Instructions
Obtain an official international health certificate from the Veterinary Services Office of the African country of origin for the animal. These African countries' embassies (most located in Washington, D.C.) or their websites are good sources of information on exactly what document is required and what the officially accepted version must contain. This document must be presented to U.S. animal regulators upon entry into the U.S.
Obtain and complete the appropriate animal import forms from the following U.S. Government agencies: Centers for Disease Control, Division of Global Migration and Quarantine Office; Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service; Department of Agriculture, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services. The exact form(s) required from each of these organizations will vary depending on the type(s) of animal(s) being imported; follow instructions on each form for completing and submitting the forms -- these normally go back to the originating agency. The forms are designed to ensure only healthy, disease-free animals are imported into the U.S., that they are not illegal for importation and that the importer has the necessary license(s). One form common to all African animal imports is FWS 3-200-3, Import/Export License.
Identify which U.S. port on the Fish and Wildlife Service approved list will be used for your animal imports--obtain the appropriate import form and pay the required user fees (fees vary by port used and type of animal being imported).
Apply for import permission for animals bound for zoos by sending a letter to the Centers for Disease Control's Division of Global Migration and Quarantine, Animal Import Program, Mailstop E-03, 1600 Clifton Road, Atlanta, GA 30333. Include the following information in your letter: species being imported; how many of each species; country of origin; how animal(s) will be kept safe and unable to escape during transit; identity of the party responsible for meeting the animal(s) upon arrival into the U.S.
Check with state authorities in the destination state and with the airlines used for transit of the animals for any additional requirements--these vary by state and airline.
How to Import Animals From Africa to the United States
You must complete numerous government forms before you can import animals from Africa to the United States. Animals on the Endangered Species List may not be imported at all by individuals; some types of rodents and birds also may not be imported due to fear of spreading disease; still others, including monkeys, cannot be imported for use as pets. Only certain U.S. ports can be used for animal importation, and guarantees of safe transport are required both during transit and when moving the animals within the U.S. Zoos and educational institutions have different rules than do individuals.