wild animal standards of care

Standards of Care

Lions, Tigers and Bears takes great pride in how we treat each and every animal at our ranch. The quality of care and protection is priority for us and our goal is to have all zoos and sanctuaries establish the same high standards we take for the best interest of the animals. While Lions, Tigers and Bears goes above and beyond the standards that follow, we encourage all to adopt these minimum standards for the well-being of the animals within their facility.

Minimum in Rescue and Sanctuary Care
An “Animal Sanctuary” is a facility that rescues and provides shelter and care for animals that have been abused, injured, abandoned, confiscated or are otherwise in need of a LIFETIME home. Is approved by the United States Internal Revenue Service as a corporation that is exempt from taxation under Sec. 501(a) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, which is described in Sec. 501 (c)(3) and 170 (b)(1)9AO(vi) of that code. Do not buy, breed, trade or sell animals

No commercial trade in animals occurs. Includes offspring, parts and products. An exception may be made for purchase of an animal, with approval of an appropriate decision-making body of the Sanctuary, if it is determined that the animal is a public safety hazard or, if it is determined that the purchase is the only sure means of saving the animal from certain abuse, suffering or probable death (e.g., purchase of animals who might otherwise end up in slaughter) Never if the animal will just be replaced with another for profit.

No Breeding: No propagation of animals occurs and sound practices are in place to prevent propagation. An exception may be made for rehabilitation and release centers engaged in a bona fide breeding-for –release program of endangered species with available release sties within the state/province, conducted with specific conversation goals, in accordance with local, state/province, national, and international law are regulations.

Wild animals shall not be taken off site from sanctuaries for exhibition, education or research purposes. Rare exceptions for education may be allowed as approved by the appropriate decision-making body of the Sanctuary based on mandatory permit requirements (when it is felt there is no other feasible alternative, such as the use of a webcam, video, or slide show for meeting the requirements) and based on the temperament of the particular animal involved. In no case shall such use cause distress for the animal, nor put animals or humans at risk. Exceptional standards or animal care are provided and ensured.

Do not allow any direct contact between the public and the prohibited wildlife species.

Prohibited from making any resident animals available for participation in research studies that might cause pain or distress and or prevent normal activities of daily living.

Minimum Housing Standards

Big Cats are defined as: (Lion-Panthera Leo, Tiger-P. tigris, Leopard-P. pardalis, Snow leopard-Uncia uncial, Jaguar-P. onca Cheetah-Acinonyx jubatus, Clouded leopard-Neofelis nebulosad and Puma/Mountain Lion-Puma concolor and all subspecies and hybrids thereof. Big Cats-Felids are powerful, dangerous animals that require safe large spaces to accommodate natural behaviors.
Every animal within the authorized facility shall:

Be housed in facilities that have either double doors or, if individual cages do not have double doors a perimeter around entire enclosure to prevent escape.

Be provided a place to retreat from disturbances as felids are predators that rely on cover for survival. They are inquisitive and therefore need added enrichment and a place to explore. They can be avid climbers and need trees or wood to shed and sharpen their claws. Shade must be provided. A stimulating environment in which the animals can express behaviors consistent with wild activity is the goal in building the habitat (eg., Cat walks, plants, grass, hammocks, platforms, toys.) and shall be provided at minimum in a shared exercise area.

Each and all cages, quarters or enclosure shall:
- Have a minimum floor space of 500 Sq Feet (LTB is 1,200 sq/ft) and an additional 200 Sq. foot additional floor space for the second cat and 200 Sq. foot for each additional animal. If housed together.
- Be a minimum of 8 feet tall and completely enclosed. Exception Lions & Tigers can have no top as long as fencing is minimum 16’ tall.
- Have an 8’ perimeter around the main enclosure 3’ or further from the main enclosure to prevent the public from having access to the animals.

Have a natural substrate. Concrete floors are not suitable substrate. The substrate can be amended with organic materials including soils, sand, leaf litter, bark mulch, grasses, straw and hay. The substrate must drain well.

Be provided a concrete or other washable surface at least 25 sq. feet for a sanitary area for feeding unless a secured food receptacle which is cleaned daily is provided.

Have access to natural shade and sunlight during all seasons.

Compatible animals may be held in the same enclosure if the required floor space is provided. Big Cats are solitary by nature and should be afforded their own private space if they are not amenable to living with other Big Cats.
Tigers and Jaguars need water and should be supplied at minimum at tank that they can immures their entire body. The floor space occupied by the pool or body of water is in addition to the minimum floor space required. Pools must have adequate filtration systems or an amply sized drain to allow frequent draining and cleaning.

Every enclosure shall have a shift yard or lock out for use while primary habitat is serviced and so, keepers/maintenance can enter enclosure safely. Shift yards and lock outs can also be used to introduce new animals to the group.

For every 2 animals there shall be a minimum of 2 holding areas. For every 3 animals there shall be a minimum of 3 holding areas and so on. Otherwise, there shall be a way to shift each animal to ensure there is no fighting among the animals during feeding times and the keeper or maintenance person can safely enter enclosure animal free. Shift areas can have a soil or concrete substrate. Facility design must include a sufficient number of transfer gates to insure that caregivers have secured transfer doors between them and the when entering the habitats to service them. Keepers must be able to operate doors safely from outside the habitat.

If minimum 3 vertical strands of electrical wire is used poles may be placed 30’ apart and game fenced may be used in place of chain link.

Big Cats/Exotic cats should never be housed permanently indoors. They are nocturnal and should not be locked up during their most active time of the day. Exception if animal is under the care of a veterinarian and in need of medical care or special medicines and handling. Big cats must be transported in secure crates or transfer cages between the hospital and their habitat.

Walls and top of enclosure should be at least 9 gauge chain link for big cats and at least 12 gauge for small cats

The framework for the walls and top shall be constructed of 1-5/8 inch schedule 40 steel pipe. Vertical posts shall be bolted to or anchored in concrete 1-1 ½ feet deep by 10 inches in diameter spaced no more than 10 feet apart. Horizontal pipe supports shall be spaced no more than 4 feet apart on a 8 foot fence and 6 feet apart on a 16 foot fence and welded at the ends to the vertical posts. The above chain link fencing shall be secured to the vertical and horizontal framing on all sides using tension bars which shall be welded or bolted to the framework every 18 inches. Welded wire shall be welded to the framework every 12 inches on all sides the bottom horizontal crossbar shall be no more than 3 inches above the concrete floor. If a bottom horizontal cross bar is not used, the walls shall be secured against the natural substrate or wood flooring in a manner which precludes escape. Corner posts shall be two 1 5/8 inch schedule 40 steel posts or one 2-3/8 inch schedule 40 steel post. The top cross members shall be spaced no more than 5 feet apart.

Gaps at gates/posts shall not exceed 2 inches.

Small Cats (Caracal, Bobcat, Canada Lynx, Golden Cat, Ocelot, Serval, Jungle Cat, Fishing Cat, Margay, Leopard Cat, Pallas Cat, Marble Cat, Geoffroys Cat, African Wild Cat, European Wild Cat, Jaguarundi, Little Spotted Cat, African Black Footed Cat, Sand Cat, Flatheaded Cat, Pampas Cat and hybrids thereof

A minimum floor space of 200 Sq. Feet and an additional 100 Sq. feet additional floor space for each additional animal.

All cages or enclosures shall be a minimum of 8’tall and completely enclosed.

All cages or enclosures shall have a perimeter around the main enclosure minimum 3’ or further from the main enclosure to prevent the public from having access to the animals.

Compatible animals may be held in the same enclosure if the required floor space is provided

A shelter/Den shall be provided for each animal and shall be adequate in size to provide privacy and comfort for all animals in the habitat. In winter months shelters must provide dry space during wet weather and bedding shall be provided in sufficient amount/depth. Suitable bedding materials included but are not limited to bark mulch, straw, hay and wood shavings.

An elevated loafing platform or an elevated dry natural substrate loafing area, adequate in size for all animals within the enclosure, shall be provided. The top of the den or den box may be designed to meet this requirement.

A tree limb or other suitable scratch block shall be provided

The floor of the enclosure shall be natural substrate. Lock downs/shift can and be cement but, the floor space occupied by the shift/lockdown is in addition to the minimum floor space.

A concrete or other washable surface at least 20 Sq. Feet for Small Cats shall be provided for a sanitary area for feeding unless a secured food receptacle which is cleaned daily is provided

Minimum Standars for Care and Treatment

Food/Feeding: Food shall be wholesome, palatable and free from contamination and shall be supplied in sufficient quantity and nutritive value to maintain the animal in good health. The diet shall be prepared with consideration for the age, species, condition and size of each animal. Felids are true carnivores and must be fed a meat diet. Whole carcass can and should be fed. Muscle meat and diets composed of chicken or turkey necks must be supplemented and they should not be the only diet. Nutritionally balanced prepared frozen diets such as Natural Balance or Triple A Brand are good if bone is also offered at least twice a week.

Felids should be separated and fed individually to avoid aggression and so, you can know that they are eating. Large felids should be fasted 1-2 days a week. Diet depending.

Considerations for diet increase or decrease include, weight, condition, activity level and other medical considerations. Appetite can vary with the season. Each animal should be monitored daily and closely before changes are made in the diet.

Carcasses are sometimes offered to facilities housing Big Cats during hunting season or as the result of “road kill” but are not safe food sources-there is no way to ensure that the animal was not diseased or poisoned and no way to ensure proper storage. No way to ensure anti-freeze is not on the animal. If hunted meat is offered all lead must be removed.

Water: Fresh water should always be available in abundance. Water bowls should be cleaned daily or more often if needed. Making sure the bowls are larger than the cats head and secure as to not be tipped over. Circulating water is always a plus.

Daily observation: Animals shall be observed every day by the person in charge of the care of the animals or by someone working under his or her direct supervision. Sick or diseased, stressed, injured, or lame animals shall be provided with veterinary care.

Handling: Animals shall be handled expeditiously and carefully so as not to cause unnecessary discomfort, behavioral stress, or physical harm to the animal.

Public Display: Animals shall be publicly displayed only for periods of time and under conditions consistent with the animals health and comfort. The animal must be handled so there is no perceived risk to the public. Fencing should at all times be between the animal and the public. Animals on display shall be contained within an escape-proof area of enclosure at all times.

Cleaning of enclosures: Excrement shall be removed from enclosures as often as necessary to maintain animals in a healthy condition. Animals must be transferred out of habitat when keepers enter the habitat. Soiled bedding material and substrate should be removed and replaced with fresh material. Each habitat should have dedicated tools to prevent cross contamination. And be disinfected on a regular routine basis.

Disinfection of enclosures: After an animal with an infectious or transmissible disease is removed from an enclosure/pen/run that area shall be disinfected in compliance with the directions of a licensed veterinarian

Pest Control: Programs of disease prevention and parasite control, euthanasia and adequate veterinary care shall be established and maintained under the supervision of a licensed veterinarian. The pest control program shall be reviewed annually by the veterinarian for the safe use of materials and methods.

Record Keeping: A written log in the English language must be maintained for each animal. Log should include but, not be limited to Date of acquisition, Name, address and all other obtainable contact information of person from whom the animals was acquired, identifying marks or characteristics, DNA information, microchip #, species, age date, veterinary records, description of any illness and or injuries, health care treatment provided, names of people treating the animal. Contraception records, Diet-record or diet changes and preferred food items, weight, behavior and enrichment records, daily habits. Log should be available at all times.

Transport Caging Provision: No person shall offer for transportation any live animal in a cage which does not conform to the following requirements:

Cages used to transport live animals shall be constructed in such a manner that the structural strength of the cage shall be sufficient to contain the animal and to withstand the normal rigors of transportation. The interior of the cage shall be free from any protrusions that could injure the animal contained therein. The openings of such cages shall be easily accessible at all times for emergency removal of live animals. Adequate handholds or other devices for lifting shall be provided on the exterior of the cage to enable lifting of the enclosure without tilting and to ensure that the person handling the cage will not be in contact with the animal. Animals transported in the same cage shall be of the same species and maintained in compatible groups. Animals that have not reached puberty shall not be transported in the same cage with adult animals other than their dams. Socially dependent animals (eg. sibling, dam and other members of a family group) shall be allowed visual and olfactory contact. Any female animal in season (estrus) shall not be transported in the same cage with any male animals Cage shall be at least 1 ¼ times the body length of the animals excluding the tail and long enough for the animal to lay down and get up normally. Minimum height: cages shall be at least the full height of the animal plus 2 inches. Minimum width; cages shall be at least 1 ½ times the body width of the animal. The width of the cages shall be consistent to the needs of the animal to ensure its safe delivery.

Transportation cages should have solid bottoms to prevent leakage in shipment and shall be cleaned and disinfected.

Transport cages consigned to carriers and intermediate handlers shall be clearly marked on top and on all sides with the words “Live Wild Animal” in letters not less than 1 inch in height and with arrows or other markings to indicate the correct upright position of the container.

To minimize the distress to animals during surface transportation, the driver shall visually inspect the animals at least once every 4 hours to assure that the animals are not in obvious physical distress and to provide for any needed veterinary care as soon as possible. When transported by air, animals shall be observed if the cargo space is accessible during flight. If the cargo space is not accessible during flight, the carrier shall visually observe the animals whenever the cargo space is accessible to assure that all applicable standards are being complied with and to determine whether any of the live animals are in obvious physical distress.

Animals shall not be taken from their cage except under EXTREME emergency.
All animals shall be offered potable water before being transported.
All persons transporting shall provide potable water at a minimum of every 12 hours except as directed by a veterinarian. Predators are to be separated when feeding. Animals requiring more food shall be treated appropriately.
Any person who offers animals to any carrier or intermediate handler for transportation shall affix to the outside of the transportation cage written care instructions to include food and water requirements and animal’s documents.
No carrier or intermediate handler shall accept any live animals for transportation unless written instructions concerning the food and water requirements and animal documents are affixed to the outside of the cage

Documents accompanying the shipment consigned to carriers and intermediate handlers shall be attached in an accessible location on the outside of one transport cage.

Immediately upon arrival at a destination, animals shall be placed in a space equal to ½ the minimum permanent space required for that species. (e.g., Quarantine –Holding area) Exception if animal is under the care of a veterinarian and in need of medical care or special medicines and handling.

Veterinary Care: Upon arrival, all animals shall undergo quarantine for a minimum of 30 days according to protocol as established by the attending veterinarian. All Felids shall be tested for Feline Immunodeficiency Virus, Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP), Feline Leukemia Virus (FELV) and Toxoplasmosis as well as parasites before placing with other animals.

Fecal exams: Shall be required to check for parasite infestation and appropriate parasite therapy institute as necessary.

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