General Flashcards
What is an SSP?
Cooperative population management and conservation program for selected species to maintain a healthy and self-sustaining captive population that is both genetically diverse and demographically stable
AODA
Key principles of accessibility
Dignity
Equal opportunity
Independence
Integration
AODA
Types of different barriers?
Architectural/Physical Information/Communication Attitudinal Technology Systemic
In what ways does TZ support people with disabilities?
Service animals allowed on site
Participant in Access2 program
Admission package for Access2 participants or those who identify with disability (50% for them, support person free)
Service disruption notifications
Accommodations for employees with disabilities
General service tips for serving customers with disabilities
Don't assume what they can/can't do Don't touch them without permission Dont distract service animal Clear and precise delivery of directions Ask HOW you can help Talk to them, not support person
What is included on bird egg submisison form?
Species
ISIS number of parents
Submission date
What is the process for dropping off bird eggs to PM?
Fill in ‘BIRD PM Egg submission’ form
Label egg container with sticker
Place in labelled bird egg bin in PM freezer
What is water hardness?
Amount of dissolved calcium and magnesium salts in water
What produces ammonia in a fish tank?
Fish excretions (urine/feces) Decaying proteins (leftover food, dead/decomposing plants/fish)
Describe nitrogen cycle
Ammonia produced
Ammonia converted to Nitrites by nitrosomonas bacteria
Nitrites converted to Nitrates by nitrobacter bacteria
Nitrates used by plants for growth
Nitrates removed via water changes
Cleaning frequency of fish tank filter depends on
Filter size
Quality of the water
Number and size of fish
Amount and type of food fed
What are behavioural symptoms of disease in fish?
Rocking of body and fin clamping Loss of appetite Resting on the bottom Gasping for air Rubbing against objects Darting about Floating
What appareance changes could by a symptom of disease in fish?
Red discolouration General paling Weight loss Bloating Bulging eyes Spinal and other deformations Fin degeneration Protuding gills Blu-ish white dulling of the skin Skin ulcers White dots on the skin White-ish, raspberry-like nodules
What does CITES Appendix I mean?
Rare or endangered. Trade not permitted for commercial purposes
What does CITES Appendix II mean?
Not currently rare or endangered but could become so if trade is not regulated
What does CITES Appendix III mean?
Not necessarily endangered but are managed within the listing nation
SSP strengthens and coordinates captive breeding programs so zoos can help preserve vanishing species by?
Reinforcing natural populations which may have been reduced and are no longer viable genetically or demographically
Providing animals for repopulation
Serving as refuges for species destined for extinction
Maintaining repositories of germ plasm in addition to populations of wild animals
Conducting research and developing husbandry techniques for captive programs but also care of faltering wild populations
Behavioural changes that may affect your safety?
Self-defence or fear
Defence of young/subordinates
Defence of territory
Dominant animals
Food
Rut/heat
Sex of keeper
What should you know and what are some general approaches to workplace for safety?
Shifts/slides/locks/lights etc are in good working order
Special care taken with locks/bolts/doors. Keep oiled, clean, in good working order
How to operate and maintain the equipment you use: heaters, misters, snow blowers
Keep working area clean and tidy; store tools, hoses, disinfectants etc properly
All possible hazards
Never leave tools where they may endanger visitors, esp. children. Don’t leave laying on ground, leaning against walls. Hang in safe proper place
Organize tools and cleaning agents before entering animal areas and get used to removing each of the above after using them. This reduces possibility of leaving tools behind
Pathways kept free of ice and snow. Sand/salt should always be available
Pick up garbage
Let supervisor know if taking medications that may slow your reaction time
Be aware that jewellery can be a hazard
What are some general H and S protocols
Face masks and gloves when hosing and cleaning any primate holding (also cats - toxoplasmosis)
Proper lifting techniques
Follow directions when mixing detergents, de-greasers etc
Follow quarantine procedures
Use caution when working in rough, slipper paddock or standing on benches/platforms
Ask for help if job requires more than one person
Report accident/injuries promptly (or near accident)
Communicate changes which may affect your safety (changes in animal behaviour or location)
Rinse boots and wash hands before leaving an area
Use caution when working with water around electrical equipment. Ensure electrical outlets covered. Careful of outlets and circuit boxes, lights and appliances when working with water
Jewellery, watches, rings and bracelets are all potentially dangerous
When taking meds that interfere with your reaction time, notify supervisor or nurse prior to starting shift
What are some precautions for animal safety?
Don’t close a shift without knowing the animal is clear of shift and not about to run for the opening
Don’t force a socially inferior or weak animal into territory of more aggressive ones
Don’t leave tools or cleaning agents in animal areas
Never leave nails, tools, working materials etc exposed to the public
Ensure holding and exhibits are free of objects that have potential to cause injury
Pay attention to public who could be offering food or objects to zoo stock
What are some tips when working in with animals?
Use shifts
Don’t turn your back on animals
Don’t enter occupied cage backwards
Know animal locations at all times; check before entering
Don’t let animal corner you
Never run in an occupied exhibit
Know animal’s behaviour, eye contact ok?
Know prey schema
How far they can reach
How far they can jump or strike
Menstruation, physical conditions and diet can affect animals’ behaviour
Use same routine; animal anticipates and moves
Service exhibits from periphery
Don’t rush = mistakes = animals capitalize on these as they spend 24/7 in their enclosures
Fast movements frightens animals
Don’t treat as a pet
Some may regard keeper as a challenger to groups leadership. Know dominant animals and watch closely
Take care when changing body position that it doesn’t construe aggression
Never walk in unannounced on someone who is in with animals
Forewarn animals of your approach
Check area again before leaving. Locks and building secure, fire doors closed, windows shut, tools, hoses coiled, nothing within animals reach
When restraining/handling, ensure right equipment and in good working order before starting procedure
Behaviour can change depending on number of people present
Don’t climb fences, unsafe and visitors may copy your example
Perfumes/deodorants can confuse some animals, may elicit potentially dangerous responses
Safety mechanisms in remote controlled shift doors
Positive remote locking device - closed, open, partially open (creep)
Fully visible from operation position, keeper protected while operating
Easy to maintain, even when occupied
Track stop to prevent door/slide coming out of track
Crank mechanisms have drag or ratchet (animals can push back door)
Door mechanism concealed to prevent animal interference
Counterweights on heavy doors
Equipment designed to prevent animal injury or animals damaging it (rounded edges, no sharp projections)
Safety mechanisms for keepers for feeding stations
Shielding on the bars
Accessible from outside (allows feeding and cleaning with minimal disturbance)
Lock in open and closed positions
Drain holes
Floor finishing and drainage - prevent slipping, wet floors and ice build up
Protective devices and shields should enclose electrical outlets
Safety mechanisms for animals for feeding stations
Make sure food falls clear, doesn’t block feeder open
Use easily cleanable materials
Not accessible to public
Allow adequate space to horns can’t become entangled
Not extend into exhibit
Discourage animals from jumping into (goats)
Safely enclosed catwalks for keeper access
Protective walls, narrow passages and man-gates prevent animals following keepers
Hiding places in exhibit reduce risk of stress-related attacks/behaviours
Butting rails prevent fence and people damage
Safety devices to prevent animals from injuring each other
Creeps Tunnels, burrows, holes Cage furniture Climbing branches, logs, rocks Offer hiding places, barriers and effective use of all cage dimensions Water - barrier General exhibit design Irregular walls create visual barriers Avoid having animal able to stand in centre and dominate/control entire space Wall angles - greater than 90 degrees
Safety devices to protect animals from people
Prevent confrontation during routine care
Allows animals to retreat or move away (climb/fly etc)
If unavoidable, provide keeper with safe areas in exhibit
Barriers to prevent harassment from public
Barriers to prevent or minimize public feeding
Considerations for safety of the public
Adequate barriers while allowing visual contact
Proper signs warning of dangers
Effective design preventing accidental contact
Ensure barriers are effective for those too young to read or non English speakers
What are 7 extinction pressures?
Loss of natural habitat
Hunted/poached for pelts/feathers, medicine, folklore, food, sport/trophy
Predator persecution, poisoning or victims of pesticides
Competition with domestic animals
(grazing space, diseases e.g. hoof and mouth)
Introduced species
Pet market
War
What is the proventriculus?
glandular stomach that secretes digestive enzymes
What does the gizzard do?
mechanical break down. Often contains pebbles or sand for grinding down seed.
What is the difference between monogastric and ruminants?
Monogastric are not efficient users of food
= more passed through undigested and eliminated as waste
= Produce larger amount of waste
= much more important to feed them regularly throughout the day
Ruminants:
Very efficient use of their food
Can be fed one or two times a day and they will spend the rest of the time ruminating
Typically produce smaller amounts of faeces and often in pellet form
What is the difference between antlers and horns?
Only deer have antlers which are
- made of solid bone
- grown from the skull
- break off at the end of the year
- when growing, there is blood flow and covered in velvet
Horns:
- Develop in young animals, built to stay on for life
- Central core of bone which is permanently attached to the skill
- Bone is covered by thing layer of skin and then a tough outer layer of keratin (sheath)
- Can be damaged or sheath come off = lots of blood
Damaged = will not grow back/fix itself
What are the 3 types of adaptations?
Structural
Heavy eyelashes and muscled nostrils in camels to protect form blowing sand
Physiological
SA fur seal’s muscle tissue laced with myoglobin allows animal to stay underwater
Behavioural
Increased amount of time spent grooming in primates decreases tension between animals in a highly structured society
What are 8 adaptations for predatory avoidance?
Speed (and endurance)
Keen senses (hearing sight smell, social habits allow for combined and increased sensory awareness)
Camouflage - mimcry, countershading, cryptic colouration, disruptive coloration
Body projections - antlers, horns, tusks
Body covering e.g. turtles, porcupine
Offensive odours and/or taste
High reproductive rates or intensive parental care
Behavioural adaptations (puffing up e.g. owls), playing dead
Poison
What are 6 food acquisition adaptations?
Speed
Keen senses
Echo location and heat sensitivity rattlesnakes have infrared sense
Camouflage to surprise prey
Specialized mouth parts - fangs incapacitate with venom
Teeth to kill, gnaw flesh
Hooked beak in raptors to tear prey apart
Beaks:
Hawks hooked beaks
Herons long sharp for impaling fish
Seed eaters have short thick for crushing seeds
Flattened bills for straining
Tongues:
Some reptiles/amphibians use tongue to catch insects
Prehensile
Feathery end for nectar
Teeth:
Snakes sharp curved for bracing and moving food during swallowing
Mammals: canines for ripping, incisors for tearing, molars for grinding
Poison: modified saliva of venomous snakes kills prey
Specialized body parts Claws digging e.g. meerkats Talons Snout root for food, elephant trunk Vertebrae - larger allows greater flexibility in snakes, modified in ferrets for flex
What are 2 adaptations to physical elements of the environment
Foot adaptations - birds (perching, swimminge etc), hoofed animals
Specialized bodyparts e.g. large ears of fennec fox
What are 6 nocturnal adaptations
Nocturnal adaptions
Large protruding eyes (full advantage of available light)
Hearing sharpened, often large ears with ability to rotate
Smell sharpened
Long whiskers - touch and feel environment
Slow movements, sometimes large tail for balance and successful locomotion without the aid of good eyesight
Often dark coloured for camouflage
What are adaptations of ectothermic animals for temperature extremes?
Ectothermic:
Hibernate in ground, trees, caves etc
= body temp almost 0C, heart and breathing rate slows
Uses fat reserves
Aestivation:
= dormant period in the summer months
What are adaptations of endothermic animals for temperature extremes?
Adaptations that allow them to remain active during cold periods:
Insulation from fur, feathers or fat
Migration
Dormancy (not complete torpor = active on warmer days to find food)
Store food or fat
Counter current exchange of heat in hoofed animals
Conserves heat in their body core
Cold blood returning in veins from extremities pass closely to the veins coming out from the heart
= blood returning to the body is warmed
= uses less energy to keep main body temp high
What is Allens rule? What is Bergmans rule?
Allens rule:
Animals from cold habitats generally have shorter ears, limbs and tails than related animals from a warmer climate
Bergmans rule:
Warm-blooded animals that live in colder regions tend to be larger in size than their counterparts eg. Polar vs sun bear
What is an unconditioned reflex?
automatic, innate/unlearned. e.g. quickly pulling a limb back from hot surface
What is a conditioned reflex?
indirect reactions associated with experience or knowledge
What are 5 functions of communication?
Group spacing, coordination
Species and individual recognition, mating and courtship
(visual and auditory)
Aggression and social status
Alarm/warning signals
Hunting/finding food as a group
- Ants leave odour trails
- Bees perform “dances”
What methods of communicating are there?
Chemical (smell, taste)
Auditory
Visual
Tactile
How do animals mark their territoties?
Optical/visual (e.g. claw waving in fiddler crab)
Acoustic
Olfactory
What is “flight distance”?
Measurable distance at which an animal will flee when approached by an enemy.
Distance is related to Significance of intruder Individual experiences (decrease or increase) Can be considerably reduced, even eliminated, change to an attack sometimes e.g. defence of offspring
What is critical distance?
Represents a part of the flight distance
Animal without choice of escape will tolerate the approach of an enemy up to a point where it is forced to defend itself
Attack/defence takes place within he critical distance range
What is the difference between biological and social rank?
Biological is between species e.g. coyote over fox
Social rank is between individuals of the same speciesq
What is a predator model?
constitutes specific key stimuli by which the animal recognizes a predator/potential. Keepers behaviour may fit that model and elicit a response, such as a violent attempt to escape = injure keeper or animal
What 8 things should a keeper know about animal behaviour?
Interpret behaviour correctly (threat vs greeting) Species typical behaviour patterns Prey schema Predator model Hierarchies Territorial needs and responses Daily behaviour patterns Flight and critical distance
What are 8 ergonomic tips?
Arrange work to be performed with joints at 90 degrees
Select tools and equipment that supports comfortable postures and don’t require body bending
Adjust seating and workstation so work is directly to your front and avoid trunk and neck twisting
Locate frequently used tools and implements within easy forearms reach
Avoid low bending or high reaching, especially for repetitive tasks. Get stool, ladder or lower the task
Avoid pinching with fingers. Use whole hand or both to handle, grasp and carry
Keep wrists straight, especially for repetitive tasks.
Divide work routines to decrease repetitive nature
Why is a routine important?
Helps identify problems
Allows for prompt treatment
Ensures all animals receive proper care and attention
Used to reassure animals and reduce stress (provides them with certain fixed times their day)
Efficient way for keeper to organize their work
4 reasons to provide bedding?
Comfortable rest, reclining
Insulator
Prevents bruising and hygromas
cleanliness of pen and animals skin/coat
Equipment considerations when working in winter
Locks, bolts and slides
De-icer
Maintain/regular servicing
Rotate - don’t leave any unlocked in process
Check locks extra carefully
Keep bolts free of snow and ice, lubricate regularly
Drain hoses if near access door to prevent freezing
Direct heat at water pipes near door
Wasteful, only as emergency
= warm coil around pipes and shield installed to block air
Ensure doors/gates can fully open, no build ups preventing it
If you can raise gates a few inches to prevent problems during thaws and freezes
When there’s a thaw, sweep away as much water
Use lots of sand if necessary
Turn off exhaust fans if they are removing too much heat from the building
Ensure heaters/fans working efficiently before cold weather season. Report any problems as breakdowns may have disastrous consequences
Animal considerations in winter
Don’t overfill water bowls, fill 1/3 to 1/2, check and refill as necessary
Dump water outside exhibit/off paths
Moist food: better to give small amounts more often than all at once
Provide more than one access door (prevents dominant blocking, reduce stress)
Don’t overheat areas with animals going in and out - minimize gradient, reduces shock of temperature change
Remove snow promptly - easier than ice
Remove completely, don’t push to fence
Remove before trampled and ice accumulates
-Snow easier to move than ice
Check perimeter after heavy snow falls - wind-built drifts = escape route
Clear/leave paths for animals
Look for and remove icicles
Clean paddocks when possible
Easier to remove frozen faeces than wait until spring thaw and the problems mud brings
Frostbite can occur in a very short time. Closely watch animals for hair loss problems. Horns and ears can freeze quickly
Keeper considerations in winter
Dress appropriately
Layer, toque/hat, gloves, insulated boots, thermal underwear
Cold stress policy
Dry stall is often better than a wet one
Keep all areas ice free = sliding door tracks free of ice, snow, mud, water
Don’t push snow against fence - take out of yard
Sweep away water from areas around doors/gets etc
Promptly stack hay/straw deliveries before they get covered in snow
Monitor areas around doors, locks, slides to ensure water doesn’t drip on them as this will freeze and become a hazard
Frozen locks stick to barehands
Careful if using blow torch
Snow shovelling immediately is easier
Start dump pile far away so you have room for more
What would you consider with restraint of an animal?
Why? Is it necessary? Method (least stress/hazard/risk) Time of day Who Location (temperature, what if animal gets loose)
Give examples of situations where animals are restrained
Transfer (exhibits, facilities) Shipment Treatment - routine or unscheduled Animal escape Public interactions Weighing
What are 4 basic considerations when selecting restraint technique?
Is handling necessary - are there alternatives Safety of people involved Safety of animal Appropriate method of restraint: -For situation and species -Equipment adequate and in good repair
Why is first thing in the morning the ideal time for planned restraint of an animal?
Quiet - not many visitors/none
Allows time to deal with complications
Allows keeper observation time
Coolest time of day
Briefly outline a plan for physical restraint?
Determine the time - Public, Time shipment, Staffing
Prepare equipment
Prepare the area/place of treatment
Prepare staff - roles and PPE
Proceed quietly
Diminish perception if needed
Contingency plans
Don’t assume anything
Review procedure afterwards for possible improvements
How would you prepare physical restraint equipment?
Everything ready at hand
In good working order
e.g. crates, boxes, nets, bedding, boards, towels, microchip reader, tools
Identification - animals microchip number etc
Notebook for recording weights, times etc
How would you diminish perception for physical restraint?
Light/dark
Sound
Temperature - cooling reduces ability to respond
Additional care required so respiratory complications don’t follow
Must be considered as stressful
How would you prepare staff for a physical restraint?
Assign individual roles and ensure clearly understood
Communication vitally important
Have one person give orders/use keys
Ask for someone else if you think you/they are not capable
Wear appropriate clothing and PPE
Nothing loose/hanging from you - hair, jewellery
How would you prepare the area for restraint?
Loose doors, chains, hazards, tied back out of the way and secure
Second line of defense (closed hallway, windows)
Block potential escape routes
Move public if necessary
Put signs on closed doors so they aren’t opened to prevent escape
Alert staff in area
Reduce risks of slipping - prepare floor for good footing
What factors affect the type of restraint used?
Species - threat to handler?
Individual - age, sex, season, behaviour, reproductive status, emotional state, health
Objective of restraint
Length of procedure, depth of sedation needed, welfare considerations
Equipment available
Chemical restraint
Squeeze cages
What are the 3 types of restraint?
Physical
e.g. nets, chutes, snake bags
Chemical
Psychological
e.g. training, flight distance,
What are the 10 steps to shipping animals?
- CITES
- Agriculture requirements
- Transit permits
- Airline to be used
- Crates for shipping
- Commercial invoice for shipping
- External affairs
- Plan ahead
- Be meticulous and thorough
- Be patient
When are wild-caught animals added to collections?
Established founder populations are too small to allow proper genetic management and require new genetic material
Displaced/injured and now unsuitable for release
Common in the wild but not in captivity
Why are animals sometimes hand-reared?
Mother rejection
Mother dies during birth or while still nursing/caring for young
Baby or mother requires treatment for illness or injury
What 8 principles should be considered when planning an exhibit?
Animal:
- Confinement and escape proof
- Not subjected to stress from regular maintenance routines (provide shift cages)
- Behavioural, environmental, psychological needs met
Visitor:
- Interaction prevented
- Protection from the visitor
- High aesthetic and educational value
Safe working conditions for keepers
Low maintenance cost
Introduction and replacement of natural materials (logs, sand, trees etc)
What are 12 enviromental factors to consider when planning an exhibit?
Temperature Humidity Water quality and quantity Air quality and exchange Substrates Photoperiod Noise level Seclusion - solitary or social species Climatic factors - seasonal changes Effect of public Use of exhibit space Cage furniture - reflect animals needs, habits, environmental adaptions
What are 9 captive stressors?
Lack of security/concealment
Crowding = lead to aggression or atypical behaviour
Interspecific competition or incompatibility - not necessarily same cage
Boredom or lack of environmental stimulation
Lack of social diversity (social/herd species, sex ratio, age groups)
Unfamiliar or improperly presented food
Interrupted circadian rhythm
Sudden environmental changes (moving in/out at start/end of seasons, rapid unnatural changes in lighting)
Unnecessary or excessive handling
When observing an animal, what 4 questions will help to identify the behaviour and to explain why?
Function of the behaviour?
-How does it affect fitness of the animal, survival, reproduction?
Cause of the behaviour?
-Immediate influences
Course of development?
Stages of the life history of individual at which particular behaviour shown
Evolution of the behaviour
What additional measures would you provide to animals in summer?
Misting frequently
- can make temps worse on humid days
Know signs of over-exposure to sun/heat
Take temps of enclosures to ensure not reach limits
Ensure fresh water supply
- in shade
Provide methods for animals to cool off
- wallow
- additional pools
Give access to shade, tunnels, caves etc
Ensure wet/moist food is not left uneaten outside for long periods of time as this increases the rate of bacterial growth and can attract wildlife
What measures would you take to ensure your personal safety during summer?
Heat stress protocol
-Know signs of heat stress/stroke
Smog/heat alerts
Weather network alerts
Wear sun protection: sunscreen, hat, glasses
Hydrate - 250mls/hour
- avoid caffeine, sugary drinks
Work in shade when possible
Frequent rest periods
Rotate between AC and outdoors
Do labour intensive tasks in cooler period of the day
Ask for help
When describing animal behaviour, what are the 5 categories and explain them
SOCIAL: Structure - dominance, courtship Compatability - intra/inter species Environment - territory, use of space Cyclic - seasonal, daily
MAINTENANCE Feeding Grooming Locomotion Elimination Communication
REPRODUCTIVE
Social structure
Males/females
Young/Parent
AGNOSTIC
Flight
Threat
Threshold
OTHER Stress Displacement Intra/inter species Spatial occupation
What are the benefits to record keeping?
Improved health and welfare for animals recognized individually
Comparing records to discern normal values
- compare info between zoos
Important for transport of live animals
Restricts the transport of live wild animals to protect the population
Rearing records facilitate breeding programs
What are some good keeper observation skills?
Keep descriptions accurate - record what you see (not think)
Use all of your senses (sight, hearing, smell)
Learn to be observant - public, animals on site
Don’t take things for granted
Observe first, then interpret
Share observations with team
Know how to recognize individual animals
How do you catch up a fish?
Prepare equipment
- tank fish is moving to RTG
- net of appropriate size (disinfected and rinsed)
- bucket/bag
Know behaviour of fish (bottom/surface dweller)
Use bucket or just (net if those don’t work)
Remove furniture
- watch for aggression/territorial signs
Decrease water level to make it easier
What are 8 types of physical restraint?
Hands Nets Chutes Squeeze cage Shield Hooks/tongs Ropes/snares Tubes/bags
During handling, animals can become stressed. What must we look for?
Recognize stress
Trauma to skin/body
- lacerations, hemorrhage
Check head, neck, limbs, horns, antlers etc
Loss of ability to regulate body temp
Insufficient oxygen
- heart/respiration rate
What are some reasons why an outreach animal would not be available
Temperature inappropriate
Illness
Breeding
Feeding
How would you deal with an animal being unable to be used for outreach
Not substituted with display animal that are not designated as outreach
- cause stress as not experienced with routine handling
- possibly introduce disease/pathogens into display group
What are the 4 standard measurements recorded for mammals
Body length
Tail length
Hindfoot length
Ear length
What are the 5 standard measurements recorded for birds
Total Tail Wing Tarsus Bill
What are the 3 standard measurements recorded for A/R
Snout-vent length
(tip of nose to cloaca)
Chelonias:
Width of carapace
Shell height
What are the differences in circulatory systems between mammals, fish and amphibians
MAMMALS
4 chambered heart
Blood passes through the heart twice
O2 right and O2 depleted blood never mix
FISH Breathe using gills Single looped circulatory system 2 chambered heart O2 rich blood moves through the body and then the heart as O2 depleted blood
AMPHIBIANS Breathe with lungs and gills 3 chambered heart 2 atria, 1 ventricle Some mixing of O2 rich/depleted blood
What information is recorded on TZ Egg Record Form
Species Parent ID Date laid Location Condition of egg Totaly in clutch Amplexus/copulation observed (y/n) Natural incubation by parent (y/n) date Reason for artificial incubation Egg stored (y/n) -bird only, y - # days and temp during storage Substrate (sand, peat, vermiculite, other) Incubation temp required, location, humidity (birds only) Date out (hatch range) date of metamorphosis (range) Average date of hatch Comments Date submitted, zoo area, submitted by
What do you do if you find an error with an emergency phone during routine testing?
Immediately report to control and supervisor
Advise keepers in area and lock out exhibit until alaram operational
Write on Daily Keeper Report
Limited servicing may be completed with approval from supervisor and keeper buddy back up system
No venomous reptiles to be moved/caught up if alarm is not functioning
What is included in the annual schedule for propagation?
- CLIMATE CHANGE
day/night change in temp, moisutre
annual change in temp, moisture and lighting - INTRODUCTION DATES
male/male
female/female
female/male - DIET CHANGES
planned increase/decrease
food item changed
proportion changes
What should you know about an animals territory?
What is the typical behaviour to establish and protect it?
Multiple species can occupy different niches within same territory
Size related to body size and feeding habits
- Carnivores generally larger than herbivores
Different parts of territory used for different things e.g. some parts are just used as pathways
What are some limitations when using bedding/substrate?
Sawdust/sand not used if risk of ingestion
= impaction
Check fill daily for items that may have worked their way up to the surface
Fasting animals = remove bedding (may consume)
Make sure providing adequate amount for bedding
May require various nesting materials
May need to research species and determine natural substrate, bedding or nesting behaviour
What things could trigger an aggressive response?
SOCIAL
territorial, status,
HORMONAL
normal/seasonal fluctuations
breeding/arousal level
PHYSICAL
illness, injury
medications
BEHAVIOURAL
response to adverse stimuli
What are some things you can do to decrease stress levels in animals?
Shift when servicing
Warn of approach/presence
Train behaviours for husbandry/vet procedures
-capture/anesthesia not needed
Same routine = anticipation
Provide enough food/water to prevent aggression
Provide hiding spots
Don’t force socially inferior/weak animals into territory/space of aggressive/dominant animals
Extra doors/shifts
Provide enrichment
What are some rules when dealing with aggression?
Don’t give opportunity to practice
Stop it before it starts
Avoid inadvertent reinforcement
Food deprivation may increase aggression
Punishment can lead to aggression
All animals have ability to show aggression
Animals may respond to more consistent environment
How do endotherms regulate body temp?
Sweating Feather/fur Shivering Using a wallow Fat storage Drinking Activity period - nocturnal/diurnal Growing double coat
How do ectotherms regulate body temp?
Basking in sun
Slow metabolism to conserve heat
Change colour to absorb UV rays
Hiding in shade Burrow underground Bathe in cold water Secrete mucus -allows more cooling by evaporation
Which animals should be allowed to breed?
Approved/recommended by SSP
Those not related to others in population
Right age and sex to create a demographically stablepopulation
Fit and healthy
Behaviourally competent
How can you determine if an animal is ready for breeding?
Blood, urine, fecal sample analysis Ultrasound Auditory - mating calls Chemical - increased marking Behaviours - rubbing, courtship display Seasonal cycling Visual signs - secondary sexual characteristics
What are some signs an animal is about to give birth?
Restlessness High agitiation, pacing Aggression Nesting behaviour Digging Separation from the group Vocalization Change in food intake - increase or cessation Posture Panting Straining Licking genital area Regurgitation Mucus/fluid coming from site
Mammal: swollen glands, swollen/bleeding vulva
What are some issues regarding captive breeding?
Genetic variability Male introduction to group/female Judging when/not to intervene How it will affect others in the group Fluctuating captive breeding cycles How to stop/prevent breeding Parents/mother have previous issues regarding litters
What to consider before designing an exhibit
Habitat in the wild Space in habitat designed to live in Psychological needs How it procures food/water Mating habits and nesting requirements Other facilities successful with this species How can wild environment be replicated Materials needed/available How can space be maximised Animal and keeper safety How to include public Time to complete/deadline
What things can you do to increase an animals life at the zoo
Enrichment and training Nutrition and diet Environment - furniture, pool, shelter, hiding spots Conditions -temp, humidity, light, ventilation, hot/cold spots Proper social groupings Breeding needs met Auditory needs met Predator/prey relationship
What is the purpose of a breeding protocol?
Standardize record keeping methods
Assure reproductive tactics are appropriate and receive priority
Provides paper trail through which propagation procedures and resultscan be documented and assessed
What are some general principles when using an animal for outreach?
- Certified to handle that animal before taking out
- Appropriate use and setting
- Welfare (animal and human) considered at all times
- Animal used in a respectful safe manner, not misrepresenting or degrading.
- A meaningful education or conservation message is an integral component of all programs.
- Suitable species/individual chosen for program use.
- animals comfortable and familiar with what is expected
- staff will be trained to recognize changes in behaviour.
What are the 3 types of program animal presentations?
Animal Encounter - No contact
(no contact with animal or surface which animal contacts)
Animal Encounter - With contact
Controlled Animal Encounter - With contact
(e.g. classrooms)
What things should be considered for human H&S during outreach events?
- wear TZ uniform
- dont wear jewely, perfumes
- if someone asks for your help, direct them or remove animal to safety before dealing with problem/incident
- advise hand washing after contact - hand sanitizer
- avoid setting up near food kiosks or picnic tables
- position yourself where public can’t get behind you
- do not allow animal to sit, perch, climb, crawl on or be held by public
- encourage touching not petting: one finger, away from head, head facing keeper back to public
- clean up puddles or droppings if indoors
- reptiles considered salmonella carrier
- (avoid contact for <5y/o, pregnant, immunocompromised)
What things should be considered for the animal during outreach events?
- procedures/protocols change: stay up to date, check animal sign in/out book
- check keeper/handler notes
- check animal is not off handling
- wash hands before and between animals
- be aware of loose clothing (sleeve hole for snake)
- wear appropriate gloves and designated for the animal (prevent infection spread)
- use dedicated tools/equipment
- always secure door behind you when taking animal in/out
- Do not handle any that appear listless, injured or is exhibiting unusual behaviour -report
- don’t pull/lift up fur/feathers etc to demonstrate (annoying to animal = bite?), use biofacts
- animal’s safety, health or comfort level being compromised = remove animal
- each handling session is training - be cognizant of your interactions
- clean carriers/perches etc after use
- record notes in animals logbook after every session
What 8 guidelines, standards etc must be adhered to when using animals for outreach?
Temperature guidelines for handling animals outside
Maximum animal handling time limits
Species specific handling protocols
Outreach Animal Handling Guidelines
AZA accreditation standards
CAZA Professional Code of Ethics
TZ Behavioural Husbandry Standards
Ontario Animals for Research Act
