Captive Wildlife Technical Assistance Group
Formed July 15, 2005It is the goal of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission to develop and maintain the best regulations possible that provide for public safety, animal welfare, and the legitimate use of wildlife for personal, educational or exhibition purposes. To this end we formed a technical assistance group, consisting of 11 experts, to review captive wildlife regulations and address current captive wildlife issues. The FWC received many resumes from interested parties possessing a wide and varied range of expertise and a vested interest in addressing captive wildlife issues. The group members were selected based on their diverse background and areas of expertise. The experience possessed by the selected members represents all facets of the captive wildlife industry and wildlife rehabilitation. Additionally, it represents experience in animal welfare, disease/bioterrorism, emergency response and local government. We are confident that these members represent a well-rounded group and are equal to the task of developing the best regulations possible for captive wildlife. Information regarding the scope of the group, as well as meetings and contact information for group members, will be provided at this Web site in the near future. Group meetings will be open to the public and you are welcome to attend and listen to the discussion. We will not take oral public comment at the meetings; however, we encourage you to give input to technical assistance group members, provide written comments, and attend public workshops addressing captive wildlife. We appreciate your interest in Florida’s captive wildlife. We encourage and solicit your input throughout this process. Please continue to monitor this Web site for updates regarding the Captive Wildlife Technical Assistance Group and this process. Captive Wildlife Technical Assistance Group Members:Ms. Julie Alexa Strauss: Corporate Counsel for FELD Entertainment, Inc. (Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus); former Captive Wildlife Committee member. Dr. Terri Parrot-Nenezian: Doctor of Veterinarian Medicine specializing in wildlife and exotics; Wildlife Rehabilitator; Exhibition/Sale Licensee with authorizations for most Class I and II families; former Captive Wildlife Committee member. Mr. Dan Martinelli: Treasure Coast Wildlife Hospital, Executive Director; Wildlife Rehabilitator; Exhibition/Sale Licensee with authorizations for most Class I and II families; Venomous Reptile Licensee. Mr. Eugene Bessette: Ophiological Services, Founder and Director; Venomous Reptile Licensee; Exhibit/Sale Licensee for Class III reptiles; former Captive Wildlife Committee member. Mr. Joe Christman: Curator of Mammals for Disney’s Animal Kingdom; extensive background in zoo operations and husbandry. Dr. Leroy Coffman: Doctor of Veterinarian Medicine; Former State Veterinarian and Director of Animal Industry with the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services; extensive background regarding bioterrorism, disease issues involving livestock/wildlife and emergency response to natural and man made disasters. Mr. Ken Johnson: Representative for the Humane Society of the United States; Director of IT for FSU College of Medicine; former Captive Wildlife Committee member. Dr. Susan Clubb: Doctor of Veterinarian Medicine; Co-owner of Hurricane Aviaries; Staff Veterinarian for Parrot Jungle Island; extensive avian and primate background. Mr. Bill Armstrong: Hillsborough County Animal Control, Director; Florida Animal Control Association, President; County Emergency Response Coordinator for Emergency Support Function (ESF) 17 (Animal Issues). Mr. R. Donavan Smith: Close Up Creatures, Inc., Founder and Director; NGALA Private Reserve, Founder; Exhibit/Sale licensee with authorizations for elephants, hippos, felids, crocodilians, and ratites. Ms. Gloria Noble Johnson: Cougar Ridge Education Center, Inc., Founder; Exhibit/Sale Licensee with authorizations for Class I and Class II cats; Lobbyist. (RESIGNED) Mrs. Kathy Stearns: Stearns Zoological Rescue and Rehab, Founder; Wildlife Rehabilitator; Exhibit/Sale Licensee with authorizations for Class I bears and cats, Class II primates and cats, and Class III. (NEW MEMBER) | 
