OkcPets Magazine January 2024

January / February 2024 • OKC Pets 23 “It is becoming more widely acknowl- edged that many tests that in the past were routinely conducted with animals are now being replaced by more sophis- ticated methods that use human cells, tissues, and organs that more accurately mimic how the human body will respond to drugs, chemicals, or treatments. These technologies are better for both animals and humans because they are typically faster, less expensive, and more accurate than many of the outdated animal exper- iments that have been used for decades. OPS welcomes such advances in scientific research.” Oklahoma Animal-Cruelty Case In April 2021, the sanctuary welcomed a new and unique resident species to its care by assisting in the emergency placement of 17 lemurs from a roadside zoo in Norman, where law-enforcement officials seized more than 300 exotic animals from deplorable conditions. The lemurs were suffering from varying degrees of frostbite and malnourishment. With the combined care of OPS veterinarians and staff, all 17 lemurs are now thriving. Twelve ring- tailed lemurs and a brown lemur remained with OPS, and the other lemurs were placed with another accredited sanctuary in Texas. Lemurs are critically endangered primates because of habitat loss in their native Madagascar and are technically not considered monkeys but primitive pri- mates called prosimians. McGee, Brooks, Norman, and the other lemurs are doing well and now enjoy quality time with their companions. As we celebrate the lives of the many primates that have been positively trans- formed since the inception of the sanctu- ary, the OPS staff is looking forward to being of service for many more years and is incredibly thankful for all the support- ers in Oklahoma and throughout the United States. If you would like to learn more about the work of Oklahoma Primate Sanctuary or make a donation, you can visit okpri- mates.org . NOTE: Cynthia Armstrong is Oklaho- ma senior state director for the Humane Society of the United States and is vice president of the board of directors of the Oklahoma Primate Sanctuary. Where Every Animal is Free to Live ADOPT VOLUNTEER GIVE 405.282.8617 FreetoLiveOK.org FreetoLiveOK Providing mobile ultrasound services to local veterinarians in their hospital (405) 742-7787 ovdionline@gmail.com https://ovdionline.com/ Dr. Jennifer Neitman, DVM, DACVR Bugg enjoys some fresh browse at the Oklahoma Primate Sanctuary.