The IDO Foundation & SPARTN Retreat Center
Objective
To create a world class retreat center focused on the experience of direct animal husbandry, conservation and care of primates. A center where individuals can come to serve, learn and experience the depth of care and protection of a group of animals often misunderstood, exploited and mistreated around the world.
Goals
The goal of the IDO Foundation and SPARTN is to introduce individuals to world-class care and zoological husbandry of non-human primates in a new light. Our focus is to establish and expose people to the unique and specific care needs of non-human primates who have been the subject of humanization and former domestic care.
We want individuals to experience the unique psychological and emotional care needs of a complex species with greater mental and emotional intelligence. To understand the needs of enrichment, diet, protection and conservation of animals that are often exploited for entertainment purposes.
We want to allow individuals the opportunity to work on the enrichment, dietary and hygienic husbandry of this complex species. This includes daily interaction through feeding, cleaning, interchange of activities for mental stimulation and medical care.
Solution
We are focused on creating a center for the longterm care and essential rehabilitation of multiple species of non-human primates. The center will include a care center and operations hub. From this location the dietary, medical and physical needs of resident animals will be managed and handled daily.
The center will include species specific habitats for a variety of non-human primates, which will includes Spider Monkeys, Capuchin, Vervets, Squirrel Monkeys, Marmosets, Howler Monkeys, Macaques, Lemurs and more.
The care and husbandry will be overseen by a dedicated zoological veterinarian, Dr. Matthew Haley, DVM. The husbandry and enrichment program will be directed by the zoological veterinarian, Dr,. Jordan Shaul, DVM. The operations and property management will be overseen by the founder, Michael Robison. The facility will be continue to be a USDA Class C licensed facility, with licensure provided by the TWRA in Tennessee, with a Class 1 license for the animals classified as Dangerous Wild Animals and any endangered species.
The habitats will meet both USDA and American Zoological Association standards of size and care. This standard will include proper security and protection of the animals. The aim to create the best-in-class habitats to mimic as best possible the natural environments of the animals under direct care.
The property will include multiple small studio style cabins for participants to reside during the duration of the volunteer visits, never to exceed 5 consecutive calendar days. During the duration of a volunteer stay, the participants will engage in the daily feeding, enrichment exercises and cleaning of the habitats, surrounding areas and retreat center. The engagement will also include direct instruction and education from the staff and advisors to the non-human primate care program.
The retreat center will include private areas of observation in and around habitats for the participants to observe and learn about the natural behaviors and needs of the resident animals.
The center will also engage in a light farming project to help produce and provide food for the animals under care, and provide another form of interaction and involvement for participants who choose to stay at the retreat center and volunteer to the care program.
One aspect of impact that will be beneficial for the participants is the mental, emotional and psychological enrichment of the volunteers. There is proven research that shows that working with purpose and the interaction of care of other living beings brings healing, peace and progress to individuals. Whether an individual is facing recovery from PTSD, trauma or stress, the experience of serving and working at the center will provide a mutual benefit between the participants and the animals. Additionally, we will have the advisory of psychologist and therapists available as an added benefit to participants to support their health and well-being during their duration of engagement.
The IDO Foundation Retreat Center and SPARTN will operate as a wildlife sanctuary for the non-human primates and provide life-long, and top quality care for the animal during their duration of natural life.
Project Outline
Stage One: Located and Identify the best property for the development of the IDO Foundation Retreat Center, based within 50 miles of Nashville, Tennessee.
The ideal property will be a former farm or agricultural property such as a winery
The ideal property will include a primary house and multiple additional structures to support the care and husbandry of the animals
Stage Two: Purchase and Develop the property
This will include renovations to the main structure and secondary stuctures to support the ongoing care needs of the resident animals
The construction of natural non-human primate habitats that include both indoor and outdoor structures to provide all season and all weather protections
Stage Three: Develop the Participant Housing
This will be mini-home or container conversation structures to include a bathroom, bed area and sitting area will limited “bachelor style” food preparation areas.
This will include a central gathering gazebo, barn or similar structure to support participant engagement and gatherings
The common areas will also support the daily visits of external volunteers, schools, and educational programs
Stage Four: Develop On-Site Zoological Training Programs
Partnerships with Zoological Learning centers and educators
Academically Accredited Learning Opportunities
Internships for Veterinary, Zoological and Environmental Biology Programs