§2796.2. Limitation of liability for loss connected with festivals, programs, or activities sponsored by an animal sanctuary

           A. Notwithstanding any other law to the contrary, no person shall have a cause of action against any nonprofit organization which operates or maintains an animal sanctuary, qualified as a tax-exempt organization under Section 501(C) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1954, as amended, or an officer, employee, or volunteer thereof, for any injury, death, loss, or damage in connection with the Chimp Haven Festival, Dixie Chimps art contest, Les Boutiques de Noel, SciPort and Chimp Haven events, Run Wild and Have a Field Day, Eye-20 Art Show Gala, Krewe of Barkus and Meow Paws parade, Krewe of Centaur parade, Krewe of Highland parade, garden tour, ChimpStock, and any other educational and public awareness activities in which the organization sponsors or participates, unless the loss or damage was caused by the deliberate and wanton act or gross negligence of the organization or any officer, employee, or volunteer thereof.

           B. As used in this Section, a "nonprofit organization which operates or maintains an animal sanctuary" means an organization authorized to provide a sanctuary system for chimpanzees in accordance with 42 U.S.C. 287a-3a.

           C. The provisions of this Section shall not apply to the operation of a vehicle on a public highway by officers, employees, or volunteers of a nonprofit organization which operates or maintains an animal sanctuary.

           Added by Acts 2003, No. 691, §1.