21/01/2010

  The Pan African Sanctuary Alliance (PASA) has released the PASA Operations Manual, a 134-page guidebook to modern sanctuary management that addresses everything from staff size to veterinary care and is the result of nearly two years' work.

The PASA Operations Manual replaces the original PASA Handbook, which had grown outdated since its original publication in 2002.

PASA advisory board member Dr. Kay Farmer served as the lead editor of the PASA Operations Manual, and she worked with contributors, experts, and editors in Europe, North America, Africa and Asia. The project was supported by PASA, in association with the University of Stirling in Scotland and the Universities Federation for Animal Welfare (UFAW).

"This manual reflects a decade of accumulated experience and knowledge from the African sanctuary community," Farmer said. "We have produced a document and a system that confirms PASA member sanctuaries exemplify excellence, and are providing primates with the best possible care. We believe that as long as the profession is guided by these standards, the work of the sanctuary community will be increasingly respected and recognized."

The PASA Operations Manual was crafted to primarily address four basic themes:

• Outline the role of African sanctuaries in primate welfare and conservation
• Formalize PASA's Codes of Conduct, Policies, Operational Philosophy and Principles
• Define the Minimum Standards and Best Practice Guidelines for PASA sanctuaries

The PASA Operations Manual was produced in English, but a French-language version will be available in 2010.

The PASA Operations Manual will be submitted to leading conservation, animal welfare, and captive care organizations for endorsement, including the International Primatological Society (IPS), the European Association of Zoos and Aquariums (EAZA), the World Conservation Union (IUCN), and the Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries (GFAS), among others. The PASA Operations Manual will also be subject to periodic review and revision.

"PASA worked very hard for a very long time to product this manual," said PASA executive director Doug Cress. "PASA has always recognized that its reality was not addressed by existing codes or policy documents, and we've had to create our own guidelines. We believe this manual will serve us well into the 21st century."

The PASA Operations Manual includes sections on nursery care, education programs, occupational health, animal confiscation, and enclosure design, among others. It also highlights the steps necessary to be considered for PASA membership.

 http://pasaprimates.org/new-headlines