Elephants, hippopotami, rhinoceroses, and tapirs are exempt from the regulations in this part under the following circumstances:
They are imported from Canada and are accompanied by a document signed by a salaried veterinarian of the Canadian Government that states:
They were not imported into Canada during the year preceding their importation into the United States; and
They did not, during the year preceding their importation into the United States, have physical contact with or share a pen or bedding materials with any elephant, hippopotamus, rhinoceros, or tapir imported into Canada during that year; or
They were exported into Canada from the United States and then imported back into the United States accompanied by a United States health certificate.
Notwithstanding other provisions in this part, the Administrator may in specific cases allow the importation and entry of elephants, hippopotami, rhinoceroses, or tapirs into the United States other than as provided for in this part under such conditions as the Administrator may prescribe to prevent the introduction of ectoparasites into the United States.