A donation from Acadian Ambulance will help researchers at the New Iberia Research Center with the transportation of chimpanzees on the Center’s grounds.
The company donated a fully operational ambulance to the center.
“ The University of Louisiana at Lafayette is a very important part of Lafayette and Acadiana. I am very proud of its accomplishments and hold it very close to my heart,” said Richard Zuschlag, Acadian Ambulance CEO and chairman of the board. “We are very proud to make this donation.”
NIRC ambulance The ambulance is essentially a mobile hospital, equipped with oxygen tanks, stretchers and a wide range of emergency medical equipment.
“ This donation to the university is one that will be of benefit for years to come,” said Dr. Joseph Savoie, UL Lafayette president. “It will allow NIRC to continually provide a top level of care for its primates.”
According to NIRC officials, chimpanzees can be transported anesthetized in the fully equipped, air-controlled vehicle, which will help staffers maintain the continuity of veterinary care during transports.
“ Comprehensive veterinary care does not get interrupted during the transport of the chimpanzee, therefore sedation, airway maintenance, hydration and overall comfort of the animal is ensure,” said Dr. Dana Hasselschwert, Head of Veterinary Sciences at NIRC.
The vehicle will be used to transport chimpanzees for medical care and participation in public health initiatives in addition to transporting them from housing areas for routine renovations.