68A-6.006. Sanctuaries; Retired Performing Wildlife

(1) Only a corporation that is licensed in accordance with Section 379.3761, F.S., and exempt from taxation under section 501(a) of the Internal Revenue Code and described in sections 501 (c)(3) and 170(b)(1)(A)(vi) of such code, may operate a wildlife sanctuary for captive wildlife. For the purposes of this section a “wildlife sanctuary for captive wildlife” is defined as a facility established for the sole purpose of providing lifetime care for unwanted or infirmed captive wildlife. Such wildlife sanctuary for captive wildlife shall be operated in compliance with the provisions of Chapter 68A-6, F.A.C., and this section.

(a) Each wildlife sanctuary for captive wildlife must maintain and have available for inspection proof of current status as a Florida registered not-for-profit corporation and proof of current exemption from taxation under section 501(a) of the Internal Revenue Code and described in sections 501 (c)(3) and 170(b)(1)(A)(vi) of such code.

(b) Acts which perpetuate the commercial trade in wildlife, including the trade, sale, offering for trade or sale, breeding except as authorized herein, or buying of captive wildlife or parts thereof, by any such wildlife sanctuary for captive wildlife are prohibited.

(c) Full or incidental contact between the public and such captive wildlife as defined in Rule 68A-6.016, F.A.C., is prohibited.

(d) All wildlife maintained by such sanctuary for captive wildlife shall be permanently identified by means of tattoo, brand, passive integrated transponder (PIT tag), photographic identification, or other method that clearly and permanently identifies that particular specimen so as to be distinguished from other specimens of the same species.

1. For photographic identification the photograph of the specimen must include sufficient distinguishing characteristics (marks, scars, and patterns, etc.) to enable that particular specimen to be distinguished from other specimens of the same species.

2. Record of identification including PIT tag numbers where applicable, along with information about the specimen being identified (species, method of identification, specimen name or number, gender and age) must be maintained in the possessors records for as long as the specimen is possessed. Such records shall be made available for inspection, upon request, of commission personnel. A copy of such record shall be provided to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, Division of Law Enforcement, upon annual renewal of the license issued in accordance with Section 379.3761, F.S., and authorizing possession of such wildlife.

(e) Rare, endangered or otherwise protected specimens of wildlife may be transferred for breeding purposes in instances where such breeding program clearly enhances the survival potential of the species.

(f) Any sanctuary possessing Class I wildlife as listed in Rule 68A-6.002, F.A.C., must meet the bonding or financial responsibility guarantee requirements of paragraphs 68A-6.005(3)(a)-(f), F.A.C.

(2) Any person licensed in accordance with Section 379.3761, F.S., who possesses performing wildlife that due to its age or physical condition may no longer perform, may retain such retired performing wildlife for the purposes of providing lifetime care for said wildlife. Such retired performing wildlife shall be permanently identified and records maintained and submitted as prescribed in subparagraphs (1)(d)1.-2., above.

Rulemaking Authority Art. IV, Sec. 9, Fla. Const. Law Implemented 379.303, 379.304, 379.3762 FS. History–New 6-21-82, Formerly 39-6.06, 39-6.006, Amended 9-30-19.