Husbandry Flashcards
What precautions are taken to minimize disease transmission in quarantine?
Personnel:
Cared for by keeper who doesn’t work with closely related species
When possible, cared for after resident animals tended to
Sometimes necessary to shower and change work clothes between animal groups
Access restricted to essential staff only ( assigned K, LK, AC sup, vet staff)
Other:
Disinfectant footbaths
PPE (clothing, masks)
Minimize physical contact
Government protocols in addition to in-house protocol
Refer to list of posted quarantine restrictions
Routine procedures that apply to most new arrival quarantine
Dedicated equipment - feeding, cleaning
If not possible, cleaned and disinfected before use in other areas
Weighed on arrival (except fish)
Again when moved to site at end of quarantine
Nutritionist provide diet similar to previous facility
Avoids stress of sudden diet change
Gradually changed to TZ diet once animals settled in
Food intake monitored daily - Food Intake Control Sheet
Forwarded to nutritionist
Undergo complete physical exam during quarantine
Including dental
Medical problems treated
Vaccinations updated as appropriate
No history = treated as a immunologically naive animal and receive appropriate series of vaccinations
Weekly fecal samples collected from individual/group sample
ideally, release dependent on 3 negative samples taken a week apart either initially or after parasiticide treatment
Evaluated for ectoparasites and treated
Blood sample collected during quarantine
Remaining serum and EDTA whole blood frozen for future reference
Minimum: CBC and serum profile performed
Unmarked animals will be permanently identified
Detailed medical records will be maintained and readily available
Any that die during quarantine undergo complete PM examiniation
What are the components of a MTK talk?
Welcome visitors, Introduce yourself, Summarize what this MTK event will involve
Introduce animals
Indicate or describe differences between them
Personality traits, individual behaviours
Personal anecdotes or experiences that enable visitors to relate more closely
General biological information
Use behaviour/posture/activity to illustrate or explain characteristics/features
Status in the wild
Conservation issues and challenges
Threats to long term survival
TZ and other zoos conservation involvement
Briefly explain how SSP’s operate
How visitors can get involved with conservation efforts
Direct to TZ website and other information sources
Questions
Repeat questions before answering
Thanks
Direct them to other talks/feeds/events
Remain in area for chats
General considerations for MTK talk?
Always be punctual
Check sound system in advance and spare batteries
Sound system use mandatory for more than 8 guests
If feeding, only qualified WC staff unless supervisor prior approval
Always be polite and cognizant that you are representing TZ
MTK talk components drafted by keepers responsible for those animals, with input and approval from Gr. 4 and supervisor
Sample/template KT available for reference if required
What do you do if you are bitten by a venomous snake
Remain calm
Remove receiver the snake alarm phone
Alarm will sound in Control
Describe nature of problem and species, if safe to remain at the phone
Lie down, don’t move, any more than absolutely necessary for your safety
Keep escaped animal under observation until someone else can secure it
If escaped animal poses a threat, leave the holding, close the door, sit down.
What do you do if someone is bitten by a venomous snake?
Reassure patient
Make them lie down
Remove jewellery from bitten extremity
Immobilize bitten extremity, in comfortable position, use sling if arm
Remove venomous reptile card (Located at back of exhibit or on holding container)
Confirm species and antivenin for Control
Accompany patient to hospital
Antivenin and venomous reptile card should accompany patient to hospital
Why does hygiene need to be effective?
Health needs: prevent spread of disease among animals to staff/visitors and zoonoses from animals
Husbandry needs: provide clean safe conditions for the maintenance and exhibition of animals
Aesthetic needs: provide clean environment to enhance visitor enjoyment
What are some hygienic work practices?
Removal of: animal discharges, old food, other wastes and organic material that decomposes rapidly etc
All waste material without exposing it to other animals or to visitors
Regular cleaning/disinfecting of tools and equipment
Periodic replacement of exhibit furniture, natural surfaces and bedding materials
Cleaning of exhibit surfaces with water, steam, chemicals etc
General maintenance of grasslands in pastured exhibits
Frequent changes of pool water, cleaning pool surfaces and flushing to remove chemicals
Daily cleaning of containers (food/water). Give fresh drinking water
Cleanliness in handling, presenting and storing foodstuffs, including hay
Cleaning of food preparation utensils and areas
Pest control
Personal hygiene
Cleaning of public areas, washrooms, facilities and general zoo grounds
Care and attention in handling animals, including young and eggs
What is a zoonosis?
Infectious disease that is transmitted between species. Pathogens may be bacterial, viral or parasitic, and can spread to humans through direct contact or through food, water or the environment
How can you reduce the risk of zoonotic transmission?
WASH HANDS OFTEN
Know ways disease and infections spread
Avoid unnecessary contact with animals (gloves, PPE, coveralls, face masks)
Shower and change before leaving zoo
Separate street and zoo clothes
Report any bites, cuts, scratches no matter size. Wash wounds properly
Wash hands before eating, leaving/between zoo areas, after handling animals
Don’t eat/smoke in animal containment areas
Follow posted quarantine procedures
Use gloves when touching dead animals or faecal matter (not bare hands)
Remember YOU can bring disease in (pets, farm animals, other people) and spread outside zoo
Stay away from primates if sick/respiratory ailment. Wear a face mask
Keep fingers out of your mouth, eyes, nose
Report symptoms: diarrhea, vomiting, fever, “flu-like”symptoms, cold sores etc
Be sure your doctor knows you work at the zoo and are aware of zoonoses
How is disease transmitted?
Direct: e.g. rabies, ringworm
Indirect: contaminated objects/materials. e.g. salmonellosis, hookworm
Vector species: contact with disease carriers: e.g. Herpes
Infections from food/water: e.g. giardia, salmonellosis
Air-borne infections: droplets of moisture, coughed/sneezed, dust particles. Facilitated by close proximity and a closed-in environment
Infections from blood-sucking arthropods: e.g. malaria
Advantages of hose down cleaning method?
Done without entering (reduce stress, minimize contact and potential hazards)
Waste quickly removed straight enter sewerage system
Avoids handling faecal matter/contaminated material
Reduce labor (effort, time)
No dust produced
Water dilutes chemicals and other substances
Increases humidity
Disdvantages of hose down cleaning method?
Exhibit must be designed for it (few natural materials, drains/catch basins well maintained and adequate for volume of water and waste)
Wets animals
Temperature and humidity change may be unfavourable for species
Can’t be done when below freezing, steam can be
Water is damaging to most construction materials
Moist environment favours development of fungi and bacteria
Potable water costs money and adds to burden of sewage/water treatment plants
Water conservation (turn off, report leaks, high pressure washer)
Excessive cleaning can impact stress levels (especially breeding, birthing, young)
Destroys natural odours = excessive marking behaviour
Produces aerosols = face mask, goggles especially primates
Advantages to the use of bedding materials and substrates?
Enhance natural display
Humidity controlled, animals don’t get wet
Insulation against undesirable temperature changes e.g. hot bed for hoof stock
Nest material, sound and visual barrier = comfort
Used in any temperature and where there is no water supply
Enhance body and skin/coat condition
Expression of natural behaviour and special adaptations
Disadvantages to the use of bedding materials and substrates?
Not all waste removed until full change = increase risk of disease and parasitic reinfestation
Requires more labour to service (periodic major clean or removal)
Costly
Storage required for fresh and used material
Mixes with food, harbours germs and parasites
Dusty and combustible = compromise air quality
Complicate daily visual check (animal, stool, other discharges)
Insufficient abrasion for wearing down of hoofs (deep or soft bedding)
Why is pest control necessary?
Help prevent spread of disease and infection
Protect visitor from exposure to certain zoonoses
Reduce annoyance to people and animals
Ensure captive animals receive adequate food
Prevent structural damage
Predators can kill/injure zoo animals
Plants can be poisonous to animals
Overpopulation of pests can decrease populations of other wild animals or plants
What impact can pests have?
Disease vectors/reservoirs Free loaders Cause physical damage to material and other animals Compete for food Foul food/water Kill or injure zoo stock Cause stress to animals Poisonous plants, trees and weeds: annoying/dangerous
What are causative factors of pests?
Improper sanitation
Food: kitchen and storage
Animal wastes: Bagged when possible Stored in proper location Keep drains and ditches clean Eliminate breeding places
Hiding places
Don’t leave timber lying around
Tidy area, clean up woodpiles
Block holes in floors, walls, eaves to keep out birds
Inadequate barriers
Food containers
Exhibits
What are pest prevention procedures?
Sanitation - Maintain clean and tidy work place
- proper storage
- drains/ditches/manure bins clean
- material not left laying around
Physical Control (Live traps, flypaper, electric fences, pest proofing)
Chemical Control
Pesticides, anti-coagulants in baits and traps
Must follow provincial and federal regulations
Dangerous to zoo stock if they aren’t protected against accidental contamination
Poison source and poisoned pests
Biological Control
Tokay geckos
Lady birds protect plants against aphids
Report pests or signs of, using pest control form
Make sure all control measures are in no way a danger to zoo animals
Do regular checks of bait stations and traps as part of routine, don’t just leave to pest control officers
Know location of traps and bait stations
Act as soon as signs of pests are noticed
Block holes to building with wire mesh (birds, mice)
- doors shut
- fences
Kill all pests
Pull weeds
Fecal sample collection if suspected internal parasites
What is the keepers role in providing food for animals?
Know how much is eaten
If the animal finds the food acceptable
General condition resulting from what, when and how it is fed
Know how to properly present it
At the optimum time
Under conditions that allow animal to eat adequate amount
Knowledge of the species, behaviour and nutritional requirements are all necessary to provide a properly presented diet
What are feeding considerations?
Necessary nutrients that animal requires
Previous diet
Physical condition of animal
Nature of diet offered (natural/man made, supplementation/balanced)
Use of teeth and digestive organs in such a way that keeps them healthy
Occupation and contentment with respect to feeding process
Exhibit type or holding area
Number of animals and sex ratio
Dominance factors
Mixed species
Feed container type, number and location
Seasonal changes in needs (reproductive, climatic)
Avoid psychological stress, which is linked with nutrition
Control of animals routine
Considerations when selecting food/water bowl?
Hygiene requirements Pest control Safety Serviceability Position Number Clean area around and underneath food stations Clean outside and underneath bowls
Disadvantages of group feeding
Competition for food; fighting and possible injury
Uneven distribution of various food items
Lack of keeper control over individual intake
Individuals with specific needs (meds, lactation supplements)
Disadvantages of individual feeding
May be fed off view
Increased housing and labour costs (extra bowls, cleaning)
No encouragement from other animals
Gregarious feeding animals eat more in group than alone
What reasons would you give a visitor who was feeding zoo animals?
Receive nutritious balanced diet, doesn’t need extra Eat junk/sweet food even when aren’t hungry = eat less of proper diet Zoo can’t control what they eat when people feed them = deficiencies, poor teeth and bad health Transmit disease (eg. measles, colds to primates) Disrupts proper maintenance cycle of the animals Renders feed control data invalid Keeper observations on intake become inaccurate Aggressive encounters and stereotyped dependency (begging)
In 1998, Kartiko (young orangutan) died after going into the moat to keep cookies given by a visitor to himself. He was rescued from the moat but later died from complications
Why is it important to keep accurate animal records?
Supply scientific information to universities, researchers, other zoos
Government requirements Acquisition/disposal of endangered/threatened species Animal movements in/out of country Post-entry quarantine Animals acquired under permits
Improve husbandry techniques by knowing more about the collection, planning ahead
Public relations - want to know age and history
ISIS and SSP require meticulous records Collection information (past and present) Patterns Breeding information Medical information
Provide complete sequential history of each animal
What are the 12 categories on the daily reports?
1 - births/hatching 2 - deaths 3 - arrival 4 - departure 5 - transfer 6 - feeding habits/diet change 7 - illness/injury/treatement/recovery 8 - animal observations/remarks/enrichment 9 - reproductive activity 10 - maintenance/groundskeeping/exhibit changes 11 - events/tours/MTK attendance 12 - staff/weather/other
What criteria would you assess when choosing an identification method?
As free as possible from pain and stress
Minimal opportunity for infection of the marked area
Not inhibit normal activity (moulting/sloughing, breeding, feeding)
No cause for negative criticism
Easy to use
Adaptable for different sizes and types
Permanancy
What are the different identifcation types and give an example for each
- Passive identification:
= permanent natural differences between animals
e.g snake pattern
Temporary = antlers, plumage, coat - Positive non-natural:
Bands, notching, tattoos, microchip - Positive temporary:
Paints, dyes, collars
What are some identification methods for fish
fin tags, passive ID: colour, size, patterns
What are some identification methods for inverts
exoskeleton markings with nailpolish, separate container
What are some identification methods for birds
leg bands, wing tags, microchips, eyelid/sere dots
What are some identification methods for mammals
ear tags/notches, microchips, etc
What are some identification methods for amphibians and reptiles
toe clipping, shell notching, sexual dimorphism,
When observing an animal, what are some things you should be looking for?
Behaviour - normal? Stool/urine Number - Are they (all) visible/present? Overall coat/feather condition Eye shine Manner of standing/walking Limping or favoring a limb Posture Appetite - food/water consumption Feces, urine, bodily fluids Respiration rate Hooves/nails/claws Weight/body condition Cuts/injuries Discharges Swollen body parts
When recording behaviour and describing observations, how would you categorize behaviour?
- Social
Structure: dominance, submission, courtship, adult/young
Compatability: intra- or inter-species
Environment: territorial, animals use of, effect of environment
Cyclic: seasonal or daily - Maintenance
Feeding: social structure of feeding group, preferences
Grooming: self and social, interaction with exhibit
Communications: vocal, visual, olfactory, physical contact
Elimination: faecal deposition, coprophagy, urine marking
Locomotion: methods, sleep/rest position, aquatic, aerial - Agnostic
Flight
Threat: bluffing or attack
Thresholds: changes in critical and personal distances
Communications: vocal, postural
Cyclic behaviour: aggression during feeding or rut, relating to young - Reproductive
Social structure, interactions between adult/young/parents - Other
Stress: boredom, pacing, stereotypes
Displacement: self mutilation, aggression
Intra/inter species: don’t have to be in same exhibit (visual/vocal)
Spatial occupation
9 Characteristics of mammals
Mammary glands
Hair
Endothermic
Breathes air by means of lungs
Four chambered heart - 2 ventricles and 2 auricles. Left aortic arch retained to form main vessel
Differentiated teeth (most highly specialized)
Neck Vertebrae - 7 with the exceptions: tamandua (8), 3-toed sloth (9) 2-toed sloth and manatees (6)
Diaphragm -s eparates chest and abdominal cavities
Enlarged brain
What methods of reproduction do mammals have?
Monotreme/egg-laying
Marsupial/pouched
Placental
What are the 6 characteristics of a primate?
Complex, advanced brain Decreased sense of smell Increased sense of sight (colour vision) Decreased sense of hearing Small, practically immovable ears Increased sensitivity of touch Able to sit, stand and walk in upright position
What are the 7 characteristics of a carnivore?
Clawed digits
At least 4 digits on each foot
Some walk on toes (dogs/cats), soles (bears) or intermediate forms
Heavy skull with strong facial musculature
Teeth are rooted (small, weak incisors, strong curved canines)
Winter sleep is not considered to be hibernation because certain physiological changes do not take place and therefore they can be awakened
All are not exclusively meat-eaters
Generally 1-2 young per litter. Usually born blind, helpless but with fur
3 orders of perissodactlya
Equidae
Tapiridae
Rhinocerotidae
What are the 5 characteristics of a perissodactyla?
Odd number of toes
Simple stomach (no rumination)
Hooves
No horns or antlers
Rhino “horn” no firm attachment to bones of skull
Teeth
Molars and premolars enlarged, flattened and adapted for grinding coarse vegetation
What are the 3 forms of locomotion?
Plantigrade - man - whole lower surface of foot on ground
Digitigrade - dog - walk on toes/fingers with rest of the foot off the ground
Unguligrade - horse - walk on hooves with rest of foot off the ground
What are 3 characteristics of Artiodactyla?
Teeth - Upper incisors are generally lacking
Molars and premolars enlarged, flattened and adapted for grinding coarse vegetation
Lengthened limbs
Highly efficient, complex stomach capable of rumination
All ruminants except pigs, peccaries, hippos
Describe the rumination process
- food is swallowed and goes into the RUMEN for storage. Bacteria and microorganisms begin partial digestion and nutrients are absorbed
- rumen –> RETICULUM for further bacterial fermentation.
- Cud is formed and regurgitated for further breakdown.
- Chewing produces highly alkaline saliva which buffers rumen pH and helps to break down fibers
- swallowed again, bypassing rumen, goes to OMASUM where water and essential acids absorbed. Muscular contractions compact food more and passes it directly to abomasum
- ABOMASUM aka true stomach. Acids and digestive enzymes (similar to stomach of non-ruminant) further breaks down food
- Passed to LOWER GASTROINTESTINAL TRACT for further digestion, absorption and elimination
Rumen
Reticulum
Omasum
Abomasum
What are the 2 features unique to birds?
Feathers
4 chambered heart
What are 12 characteristics of birds?
Feathers
2 pairs of limbs (one modified to wings, other for perching/walking/swimming)
Skeleton delicate but strong mouth/beak/bill
Lungs attached to ribs and connected to air sacs between internal organs
Endothermic, high metabolic rate
Young hatch from hard shelled eggs which are incubated externally
4 chambered heart (right aortic arch retained to form main vessel)
Most highly evolved eyes in the animal kingdom
Colour vision good
Highly developed sense of hearing
Stomach generally divided into 2 parts:
Proventriculus (glandular stomach)
Ventriculus (gizzard)
Why should you feed birds first?
High metabolic rate
Need to maintain high body temp and very active
= obtain food with high energy values
Limited fat storage capacity
= can’t survive long without food
Why do birds communicate?
Assemble flocks Advertise nesting territories Attract mates Direct young Warn of danger
What adaptations do they have for flight?
Feathers: strong, lightweight
Steamlined body
Body proportionately light due to skeletal system and many air chambers
Pectoral (breast) musculature: strongly developed (driving force for wings)
Respiratory system is highly developed, functions both as a rapid gas exchange and cooling system
What are the 4 orders of reptiles?
Rhynchocephalia - Tuatara
Chelonia - Turtles, tortoises, terrapins
Crocodilia- Crocodiles, alligators, caiman, gharials
Squamata- Lizards, snakes
What are the 5 characteristics of reptiles?
Ectothermic Horny scales or plates Breathe by lungs Most lay eggs (unguarded/cared for) Mostly carnivorous
What are the 2 types of snake venom?
Nerve
Blood
What are the 4 factors that affect the frequency of a snake shedding?
Health
Environment temperature
Emergence from hibernation
Amount of food available
Most 3 - 4 times a year
What is the function of the jacobsons organ?
Recording chemical stimuli
Snakes tongue flicked in/out, picking up particles and transferring inside to JO
= trail prey or potential mates
= identifies objects in surroundings
Tongue itself has no sense of taste
What are the 6 characteristics of amphibians?
Ectothermic
Naked skin (not scaly)
Nearly all breathe with gills when young, lungs when adult
Majority lay eggs in water, not guarded
Adults are carnivorous, some young are vegetarian
Some produce obnoxious secretions (defense)
What are the 4 adaptations for life on land for amphibians?
Modification of 2 pairs of lateral fins (used by fish for swimming) into 2 pairs of limbs for locomotion on land
Ways of breathing air
Prevention of dehydration by loss of water through the skin
Mechanisms to permit development of eggs on land
What are the 3 orders of amphibians?
Caudata - Salamanders
Apoda - Caecilians
Salientia - Frogs: semi-aquatic, web-footed, naked clammy skin, powerful hind legs
Toads: terrestrial, wart-like bumps that exude poisonous fluid, can’t jump far
What are the 4 characteristics of fish?
All have crania
Live in water
Possess gills, used throughout life span
Possess fins.
What does the air bladder do?
amplifies sound and assists in swimming. Acts as supplementary breathing organ. Vary amount of gas in bladder to adjust its body weight and remain suspended at whatever depth it elects.
What is the lateral line sensor and what does it do?
Series of sensory cells usually running the length of both sides of the body
Receives low frequency vibrations
Used to determine direction of currents and presence of nearby objects
Helps determine water temperature, find it’s way through murky water, travel at night, escape predators, assist in keeping schooling fish together
What are the 3 orders of fish?
Agnatha - Lampreys and hagfish
Chondrichthyes - Sharks, rays, skates and chimeras
Osteichthyes - Bony fishes
What are 12 benefits of cage furniture?
Nesting place
Hiding place - burrows, vegetation
Visual barrier
Place to give birth and rear young
Care for skin, horns, hoofs, claws
(rubbing posts, dust baths)
Camouflage - coloured sand, backgrounds
Stimulate activity
Devices for animal maintenance - catch pens, escape tunnels, hiding places
= daily routines produce less stress
Regulates humidity - waterfalls, running water, misting systems, live plants, moisture absorbing substrates
Regulates temperature - shade, insulating, wind break
Balance gas exchange - plants
Psychological security - blankets, sound source
Safety (creeps)
What are 4 benefits to the visitor of providing cage furniture?
Interesting and pleasing exhibit
Educational aid - demonstrates environment, adaptations, behaviour
Photogenic background
Improved experience - seeing active animals
What are 4 benefits to the keeper of providing cage furniture?
Job satisfaction (public appreciation, conditions for animals, reproductive results)
Less time cleaning where plants and animals in balance
Stress levels reduced = easier to maintain
Abnormal behaviour is easier to detect - allows for
normal expression of activities
8 considerations with perching
Animals height, tail length, wing spread, weight
Vertical or horizontal
Care when binding perches together - make as tight as possible
Psittacines may try to remove
Diameter for proper grip and varied - 3/4 foot wrapped around
Secured for climbing animals
Rough/smooth (grip, nail wear, bumblefoot)
Placement:
- Height from ceiling
- Distance from walls
- Where faeces will fall
- Allows flight/leaping space
- Maximizes use of space
- Allows staff entry
- Eye poking level
What 6 things does the effectiveness of a keeper depend on?
Attitude
Awareness (of their role + policies/procedures)
Prevention
(well informed, good husbandry techniques, use and properly care for tools and equipment, follow established diets)
Observation
Communication
Co-operation
