Cited by A Short History of the RSPCA Animal Hostel at London Airport. Pt. 2: International Activities.
Description:

'medical societies had convened a conference 'on the Humane Shipment of Monkeys by Air from Overseas', to which they invited the RSPCA. Conference participants agreed on a series of recommendations regarding Rhesus' minimum age (6 months) and weight (4lbs), maternal status (not pregnant or nursing), and shipping conditions (no more than 12 in a 18x 22x 36" crate, no journeys over 48 hours).'

 

From original:

'1. GENERAL REQUIREMENTS:

(a) No monkeys should be shipped under 6 months of age. In the case of Rhesus monkeys this may be taken as under 4lbs. in weight. Age can be confirmed by the presence of a full set of milk teeth - ten in each jaw.

(b) No obviously pregnant or nursing monkeys should be shipped except when specifically requested.

(c) Each cage should contain only monkeys of similar weight and of the same sex.

(d) Pregnant or nursing monkeys or large adults of either sex should be individually caged.

2. TRAPPING: During ground transport of monkeys from place of catching to port of despatch [sic] (often a journey of several days) proper attention should be paid to their care and feeding.

3. HOLDING: It is desirable to keep the monkeys in holding cages of adequate size and pattern (not in their land or air travelling cages) at the port of despatch [sic] for a period of approximately seven days.

4. CERTIFICATE OF FITNESS: Certificates of fitness for export are very desriable. Such certificates should be signed by a person whose qualifications and experience are acceptable to the Government of the exporting country, to the shippers and to the consignee.

5. CAGES OR CRATES:

(a) The cage at present in use by the best shippers is the result of a great deal of thought and experience and no alteration is recommended. The overall dimensions of this cage are approximately 18"(deep) x 22"(high) x 36"(long); it has duckboard (not wire netting) flooring, wire netting front and no handles and is fitted with a removable food and water tray and a droppings tray. Such a cage when empty should weigh about 22 lbs. (See illustration for details of construction.)

(b) Each cage should be permanently marked with its maximum permitted load of monkeys; for Rhesus monkeys approximate loads are -

12 at 4 lbs. each

11 at 5 lbs. each

10 at 6 lbs. each

9 at 7 lbs. each

8 at 8 lbs. each

(c) Monkeys over 8 lbs. in weight should be transported in larger cages.

6. FEEDING AND CARE IN FLIGHT:

(a) Ventilation: It is essential that at all times monkeys should be in a properly ventilated atmosphere. This must over-rule all other considerations. Suffocation has in the past proved to be the major cause of mortality both in the aircraft and on the ground.

(b) Temperature: It is realised that the temperature range to which monkeys may be exposed may vary from the extreme heat of an aircraft at rest on the ground in tropical sun to the wintry conditions of a temperate climate. Under hot conditions moderate air movement is helpful. Every effort must be made to avoid rapid fluctuations of temperature and, subject to the over-riding need for proper ventilation, to keep the temperature in the middle range. Prolonged exposure to extremes of heat or cold is equally lethal.

(c) Watering: Water fit for human consumption should be offered to the animals frequently and in any case not less than twice every 24 hours. Soiled water should not be left in the cages.

(d) Feeding: Changes in the nature of the feed are to be avoided. It is, therefore, recommended that soaked gram (which is normally available at all stages of the journey) should be provided. Though this feed does not remove the necessity to give water it does provide a certain amount of moisture.

The cage tray should be filled with food twice in 24 hours. Unfinished food may be left in the tray. Monkeys are less upset when loading and off-loading if they have access to food.

(e) Protection: A pair of canvas leather gauntlets should be provided in each aircraft carrying monkeys.

(f) Sickness or injury: At least one empty cage should be carried in each aircraft for the isolation of sick or injured monkeys. Experience has shown that the application of dressings or administration of medicines during flight serves no good purpose.

(g) Light: Except when monkeys are being fed and watered it is better that they should travel in semi-darkness. This will make the monkeys quieter and less inclined to fight and give them better opportunities for resting.

7. STOPS:

(a) All journeys exceeding approximately 48 hours in duration should be broken and the monkeys off-loaded to allow them several hours for sleep and release from stress.

(b) The desirability of properly designed animal hostels at main airports is emphasized.

(c) Any monkey dying on route [sic] should be removed from the cage as soon as possible. A bin should be provided on all long flights.

8. PORT OF ARRIVAL: Every effort should be made to ensure that the monkeys on disembarkation travel from the airport to their final destination with the same degree of care exercised as on the long flight.'