animal is being transported overseas.
Any infringement on the requirements under (j) will result in possible on the spot
prosecution. Animals have died from being left too long in the sun in an enclosed container.
3.
Holding Facilities Prior to Transport
3.1
Wherever practical, animals which have a herd instinct should be accommodated in
compatible groups. Groups will require sufficient space to rest, feed and exercise.
3.2
Whenever possible, holding areas should contain visual barriers, such as hessian
covered fences, as well as shelter to provide shade and to give timid animals a sense of
security.
3.3
Fence lines should be constructed of strong and easily visible materials which will
discourage attempts to escape.
4.
Loading Facilities
4.1
Loading facilities must be constructed so that they minimise the risk of injury to the
animals.
4.2
Loading ramps must be wide enough to allow easy passage of the hips, horns and
tusks of mature hoofstock.
5.
Standards For Transport Vehicles.
5.1
There should be no protrusions or sharp edges capable of injuring animals on the
framework, doorways, floors or partitioning. Hinges and latches should not project into
the pathway of animals.
5.2
Gates should be clearly visible to animals when shut; this can be achieved by
providing a "sight board" for adequate visibility.
5.3
The floor of the vehicle should be made of non-slip material so that animals or
containers will not slide around the vehicle.
5.4
The materials used in the construction of transport vehicles should be of a type
which can be effectively cleaned.
5.5
The exhaust of the vehicle must not pollute the air inside the vehicle.
D. Transportation.
1.
General Considerations.
1.1
When using commercial passenger or cargo carriers, choice should be made,
wherever possible, from those specialising in animal transportation.
1.2
Attendants accompanying animals in transit must be specially trained in animal
handling, and must be able to speedily and carefully carry out all in-transit instructions.
1.3
During transit, a number of points must be borne in mind. These are summarised
in Appendix 2, a copy of which should be displayed prominently in dispatch, transit and
reception areas.
14. If containers have to be opened in transit then every effort must be made to ensure
that animals do not escape. Since such accidents do sometimes occur, attendants must be
skilled in, and equipped for re-capture.
1.5 A humane method of euthanasia and tranquilliser suitable for the species in transit
should be readily available. This may not be possible in the case of air transportation.
1.6
Where the consignee is responsible for the collection of animals from an air
terminus, freight depot or railway station, an attendant must be waiting for their arrival to
keep to a minimum the time the animal is boxed.
1.7
On immediate arrival at the recipient's animal quarters, the containers should be
opened in a confined area (ie. quarantine room or holding yard) away from other animals,
a thorough visual/physical check of the consignment made and the animal provided with
feed, water and time to accustom itself to its new surroundings.
1.8
Loss of body weight in transit is not uncommon with long transportation hauls. It
varies from species to species and depends upon conditions of transit. The provision of
food and a source of water during the journey, as well as on immediate arrival at the
destination often greatly improves the condition in which the animal arrives.
2.
Mode of Transport
2.1 Over long distances transport by air is strongly recommended. Information on air
transport is contained in the International Air Transport Association's Live Animals
Regulations. This is updated approximately annually and users must ensure that they
comply with the requirements listed in the current edition to ensure acceptance of
consignments.
2.2
Sea transport due to the inevitable stress placed on animals by the excessive time
spent caged, is to be avoided except where all other transportation methods are not
possible.
2.3 As far as middle-distance overland transport is concerned, consideration must be
given to the use of road or rail. The mode to be used should be the one that involves the
least amount of delays and stress for the animals.
2.4
Short distances are best covered by road transport, and it is advisable, wherever
possible, to use one's own vehicle and staff. Thus, there is control and supervision from
door to door. In the cases where animal transport is a regular and frequent occurrence,
vehicles should be modified for the purpose. Closed vehicles should be insulated and
fitted with an air-intake coupled to a thermostatically controlled heating or
airconditioning device. The interior of the vehicle must be so designed as to allow ease
of cleaning and disinfection. Lighting should be provided and a window situated
between the animal compartment and the driver/attendant to allow frequent visual
inspection. Open vehicles should provide shelter from sun, wind, rain etc and be
constructed so that it is not possible for parts of the animal's body to protrude beyond the
sides and roof of the vehicle.
3.
Loading of Animals
3.1
Planning the loading procedure well in advance will allow adequate time for
animals to be loaded quietly and with care. Animals should be loaded in a way that does
not cause them injury.
3.2
Animals will suffer less stress at being boxed if they are introduced to the bex
prior to transportation. The best method for achieving this is by placing the box in the.
animal's enclosure for a few days prior to transportation. This gives the animal the
opportunity to explore the box, becoming familiar with being inside it and its smell. This
will greatly reduce the stress levels on the animals once they are enclosed inside the
container.
3.3
Methods used to assist loading include:
* making use of the behavioural and group characteristics of particular species
* well trained dogs are useful to assist loading of domesticated stock which have
regularly been worked with dogs. Dogs which bite should either be muzzled or not
permitted to work. The number of dogs used should be strictly limited to that necessary
to complete the task.
3.4
Loading must be supervised by an experienced animal handler.
3.5
Animals must never be lifted solely by the head, horns, legs, fur or wool during
loading or unloading. Electric prods must not be used to assist the moving of animals.
4.
Food and Water During Transportation.
4.1
Where possible dry food should always be available to the animals. In the case of
cats, dogs, and larger animals food intake can be restricted to one feed per day. Amphibia,
fish and reptiles do not usually require food during the journey and should not be fed for at
least several days prior to transportation.
4.2
All animals should be given every opportunity of slaking their thirst.
Felids and canids must be watered every 12 hours and primates every 6 hours. Where
ambient temperatures exceed 32 degrees Celsius these periods must be reduced by half.
4.3
Before the journey begins, transport agencies must be made aware of the .feeding
and watering requirements of the animals and the consignor should satisfy himself that
the agencies have proper staff and facilities to carry out the instructions.
5.
Welfare Problems Associated With Transportation.
5.1
Depending on how they are loaded, handled and transported animals may be
susceptible to the following conditions.
(a) Capture myopathy: Excessive or prolonged exertion produces hypoperfusion to
the muscles. This condition is associated with severe pain;
(b) Collapse and sudden death during, or high mortality rates following, pursuit of
animals for long distances during capture;
(c) chronic lameness due to foot injury or damage to tendons or ligaments;
(d) fight injuries due to mixing of unfamiliar groups or individuals;
(e) chronic ill-thrift associated with stress-induced ulcers, kidney and liver damage;
(f) bruising and injury caused by rough capture techniques and poorly-designed
handling facilities;
(g) stress-induced infections;
(h) aspiration of rumen fluid due to collision, sedation and recumbency in ruminants.
The incidence of these conditions will be minimised by an keeper experienced in
recognising stress indicators in the animal being handled and transported
accompanying the animals for the duration of the trip.
5.2 The above conditions can occur due to cumulative stresses. Stressors
include:
(a)
unusual yarding and handling;
(b)
(c)
(d)
(e)
(f)
(g)
(h)
prolonged pursuit
deprivation of food and water;
changes in climatic conditions
overcrowding or isolation, unfamiliar surroundings, noises and sensations;
inappropriate care during road transportation;
physiological responses associated with pregnancy;
excessive transport time.
The above stressors must be minimised. The greater the number of stressful experiences
you can remove from the transportation experience, the better the chances of the animal
arriving at its destination in the same condition under which it left the departure point.
6.
In-Transit Health And Routine Inspections
6.1
All transported animals should be checked by an experienced person at least once
per day for signs of injury, inappetence, illness or distress. If a problem is apparent,
action should be taken to establish the cause and, where possible, correct it. If the cause
cannot be identified or where remedial action is unsuccessful, appropriate veterinary
advice should be obtained as soon as possible.
6.2
Inspection of animals should be carried out by the attendant, not later than 30
minutes after commencement of the journey, and thereafter at intervals of at least every
two hours.
6.3
Any animal found to be down, injured, distressed or with a limb protruding out of
the container should be given immediate assistance by the attendant. Every effort should
be made to get cast animals to their feet.
6.4
Assistance from veterinary surgeons, police, RSPCA or other registered
organisations authorised with inspectors under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act,
should be sought as soon as possible for distressed or severely injured animals. If necessary,
they should be humanely destroyed without delay (See section 8).
7.
Duration of Journey And Rest Stops
7.1
Animals being transported are subject to a number of stresses that may have
cumulative effects. Rest stops extend the total time of the journey and subject animals to
unfamiliar surroundings. Thus it should be recognised that unloading and loading of
animals for rest stops may impose a greater stress than continuing the journey for a
limited period of time.
7.2
During a rest period involving transportation over long distances, animals should
be given access to food and water. In the case of tame or domesticated species a rest
period should also include where ever possible unloading into a holding area which
provides space for exercise.
7.3 Tame animals transported singly, or in small groups, and fed and watered in transit
should be unloaded and exercised every 36 hours.
8.
Procedures During Accidents
8.1.
All transportation vehicles involved with the animal transaction should stop to
check that the driver and animals in the crashed vehicle are uninjured.
8.2.
If the driver and animals are uninjured and the vehicles and animal.
containers are in a fit state then all vehicles should continue their journey once details
have been given to the police regarding the accident.
8.3.
If the driver or any of the animals are injured any other drivers should contact
ambulance, police or a veterinarian (as required). They should not leave the crashed
vehicle until it is ascertained that the driver of the crashed vehicle is able to look after
him/her self and the animals in the crashed vehicle.
8.4.
The crashed vehicle should not be moved until it has been ascertained that the
animals in that vehicle are either properly secured (if uninjured) or safely removed from
the vehicle for appropriate treatment (if injured). If it is necessary to unload animals
from the crashed vehicle, these animals must be immediately secured elsewhere before
anything else is done.
9.
Humane Destruction of Animals
9.1
When animals are transported it may occasionally be necessary for them to be
humanely destroyed if:
(a)
The animal has sustained serious injury
(b)
The animal is uncontrollable and presenting immediate danger to persons or other
animals.
9.2
If possible the animal should be handled quietly by familiar individual before
consideration is given to euthanasia to ensure that the animal is not unnecessarily
distressed or alarmed.
9.3
Severely injured animals should be humanely killed without delay. If a
veterinarian is unavailable, this should be done by, or at the direction of the person in
charge of the animals. In the case of potentially dangerous animals this necessitates the
carrying of a suitable method for euthanasia in the transportation vehicle. It may
sometimes be necessary to carry out euthanasia on the transport vehicle.
9.4
The method of euthanasia used should result in as sudden and painless death as
possible. Shooting is usually the most efficient and humane method of killing injured or
uncontrollable animals. The humane killer pistol or captive bolt pistol are suitable
alternatives for recumbent animals.. Firearm and ammunition suitable for the humane
destruction of feral livestock animals are given in Appendix 3. If a veterinary surgeon is
in attendance, a barbituate overdose can be injected to euthanase the animal.
E.
Transportation Standards For Specific Species
1.
Transportation of Koalas
1.1
Quarantine
Koalas to be transfered between establishments must be subject to a period of 20 days
quarantine at either the importing or exporting establishment
Unless an exemption from the quarantine period is advised and certified by a veterinarian
following a complete veterinary examination.
The certificate must also establish that the koala is not:
(a) in a weakened or emaciated condition, and
(b) is free from
- keratoconjunctivitis
- pneumonia
- dermatitis, or
- urogenital discharge
before release from quarantine.
1.2
Transport Cage
Koalas must be transported individually in solid framed cages measuring at least 95cm x
75cm x 95cm high. The cages must have removable, leakproof metal drop trays fitted at
the base
1.3
Feeding in transit
(a)
Koalas must each be accompanied by at least 3.6kg of the leaves in good
condition which they are normally fed; the leaves being left on the stem and the base of
the stem remaining in water or sealed.
(b)
One kilogram of these leaves must be placed in the cage with the koala before
departure.
1.4
Stress reduction
(a)
Koalas must not be subjected to temperatures greater than 25 degrees or less
than 10 degrees centigrade during the trip or changes in temperature greater than 4
degrees centigrade per hour.
(b)
Koalas should be accompanied by a keeper familiar with the animals being
transported.
(c)
Noise must be minimised during transport.
(d)
2.
2.1
Time from caging to destination must be minimised.
Transportation of Raptors
Containers
(a) A transport container for raptors shall not allow the entry of light except through
ventilation holes. Ventilation holes shall be pierced around the lower half on all sides
of the container, about 10cm above the internal floor height and about 7.5cm apart.
Two holes shall be pierced on all four sides 10cm below the internal roof height.
(b)
The dimensions of the transport container shall be at least 30cm longer and
wider than the length of the bird from beak tip to tail tip and shall provide at least 15cm
head clearance for the bird when standing at rest on the floor of the container or on any
perch in the container.
(c) A perch consisting of a large branch of sufficient size to allow the bird a firm grip
may be firmly fixed to the floor of the container if desired.
(d) If the container includes no perch, the floor of the container shall be lined firmly
with a resistant material which will provide grip for the birds' talons. (Non-looped
artificial grass is recommended).
(e) Access to the container shall be from a hinged or sliding door/lid on the top side
of the container. The door/lid shall be well secured during carriage of the bird. The
transport container may be constructed of sturdy cardboard, polystyrene, or wood.
Use of any other material must first be approved by the Director-General of NSW
Agriculture.
(f) In situations where the bird will not be accompanied by an experienced raptor
handler at all times during its transport, the transport container shall be constructed of
wooden sheets and framing sturdy enough to withstand damage in transport.
Containers must be clearly marked 'Live Animal, Handle With Care, This Way Up,
Keep Cool'.
(g) No more than one raptor shall be enclosed in a compartment of a transport
container unless all the birds in the container are young fledglings from the same nest.
(h) It is recommended that the attending veterinarian or an approved raptor
rehabilitator be consulted on conditions of transportation before transporting injured
or sick raptors for medical treatment or diagnosis.
(i) For journeys of less than twenty-four hours duration, the birds to be transported
shall not be fed within four hours of departure. Provision shall be made for feeding
on arrival at the destination point.
(j) For journeys greater than twenty-four hours, transport containers must include
access to food. Birds should be fed once they have been in transit for twenty-four
hours.
(k) Provisions (i) and (j) do not apply to nestlings - feeding of these birds shall be
under veterinary direction.
(l) Raptors must not be subjected to temperatures greater than 25 degrees or less than
10 degrees celsius during transport, or changes in temperature greater than 4 degrees
celsius per hour.
(m) Noise must be minimised during transport.
(n) Time from boxing to destination must be minimised.
3.
Transportation of Carnivores
3.1
Containers
Except as the Director-General otherwise determines, transportation of Orcrer Carnivora
within Australia by NSW exhibitors must comply with the IATA (International Air
Transport Association) regulations for each carnivore species.
(This requirement will be expanded in future drafts)
4.
Transportation of Macropods
4.1 Materials for container
For transport trips of less than 24 hours duration, macropods of less than 20kg can be
transported in suspended bags made of hessian or in similar bags on top of clean straw or
other suitable soft substrate.
Where this is not possible, for transport trips greater than 24 hours duration, or for
macropods more than 20kg, macropods shall be transported in a container constructed
from fibreboard, hardboard, wood/plywood, or other appropriate material to the design
requirements of 4.2. Macropods over 20kg can be transported in open-weave bags on
clean straw or other suitable soft substrate for trips of less than 2 hours.
4.2 Design.
(a) Framework shall be 20mm x 20mm light timber for macropods weighing less than
20kg. Framework shall be of 25mm x 25mm light timber for macropods weighing
more than 20kg. Macropod transport containers shall not have internal framing.
(b) Bottom and fixed sides shall be of 6mm (13mm for macropods weighing more than
20kg) plywood glued and screwed. Macropod transport containers shall not have
slatted floors.
(c) The end is to be closed by a sliding door of 6mm (13mm for macropods weighing
more than 20kg) plywood which, once in place, shall be secured by screws at each
end.
(d) The ceiling shall not be solid. It shall consist of flexible chicken wire mesh,
padded on the underside with hessian to protect the animal's head should the animal.
become agitated and jump.
(e) The container shall be large enough for the animals to turn around, to lie and to
stand comfortably. Dimensions shall not exceed these criteria as no room for exercise
is needed and animals may hurt themselves if too much room is provided.
(f) A transport container for macropods shall not allow the entry of light, except
through ventilation holes. The ventilation holes shall be 5cm below the internal roof
height and 5cm above absorbent material used on the floor of the container to prevent
spillage. The ventilation holes of 15mm diameter shall be pierced at no greater than
10cm centres at the top and bottom of each side.
(g) Spacing blocks of 2.5cm shall be fixed to the outside of the box on all four sides.
4.3 Sedation.
All macropods shall be sedated with diazepam administered , intramuscularly under the
supervision of a registered veterinarian before being enclosed in transport containers.
4.4 Consignment requirements.
A person who consigns a live macropod shall:
(a) affix labels to the container of not less than 20cm in length and 14cm in width on which
is clearly, legibly and indelibly printed in capital letters the ward "Kangaroo" or "Wallaby",
"Live Animal" : 'Handle With Care" : "This Way Up" : "Keep Cool".
(b) attach to the outside of the container an envelope in which is contained a
consignment note showing the consignor's name, address and telephone number; the
consignee's name, address and telephone number; the date of despatch; the number of
macropods despatched and the common name, scientific name of the species enclosed.
5.
Transportation of Reptiles
5.1 General.
(a) Care must be taken to avoid exposure to extreme temperatures and sudden
temperature fluctuations. Avoid transporting reptiles, particularly those from tropical
environments, to areas experiencing cold winter conditions as the drop in temperature
may induce dormancy and should be avoided. During cold weather reptiles may
become dormant for prolonged periods and therefore should not be presumed to be
dead.
(b) Feeding should not take place immediately prior to the animals being caught for
transportation. Where possible defecation in large snakes and large lizards should be
encouraged by palpation and/or soaking in warm water (if defecation has not occurred
since last feeding) prior to packing.
(c) Containers shall not be placed in direct sunlight, water or draught.
(d) Aquatic species, such as freshwater tortoises or crocodilians, must be placed in
water for a sufficient time prior to departure so as to prevent dehydration during the
journey. Alternatively, moistened linen bags are suitable.
(e)
Small amphibians, excluding tadpoles, should be transported in small plastic
containers which are not airtight, packed with moist sphagnum moss which is
securely fixed inside solid transport cages.
(f) Venomous species should be transported in locked crash resistant containers.
5.2
Consignment requirements.
A person who consigns a live reptile shall:
(a) enclose the reptile within a strong, durable, porous linen bag which shall, in turn,
be enclosed by and affixed to a sufficiently ventilated, escape-proof, rigid container.
A cardboard box is not a suitable container. Any empty space should be padded to
prevent excessive movement within the container.
(b) affix a label to the box of not less than 20cm in length and 14cm in width on
which is clearly, legibly and indelibly printed in capital letters the word "SNAKE",
"Lizard", "Tortoise", "Turtle" or "Crocodile", as the case may be, preceded, Where
appropriate, by the ward "Venomous" or "Dangerous". Label should also be marked
'Fragile', 'This Way Up', 'Keep in Cool Place" (if appropriate).
(c) attach to the outside of the box an envelope in which is contained a consignment
note showing the consignor's name, address and telephone number; the consignee's
name, address and telephone number; the date of despatch, the number of reptiles
despatched and the common name, scientific name and species of the reptile.
(d) place a copy of the consignment note inside the box.
(e) not place specimens of different species within a single bag. Specimens of greatly
differing size shall not be transported with a single bag. Always keep bagged
venomous snakes separate from all other transported animals, preferable by solid
partitions in the box.
5.3
Transport of crocodiles, caiman and alligators.
Crocodiles, caiman and alligators shall be crated separately in ventilated, strong, rigid
containers just large enough to accommodate the animal. The inside of the container shall
be smooth to prevent injury to the animal’s snout.
6.
6.1
Transportation of Bottle-Nosed Dolphins.
Transport Authority.
(a) Except in an emergency, only animals certified by an experienced veterinary surgeon
or practitioner to be capable of withstanding the journey, may be transported.
(b) Written authority, both for sender and receiver, for the transportation of captive marine
mammals must be obtained from the Registrar, Exhibited Animals Protection Act and also
the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service. These authorities shall be informed of the
following points:
i) The transportation facilities;
ii) the mode of transport;
iii) the duration of journey;
iv) the departure and arrival times;
v) details of stops.
vi) estimated age, sex and species of animals to be transported;
vii) identification features of each animal
viii) circumstances at the present and proposed accommodation;
ix) contingency plans;
x) qualifications of attendants.
6.2
Containers.
(a) Containers used for transporting T.truncatus must be well ventilated and strongly
built to a design consistent with the maintenance of wellbeing and safety of animals,
and conform with IATA requirements for live animal transportation, and any
additional requirements provided by authorities at the time of transport application.
(b)
Containers shall be large enough to ensure that each animal has sufficient space for
support of its body in slings, harnesses or other supporting devices, if used (as prescribed in
paragraph (c) of this section) without causing injury to the animal due to contact with the
container.
(c) Straps, slings, harnesses or other devices, if used for body support or restraint,
shall:
i)
be designed to allow access to the animals by attendants during
transportation for the purpose of administering in-transit care;
ii)
be equipped with special padding to prevent trauma or injury at critical
weight pressure points on the body of the animal;
iii)
keep the animals from thrashing about and prevent them from causing
injury to themselves or their attendants;
iv)
provide holes for pectoral fins and for the clearance of excreta.
(d)
Containers shall have solid bottoms to prevent leakage in shipment and shall be
cleaned and sanitised.
(e)
Containers should be secured and at all times maintained in a horizontal
position and on no account should be stacked.
(f) External waterproof labels should be attached to the containers indicating:
i)
live cargo;
ii)
correct way up with arrows;
iii) type and number of animals;
iv)
temperature range required;
v)
the consignor's and consignee's names, addresses and telephone numbers;
vi)
details of medical treatment given, if any;
vii) date on which animals were crated for transport;
viii)
copy of written approval from the appropriate authorities;
ix)
a copy of the certificate from the veterinary surgeon who reviewed the
transportation arrangements;
x)
time that the animal was removed from the water;
xi)
estimated time of journey.
6.3
Primary Conveyance.
(a) The animal cargo space of primary conveyances used in transporting live T.
truncatus shall be constructed in a manner which will protect the health and ensure
the safety and comfort of the animals contained therein at ail times, including
protection
from:
i) draughts;
ii) extremes of temperature & temperature change beyond their thermoregulatory
capacities;
iii)
the inhalation of engine exhaust fumes and gases;
iv) vibration;
v) any material, substance or device which may be injurious to the health and
wellbeing, of such marine mammals.
(b) Containers shall be positioned in primary conveyances in such a manner that in an
emergency the animals can be removed from the conveyances as soon as possible.
(c) The interiors of animal cargo spaces in primary conveyances shall be kept clean.
(d) Attendants must be able to keep the animals moist at all times during
transportation.
6.4.
Care in and immediately prior to transport.
(a) All T. truncatus must be accompanied in transit by at least one approved attendant
and veterinarian who is experienced in the care of these marine mammals during
transportation. It will be the attendant's responsibility to provide for the animal's
good health and well-being, as outlined in succeeding paragraphs of this section.
(b) The weight of the animal should be evenly distributed to avoid pressure points.
(c) Sharp edges of points with which the animal could come in contact shall be
eliminated.
(d) The entire surface of the cetacean must be kept evenly moist during transit and
provision must be made for the movement of their pectoral fins.
(e) The blow hole must not be obstructed at any time and abrasion of the eyes must
be avoided.
(f) The condition of the animals must be monitored and recorded periodically by the
attendant and adjustments made to prevent injury, urine burn, wind burn, sunburn,
pressure or other damage.
(g)
The attendant shall calm animals to avoid struggling, thrashing and other
unnecessary activity which may cause overheating or physical trauma.
(h) T.truncatus to be transported should receive no solid food for a period of time
before transportation, as determined by a qualified veterinarian, in order to reduce
faeces production and the consequent soiling and contamination of containers during
transit, if applicable.
6.5
Transport records.
(a) A written report, including records of clinical observations, must be submitted within 30
days on every transport operation, in particular detailing any problems arising and with
suggestions as to how these may be avoided in the future.
(b) The Agriculture Department of New South Wales must keep a current summary
of transport advice, based on these reports and provide a copy to applicants for their
information.
7.
Transportation of Horses.
7.1 Transport
(a) Unmanageable- equines should not be transported.
(b) Transport of equines in double-decked transports is unacceptable.
(c) It is recommended to either transport or pen separately:
-
unbroken horses;
stallions;
a mare with a foal at foot
horses greatly different in size
(d) Horses, except young or unhandled animals, should wear head stalls which are fitted so
as not to endanger the animal. The lead of the head stall should be secure to the vehicle or
stall using a quick release knot.
(e) It is recommended horse shoes be removed as this will reduce the risk of injury
caused by kicking or slipping.
(f) Mares that are more than ten months pregnant should not be
transported due to the increased risk of metabolic disease, abortion and injury.
(g) Lame or sick horses should not be transported unless for veterinary treatment.
7.2
Handling Practices.
(a) Unweaned foals under 6 months of age should not be separated from their mothers
for transport.
(b)
Electric prods and/or dogs should not be used in handling equines for transport.
7.3 Air transportation.
This section covers horses, asses, mules and donkeys, but not zebras.
(a) Stallions and jacks are required to be individually stalled during air transport.
Mares or jennies should not be stalled adjacent to sexually mature stallions or jacks.
(b) Animals should not be able to contact their neighbours. They can travel within
the aircraft equally well stalled in either a fore and aft (lengthwise), or an athwart
(transverse) configuration.
(c) Tranquillisers should be administered only on veterinary advice.
Tranquillisers are generally contraindicated due to side effects such as muscle relaxation, temporary excitation, or unpredictable reactions. Tranquillisers are not a
substitute for proper care and attention.
(d) Recommended measures to precondition horses for long flights - include:
treatment for internal and external parasites;
clipping horses travelling from winter to summer climates;
ensuring the animal is fit and in good body condition;
thorough veterinary inspection for suitability to travel;
allowing the animals to become accustomed to the type of feed (usually
hay, concentrates or pellets) to be fed during and after the journey;
allowing the animals to become accustomed to handling and to close confinement for
short periods;
removal of shoes and or proper foot trimming well in advance of loading.
(e) Each horse should always wear a strong head collar in case it is necessary to
forcibly restrain the animal in an emergency.
(f) Double lead ropes for anchoring the head and for restraining the animal should be
attached to the head collar and to either side of the stall.
(g) Young foals at foot may travel with their dams.
8.
Transportation of Cattle.
8.1 Transport
(a) It is
recommended to either transport or pen separately:
young calves;
a cow with a suckling calf;
horned cattle;
adult bulls;
cattle greatly different is size;
(b) Lactating dairy cows in full production and without calves at foot should be
milked at intervals not exceeding 24 hours.
(c) When bulls are haltered and tied within a container or stall the shank should not
be fitted through a nose ring.
(d) Calves should be strong enough to withstand the stresses of transportation. They should
be transported in vehicles with enclosed fronts to prevent wind-chill. Calves weighing less
than 23 kg or less, or with wet umbilical cords should not be presented for transport.
(e) Cows more than eight months pregnant should not be transported for journeys
taking longer than eight hours due to the increased risk of metabolic disease and
injury. They should be offered food and water as soon as possible after arrival at the
destination.
8.2 Handling
(a)
Working dogs must never be held in the same section of the vehicle as cattle.
8.3
Air transportation
(a)
Cattle being moved should be kept in familiar groups. Except where they are
normally run together it is best to keep separate:
- horned and polled animals
- bulls and cows
- calves and unfamiliar older cattle
9.
9.1
Transportation Of Camels.
Segregation for Handling and Transport
(a) The following categories of animals should be separated:
cows on heat (stall individually);
bulls;
cows with suckling calves;
other cows and juveniles.
(b) When transporting camels, it is necessary to ensure that;
- there is adequate headroom;
- the camel cannot extend its head beyond the side of the truck;
- cleats are removed from the floor and replaced with litter (hay or sawdust) or sand.
(c) Camels can be transported in sternal recumbency, by trussing in the
sitting/kneeling position for periods of up to two hours.
(d) Cows on heat must not be transported with mature males.
(e) Tether ropes must be tied low for transporting camels to prevent them failling and
hanging themselves.
9.2
Handling Practices
(a)
Camels are cud-chewing animals and mouth bits should never be used on them as
this prevents this natural behaviour.
(b)
(c)
Halters can be used once animals are tractable.
Nose-pegs should not be used to control camels
10. Transportation Of Pigs.
1 0.1 Handling and Transport.
(a) Loading of pigs for transport presents special problems, particularly if they are
not accustomed to being herded. Patience is essential and proper design of yards,
loading ramp and other associated services will facilitate loading with minimal
distress and bruising.
(b) A canvas slapper is the best tool for moving pigs. Dogs or electric prods should
not be used to assist in handling or moving pigs.
(c)
It is recommended that the following classes be transported or penned
separately:
young piglets;
sows with piglets;
adult boars;
unfamiliar groups of pigs;
(d) Pigs are susceptible to extremes of heat and cold. In very hot weather (380C or
more) it is undesirable to transport pigs. If transport is undertaken during hot weather
shade should be provided and the vehicle should be well ventilated. When the
vehicle is stationary shade should be provided or pigs should be unloaded promptly as
heat will build up rapidly within an enclosed vehicle.
(c) Consideration should be given to the need for roofing or shadecloth over vehicles
operating in tropical areas to reduce heat stress in pigs.
(d) In cold weather straw or other dry bedding is desirable, and pigs should be
protected from wind and rain.
(e) Pigs should be unloaded as soon as possible after arrival at the destination and
given immediate access to water.
11. Transportation of Goats
11. 1 Segregation for transport
(a)
Where it is practical, the following categories of goats should be separated for
transport:
- bucks;
- nannies with kids at foot;
- goats which differ greatly in size
11.2 Handling Practices
(a)
Electric prods should not be used to assist in the handling of goats.
(b)
A trained sheep dog may be used to assist in moving and handling goats whom are
accustomed to the dog. Dog use should be kept to a minimum, and they should never travel
in the same section of the vehicle as the goats.
12. Transportation of Deer
12.1 Transportation
(a) It is recommended to either transport or pen separately:
- deer of different species;
- stags/bucks;
- hinds/does
- young animals
- stags with hard antlers
(b)
deer:
There are a number of specific requirements for successfully transporting
- prevention of overcrowding. There should be sufficient space for all animals to
lie down without trampling on each other. As a guide to floor space, small species
such as Fallow & Chital Deer require 0.3m2 per animal, Rusa Deer require 0.4m2 and
Red Deer require 0.5m2 per animal;
- male deer with antlers in velvet should not be transported;
- male deer with hard antlers should be transported separately from other deer, or
have their antlers surgically removed;
- transportation under conditions of subdued lighting, eg. at night or in an enclosed
semi-dark vehicle with adequate ventilation. Under such conditions deer are less
likely to incur trauma or develop transport stress;
- avoidance of long periods in vehicles during extremes of temperature. At hot
times of the year deer should be transported at night;
- provision of feed and water for all but short trips (<6 hours);
- regular inspections during the journey, inspection should take place within 30
minutes of commencing the journey, and thereafter at 2 hourly intervals, or more
frequently on rough roads or in adverse conditions;
- floors must be non-slip, preferably with a bedding of straw or wood shavings to
absorb moisture
(c) Under no circumstances should deer be tied or restrained during transport. Deer should
not be transported if heavily pregnant, exhausted or obviously ill.
(d) Deer should not be transported for more than 24 hours without water or for more
than 36 hours without food. Deer should be allowed a rest period of six hours after
each 24 hours of travel. When deer are transported on rough roads, these rest periods
may be increased in frequency and duration. It is not necessary to unload deer during
rest periods.
(e) Deer due to calve within one month or with young at foot less than one month of
age should not be transported unless for welfare reasons in an emergency.
12.2 Handling Practices
(a) Deer are nervous, flighty animals. Handling should be minimised and carried out
quietly and smoothly. It is preferable to handle deer under reduced light intensity i.e.
evening, night or early dawn.
(b) Properly designed facilities for handling and restraint are essential. They provide
a safe and humane method of handling with minimal risk of injury to animals and
operators.
(c) Dogs should be kept well away from deer unless the deer are used to the
particular dogs.
(d) Adequate ventilation through light-proof vents is essential in enclosed vehicles to
remove fumes from excreta, and to control temperature.
(e) Deer should not be transported when the ambient air temperature in the shade
exceeds 250C or when the temperature inside the vehicle exceeds 300C. If the deer
show signs of heat or dehydration (panting, dry mouth, reduced response to normal
stimuli) the vehicle should be placed in the shade and/or the deer and vehicle hosed
down with cold water.
13.
Transportation of Sheep.
13.1 Transportation.
(a) It is recommended to either transport or pen separately:
- sheep which differ greatly in size;
- ewes with sucker lambs;
- rams.
(b) Newborn lambs and newly shorn sheep are particularly susceptible to wind chill
and should be transported in vehicles with enclosed fronts.
(c) Ewes that are more than four months pregnant should not be transported an journeys
taking longer than eight hours, pregnant ewes should be offered food and water as soon as
possible following arrival at their destination.
13.2 Handling.
(a) Working dogs must never travel in the same section of the vehicle as
sheep.
14.
Transportation of Domestic Fowls.
14.1 Transportation of Adult Fowls.
(a) The design, construction and state of repair of any crate or container used to carry
birds should allow them to be put in, conveyed and taken out without injury.
(b) Containers should be ventilated and deep enough (about 25 cm) to allow all birds space
to stand, move and seek comfort, but prevent bruising during transport.
(c) Covers should be used to protect birds in crates from wind and rain and from
excessive hot and cold conditions.
(d) Birds should not be held in crates or containers for longer than 24 hours unless
they are provided with food and water.
15.
Transportation of Wombats.
1 5.1. Quarantine.
Wombats to be transferred from one establishment to another establishment permanently
must be in good health.
1 5.2. Transport Cage.
Wombats must be transported individually in solid timber boxes with a smooth interior to
prevent chewing, adequate ventilation holes at the top, and a suitable absorbent flooring.
This box must measure 900mm long, 500mm wide and 530mm high.
Juvenile wombats (up to 2 years from birth) may be transported in a large Pet Pack.
15.3.
Feeding in Transit.
The wombats regular diet must be maintained by its keeper.
15.4.
Stress Reduction.
(a)
Wombats must not be subjected to temperatures greater than 25 degrees or less
than 10 degrees centigrade during the trip, or changes in temperature greater than 4
degrees centigrade per hour.
(b)
Wombats must be accompanied by keepers on road trips.
16. Transportation of Flying Foxes.
16.1.
General.
Transport cages should always be placed on tables or shelves well above ground level.
16.2.
Short -term transport
(a)
Flying foxes may be transported individually for short periods, but where possible
should be transported with other familiar compatible individuals.
(b)
Cages to transport flying foxes must be of stout wire mesh of 2mm to 3mm
diameter with a removable leakproof metal drop tray fitted at the base. The cage must
measure at least 460mm high x 615mm long x 360mm wide. One edge should be hinged
and open completely as a door. The cage must be fitted with a light hessian or cotton
cover.
16.3.
Long-term transport
(a)
Suitable food and water must be available to the animals if they are in transit for
longer than 4 hours.
(b)
If handler does not travel with the flying foxes the cage must be clearly labelled
with 'Live Animal', 'Handle With Care', 'This Way Up', together with feeding and
watering instructions for trip.
16.4. Stress during transport
(a)
Flying foxes must not be subjected to temperatures greater than 35 degrees or less
than 10 degrees celsius during the trip.
(b)
It is preferable if the flying foxes can be accompanied by a person familiar with
the animals being transported whenever possible.
F.
Release of Animals After Transportation.
1.
General Principles For The Unloading of Animals.
1.1
Animals should be unloaded as soon as possible after arrival at the destination.
Injuries to animals will be reduced if they are given the opportunity to quietly leave the
vehicle or container by their own means. Recognition must be given to the fact that the
animals are more stressed at the end of the journey.
1.2
In the case of large mammals the vehicle should be correctly aligned with any
unloading ramps so that no gaps exist. Proper alignment will ensure smoother movement of
animals and minimise the risk of injury and bruising.
1.3
Lighting should be provided for unloading at night. Lighting should be carefully
positioned to give even light over ramps, races, yards and enclosures to avoid glare and to
minimise shadows.
1.4
All animals must be given immediate access to water when unloaded.
1.5 Sight screens eg. hessian should be placed on enclosure walls to reduce the
likelihood of collision.
2.
Release of Ungulates.
2.1
An enclosure in to which ungulates are to be released should have its wire fences
made more visible by hanging hessian or similar material.
2.2
Ungulates shall not be disturbed for at least three hours after release into their new
enclosure to allow familiarisation with their surroundings.
3.
Release of Macropods.
3.1
An enclosure in to which macropods are to be released should have its wire fences
made more visible by hanging hessian or similar material.
3.2
Macropods shall not be disturbed for at least three hours after release into their
new enclosure to allow familiarisation with their surroundings.
4.
Release of Raptors.
4.1 Raptors that are to be released into a new enclosure (from the wild or from another
enclosure/transport container) should be released at a suitable time, ie. owls at dusk,
diurnals early morning, so as to avoid heat/cold stress and allow time for orientation in
the new surroundings.
Release should be carried out away from public view (using screens) and separate from
other birds when applicable (using partitions).
4.2
Raptors may be "manned" (tamed) before being put on display.
4.3
An enclosure in to which raptors are to be released should have its wire fences
made more visible by hanging hessian or similar material.
4.4
Raptors shall not be disturbed for at least three hours after release into their new
enclosure to allow familiarisation with their surroundings.
5.
Release of Carnivores.
5.1
Carnivores shall not be disturbed for at least three hours after release into their
new enclosure to allow familiarisation with their surroundings.
6.
Release of Primates.
6.1
Primates shall not be disturbed for at least three hours after release into their new
enclosure to allow familiarisation with their surroundings.33
Appendix 1 - Box Dimensions for Commonly Transported Species
As a general guide, all animals should be able to stand, sit, lie down, turn around and
stretch out to their full length within a container. Ungulates and elephants however
should not be allowed room to turn around.
A useful formula for constructing crates or single compartments for individual animals is
to allow:
Length = from point of nose extended, to root of tail + 1/3
Width = width of animal at shoulder x 2
Height = head raised to full extent
Species
Mice
Hamsters
Rats
Guinea-pigs
Weight of
animal
15-20 g
20-35 g
30-50 g
50-80 g
80-100 g
over 100 g
35-50 g
50- 150 g
150-400 g
170-280 g
280 - 420 g
over 420 g
Max no. per
compartment
25
25
12
25
15-25
7-15
12
12
12
Space per
animal (cm2)
25
30-45
32
88
136
160
50
55-100
110-250
90
160
230
Min height of
box (cm)
10
10
10
13
13
13
10
13
20
15
15
15
Rabbits
Cats
Under 2.5 kg
2.5-5 kg
over 5 kg
Adult
Dogs
Adult
Monkeys
4.5 kg
Day-old chicks
Quail
-
4
2
1
1
or occasionally
2
1
or occasionally
2
total weight of
animals not to
exceed 23 kg or
* 12 animals
50
20
770
970-1160
1160-1400
1400
20
25
30
38
6840 90 x 76
48
25
762 x 457
12
18
* Which must be members of a single social group.
Appendix 2 - Transportation Guidelines
List of points which should be displayed in places where packing, transit changes and
reception of animals take place.
Packaging:
1.
Selection and examination of animals (preparation of veterinary certificate).
2.
Preparation of invoices, etc. Notification to consignee.
3.
Feeding and watering prior to packing.
4.
Examination and preparation of container.
5.
Addition of litter, bedding, food and moisture.
6.
Fixing labels (and veterinary certificates, feeding and veterinary instructions).
7.
Entry of animals into container.
8.
Sealing of container.
Transportation:
1 . Preparedness for reception of animal(s) at destination
2.
Immediate delivery to shipping agent, transporter or consignee.
3.
Instructions to agent or transporter concerning in-transit feeding, watering and
inspection (if required).
Reception:
1 . Consignee or agent to terminus to await arrival of animals.
2. Collection of animals from terminus.
3. Inspection of container for evidence of damage and/or escape.
4. Removal to quarantine facilities.
5. Examination, feeding, watering and resting animals.
6.
Lodging of complaints (if any) with consignor.
7.
Daily examination of animals.
8
Removal from quarantine after period appropriate for species and satisfactory
reports.
Movement of susceptible animals in or out of areas where there is notifiable disease is
strictly regulated.
Appendix 3 - Firearms And Ammunition Suitable For The Humane Destruction of
Livestock Feral Mammals
The following schedule of firearms and ammunition has been prepared after consultation
with State/Territory officers experienced in feral animal control.
Buffalo
* .308(7.62mm) calibre rifles such as the Springfield M14 and MIA, LIAI SLR, Heckler
and Koch M91. Hard pointed/jacketed projectiles 170 grain (or heavier) should be used.
Cattle
* as for buffalo. Silver tip or soft point ammunition is preferred except for heavy scrub
bulls where hard pointed/jacketed ammunition should be used.
Camels, Horses and Donkeys
* as for cattle.
Pigs
* for smaller pigs (<40kg) and ground shooting, .243 calibre rifles with 80 or 100 grain
soft nose projectiles are suitable. In competent hands smaller calibre rifles such as .222
or .223 may be satisfactory.
* 12 gauge shotguns with 28 to 30 inch barrels on 3/4 to full choke are useful for
shooting from long range. SG or SSG cartridges are suitable for larger pigs, while BB
and AAA cartridges can be used for smaller (<40kg) animals. Short barrel (20") open
choke shotguns should not be used because of the sparse pattern that they throw.
Goats
* .243 calibre with 80 grain projectile is preferred although .222 and .223 calibres are
adequate in skilled hands.
* shotguns as for pigs.
* For deer, .243 calibre rifles with 100 grain projectiles are widely recognised as the
minimum acceptable, with experienced shooters generally preferring larger calibres with
heavier bullets. 150 grain .308 projectiles are considered suitable for all deer in Australia.
Future Drafts Will Include Euthanasia Suitable For Common Australian Native Animals.
References.
Model Code of Practice for the Welfare of Animals: 4. Rail Transport of
Livestock
Australian Bureau of Animal Health Canberra, 1983
Model Code of Practice for the Welfare of Animals: Air Transport of Livestock
Australian Agricultural Health and Quarantine Service Canberra, 1986
Model Code of Practice for the Welfare of Animals: Sea Transport of Livestock
Standing Committee on Agriculture Animal Health Committee (Sub-Committee on
Animal Welfare), Australian Agricultural Council (ACC) System, Draft 5, 1986
Model Code of Practice for the Welfare of Animals: 3. Road Transport of
Livestock
Sub-Committee on Animal Welfare (SCAW) Agricultural Council (ACC) System,
1983
Model Code of Practice for the Welfare of Animals: Feral Livestock Animals
Destruction or Capture, Handling and Marketing
Standing Committee on Agriculture Animal Health Committee, 1989
Model Code of Practice for the Welfare of Animals: The Farming of Deer
Standing Committee on Agriculture, Animal Health Committee, CSIRO, 1991
Model Code of Practice for the Welfare of Animals: Animals at Saleyards
Standing Committee on Agriculture, Animal Health Committee, CSIRO, 1991
The UFAW Handbook on the Care and Management of Laboratory Animals,
Sixth Edition
T. Poole (Editor) Longman Group, United Kingdom, 1987. Standards for Exhibiting
Koalas, Macropods, Carnivores, Raptors, Bottle-nosed Dolphins
in NSW.
Head Office ORANGE
NSW Agriculture
161 Kite Street
Locked Bag 21
ORANGE NSW 2800
Telephone (063) 91 3100
Standards for the Operation of Mobile Farm Displays in NSW - Draft
Exhibited Animals Protection Act
Contents
Introduction
Definitions
1. Transportation Requirements
2. Transfer of Animals from Vehicle to Display
3. Exhibit Requirements
4. Supervision
5. Suitability of Animals
6. Education
7. Overnight Housing
Introduction
The purpose of this document is to cover the operation of animal exhibitors authorised
under the Exhibited Animals Protection Act, 1986 (EAPA), who conduct mobile displays
of farm animals.
Definitions
Supervision:
Section 22(2) of the EAPA states.
A person in charge of an animal of any species (other than a permit species) shall
not exhibit the animal on premises occupied by temporary or movable structures
used for the purposes of a circus, fair, fun-fair, amusement park or similar place
of public entertainment, or at a preschool school TAFE establishment, university
or other place of education, unless the person is the holder, or is supervised by
the holder of an Approval authorising the holder to exhibit animals of that
species.
Section 24 of the EAPA states:
A person shall not exhibit an animal of a prescribed species unless the person is
the holder, or is supervised by the holder, of a permit authorising the holder to
exhibit that animal.
For the purposes of this document, supervision by the Approval or Permit holder does not
mean that they must be in attendance at the display at all times, however they must be
able to demonstrate that they have arrangements in place to give effective supervision of
the person left in charge of the display. This includes regular contact by phone, being
available to attend the display at short notice if necessary, and/or regular attendance
during the display's duration.
Person in charge:
For the purposes of this document a person in charge is considered to be:
a) The Approval holder, or an employee of the Approval holder; or
b) The Permit holder, or an employee of the Permit holder.
Clause 1 Transportation Requirements
1.1.
The animal transport compartment must:
a)
be able to be made weatherproof during inclement weather;
b)
be structurally sound with solid sides (which include ventilation
holes/slats);
c)
have facilities which allow for easy loading and unloading;
d)
be insulated from the heat effects of the sun;
e)
be adequately ventilated;
f)
be able to be easily cleaned and must be kept clean;
g)
be constructed in such a way that it will not injure any animal;
h)
provide suitable barriers between animals where there is risk of an animal
injuring another;
i)
have a suitable flooring material which will not allow animals to slip;
i)
have floors which are comfortable for the animals to walk, stand & sit on;
k)
provide bedding for species which require it;
l) allow each animal to stand, sit, lie down, turn around and stretch out to
their full length. (Equids however should not be allowed room to turn
around due to injury concerns).
1.2.
Enclosure gating must be readily accessible so that in the event of breakdowns the
exhibit enclosure can be readily set up to allow the animals to obtain fresh air and
exercise.
1.3..
Juvenile birds (ie. chicks and ducklings) must be transported in insulated boxes
until such an age that they are fully feathered.
1.4.
Inspection of animals must be carried out by the person in charge, not later than
20 minutes after the commencement of the journey, and thereafter at intervals of
at least every hour. During these stops clean fresh water must be offered to all
animals.
1.5.
Assistance from veterinary surgeons, police, RSPCA or other registered
organisations authorised with inspectors under the Prevention of Cruelty to
Animals Act, must be sought as soon as possible for animals injured during
transportation to or from the display site.
1.6.
All animals must be checked immediately upon arrival at the display destination.
Clause2 Transfer of Animals From Vehicle To Display
2.1.
Where ever possible animals must be released directly into the exhibit enclosure
from the transport vehicle. If the animal must be walked from the transport
vehicle to the exhibit, appropriate crowd control must be in place and the animal
must not walk on an unsuitable substrate.
2.2.
Hoofed stock must never be walked on slippery surfaces unless suitable
precautions have been taken to prevent the animals slipping.
Clause3 Exhibit Requirements
3.1.
The area where animals are displayed must:
a)
b)
c)
d)
c)
f)
be designed so that animals cannot escape;
provide clean food and water to all animals at all times (with the exception
of food in the case of working dogs);
if the display is to be located indoors the display area must have a floor
made of non-slip, waterproof material which is kept clean. It is preferable
that this material is covered with a suitable absorbent substrate to a depth
of at least 10 centimetres (except where ratites are displayed). The
substrate covering is not required however where such substrates are
disallowed by the venue;
if the display is to be located outside, the display area must provide shade,
as well as wind and waterproof shelter;
be constructed of exhibit materials of sufficient strength and rigidity to
prevent their movement under the weight of an animal or person.
where visitors are not -permitted to enter an enclosure containing. animals
the enclosure must be constructed so that the animals can avoid being
touched by visitor.
3.2.
Where visitors are permitted to enter an enclosure containing animals the
enclosure
must:
a)
have a double gate through which the public enter;
b)
include a designated area where animals may retreat from the visitors.
3.3.
Animals must not be tethered while on display, except in the case of working
dogs where they have access to shelter and clean water while tethered, and adult
female goats or cows where they are being used for a milking demonstration.
3.4.
As newly-hatched birds have a poor ability to control body temperature, birds
under 5 weeks of age must be supplied with external heating by way of heat
lamps, where the ambient temperature falls below 300C.
3.5.
Any animals whose fight-or-flight reaction does not subside after a short exposure
to crowds must be removed from display. If the only area available to remove the
animal to is the transportation vehicle, the vehicle must be parked in an area
where stable environmental conditions can be ensured. If this is in an area where
the public could distress the animal then an employee of the Approval or Permit
holder must stay with the animal to ensure that the animal will not be harassed.
3.6.
A copy of the Authority issued by the Director-General for NSW Agriculture
under the Exhibited Animals Protection Act, must be displayed where the public
can read it and recognise that the display is authorised.
3.7.
A Code of Practice for the Welfare of Animals in Film and Theatrical
Performances exists under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Regulation. If a
booking involves using animals in film (including advertising promotions), or
theatre performances this Code must be adhered to. (The Code can be obtained
from the Animal Welfare Unit of NSW Agriculture).
Clause 4 Supervision
4.1.
Where visitors are permitted to enter an enclosure containing animals, the person
in charge must ensure that a ratio of 10 children less than 12 years of age) to one
employee is not exceeded.
4.2.
An individual listed as an Approval or Permit Holder on the authority issued by
NSW Agriculture must be in supervision of the exhibition at all times (see
definition of supervision).
4.3..
The person in charge must not allow a child of primary school age or younger to
enter a pen containing an animal which has the potential to injure the child, unless the child is supervised by a suitably qualified employee of the Approval or
Permit holder.
4.4.
It is imperative that Approval or Permit Holders and their employees understand
the nature of their animals and be aware of the stresses which can be imposed on
them by removing them from their normal environment and subjecting them to
closer than normal interaction with crowds of people. At all times consideration
must be given to the fact that species of animals have differing temperaments and
tolerances to stress. No two animals should be treated uniformly.
4.5.
The animal exhibit must never be left unsupervised by the person in charge while
members of the public can have access to the animals.
4.6.
Promotion of direct contact between the animals and members of the public must
only take place if the person in charge can recognise behavioural characteristics
which indicate that the animal is objecting to being handled.
4.7.
All displays must be accompanied, for the duration of the display, by an
individual trained as a First Aid Officer who holds a current First Aid certificate.
A fully equipped First Aid Kit must be carried with the display at all times.
Clause 5. Suitability Of Animals
5.1.
Deer may be displayed by mobile exhibitors under the following conditions:
A)
General:
i) The only species of deer to be used for mobile displays are Fallow, Red and
Rusa Deer.
ii) Adult male Rusa Deer may not be used for mobile displays.
iii) No entire adult male deer (stags) are to be displayed to the public during the
months of February through to September.
B)
Within an enclosure - (under this circumstance the deer are contained behind
appropriate fencing- at all times):
i) The exhibitor shall not permit members of the public to enter an enclosure containing
deer unless the deer are juvenile, and/or adult female, Fallow Deer which are tame. In
this situation the exhibit must include a designated area where the deer may retreat from
the visitors, and the person in charge must ensure that a ratio of 10 children (less than 12
years of age) to one employee is not exceeded.
C)
Walking through public areas:
i) Each deer must be tame and controlled by a handler via the use of headstall and
rope.
ii) Deer handlers under the age of 16 must not be used to control deer which are
more than one year old.
iii) All persons, other than the holder's deer handlers, must be kept at least one
metre from the deer while they are in motion in public areas.
iv) Deer must never be placed or walked on escalators or moving walkways.
v) Adult male deer may only be used where they were castrated before their first rut, and
individually identified by microchip. Evidence of castration before first rut must be
supportable by a veterinary certificate which also states the microchip number given to
the animal.
vi) The use of entire adult male deer (stags) to walk through public areas is not
permitted unless the relevant Permit contains a condition specifically authorising
this use. (Approval is conditional upon applicants demonstrating to the DirectorGeneral's satisfaction their knowledge and experience with handling entire stags).
5.2.
Juveniles of small sized species (eg. rabbits, chickens, guinea pigs, ducks, etc)
must be displayed separately from larger animals to prevent injuries.
5.3.
Only 1 rabbit may be legally displayed unless a permit has been issued under the
Rurai Lands Protection Act to hold more than one.
5.4.
Any animal which displays signs of illness, injury or weakness must not be placed
on display.
5.5.
To ensure continuity of care, all birds must be held for a minimum of 1 month,
while all ungulates (hoofed animals) must be held for a minimum of 3 months.
Where a specific animal is found to be intractable this requirement does not apply.
6.1.
Animal information signs which comply with Clause 8 (3-4) of the General
Standards for Exhibiting Animals in NSW, are required when animals are
displayed within enclosures.
6.2.
Signage must be erected at a level at which it is visible to children as well as
adults.
6.3.
Attendants must be sufficiently knowledgeable about the animals displayed to
answer questions from the public regarding their husbandry and welfare.
7.1.
Where displays necessitate an overnight stay, all animals must be provided with
the
following:
a)
A contained escape-proof area which excludes the public and which is
sufficiently large enough to allow the animal to take exercise,
b)
Access to covered shelter, fresh food and clean water;
c)
A suitable substrate which allows for the comfortable sitting or lying
down of all animals. For all juvenile animals suitable bedding must be
provided to supply warmth.
Clause 6
Education
Clause7 Overnight Housing