The 1997 MONKEY MADDNESS CONVENTION was held in Oklahoma City, OK on October 17-19th. It was hosted by a great group of Oklahoma monkey parents. Public Strategies Inc., organized the convention that was such a huge success!

Friday the 17th, the day started off with registration at 12:30 at the Hilton Inn Northwest. Everyone submitted their 3 favorite monkey photos for the contest and got their first peek at the many vendor booths set up. The convention opened with a business meeting discussing a standard of care for non-human primates and the rights and responsibilities of primate ownership. The 2nd thing on the agenda was the first round-table discussion of the convention, which focused on discussing the Legislation and Regulations that govern primates in the private sector. The Monkey Carnival brought out everyone to the park cameras in hand. We had a great BBQ, wonderful fellowship and games for all the monkeys and owners alike to play.

Saturday began with a Primate Health Forum. A vet panel comprised of Three outstanding primate vets lead the session, talking about prevention, surgical procedures, and other critical health information for non-human primates. The focus was precautionary vaccines and blood testing, and it was agreed that a number of vaccines were acceptable to give to non-human primates. Tetanus, MMR, Polio, TB testing, and Rabies (even though primates are not a rabies risk) were recommended, as well as having a new world blood panel (for new world monkeys) and a herpes B test (for old world monkeys). Saturday progressed with a wonderful buffet by the pool, where we got to meet Bill Vergis's 17 year old male mandrill baboon; Teddy (Ace Ventura Pet Detective: When Nature Calls) After the refreshing buffet Bill and Teddy give their training seminar. Everyone thoroughly enjoyed this session and many many photographs were taken of Teddy. He is a magnificent creature.

When the training session came to an end, many conventioneers were off for a trip to the Oklahoma City Zoo. The night brought out all the spooks for a halloween party. All the monks were adorable in their costumes. It was a delight to see them all!!

Sunday started with discussions on caging, enrichment and nutrition. Everyone brought their best enrichment it other ideas and shared them. Bill Vergis gave another hour of training information., and

The convention came to a close with the awarding of prizes for the monkey photo contest. THE MONKEY MADDNESS CONVENTION WAS A HUGE SUCCESS AND WONDERFUL FUN FOR ALL!!!!

Robin Sloan
monkeymom@monkeymaddness.com