This is an actual report on a monkey lovers web-site. It
tells you exactly what to do when you monkey dies. Again I find it funny that
people go to such lengths. I'd just chuck it in the bin or flush it down the
toilet like a goldfish.
If you read the steps you will see that you can post your dead monkey to a nice vet, he will tell you how it died, then he will post it back and you have your dead monkey back. The only reason I can think of for this is that they are going to have the corpse stuffed and stood up in the owners living room in the 'two thumbs up' Jimmy Krankie position.
Action Steps to Ensure the Best Results from Your Necropsy
1) When the primate dies, place it in a plastic bag, and place it in a refrigerator until you make all shipping arrangements. Putting the body in cool NOT FROZEN storage as soon as possible is critical.
2) Ask your veterinarian to call CSU and let the University know that a sample will be arriving for necropsy. The number is 970-491-1281.
3. Prepare the primate for shipping. A solid box is critical Veterinarians may have Styrofoam boxes that supplies are delivered in, which might be best. If you use a cardboard box, you will need to get some Styrofoam at a local craft store and cut it to fit the box. Make sure you cover the bottom and all sides, as well as the top.
4. Place dry ice or ice packs in the box. Veterinarians may have these on hand or they can be purchased at Wal-Mart or a drug store. If it's summer, use more rather than few to ensure that the body is kept cool. Next place a layer of crushed newspaper and then place your beloved primate in the box. Add another layer of crushed newspaper and top off the box with more ice packs.
5. Prepare your information. Prepare a description of your primate, to include its age, when and where you got it, diet, and living conditions (inside/outside/both). Did it have a dirt bottom on its outside cage? Did it play with other monks, other people or other types of animals? Provide any information that you think might be helpful. Also include a full medical history, medical information about the current problem, and your veterinarian's name and phone number. Finally, be sure to include information about whether you want your primate's body to be delivered to the crematory or disposed of following the necropsy.
6. Double bag all written information and place it inside the package. Add the last Styrofoam, ice and seal the container. Use lots of cellophane tape to ensure that there is no chance of leakage.
7. The address label should read: CSU, 300 West Drake Road, Room E100, Fort Collins. CO 80526.
8. Contact the carrier to pick up your package. Make sure to send it overnight delivery. There is no reason to offer information about what is in the box. If asked, the answer is lab samples.
CSU Necropsy Protocol for Pet Primate Samples
All samples need to be submitted by the owner or the attending veterinarian by overnight mail, accompanied with freezer packs. Special forms will be supplied on the SSA website after August 1, 1999, and these should be filled out as completely as possible and included in the package in a sealed plastic bag. The owner history form is particularly important, as the more complete the information the better the chance that a correct diagnosis can be made. All samples must be identified as originating from a pet primate.
For reliable information, all primates that die must be at CSU within 24 hours and must be stored at refrigerator temperature until then. Do not freeze. Primates sent by carrier must be accompanied by sufficient ice packs for the body to remain cold until arrival, which can take up to 24 hours even when sent "overnight. "
Also, include in the packet your instructions for disposal or return of your primate's body after the necropsy. At your direction, CSU can either follow its disposal procedures or send the body to a local crematory, where the ashes can be returned to you. The cost for cremation runs $50-60 including shipping, and you make the arrangements yourself by calling Precious Memories. 970-482-7557.