LION (Panthera Leo) CARE MANUAL
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LION (Panthera leo) CARE MANUAL CREATED BY THE AZA LION SPECIES SURVIVAL PLAN® IN ASSOCIATION WITH THE Association of Zoos and Aquariums 1 AZA FELID TAXON ADVISORY GROUP Lion (Panthera leo) Care Manual Lion (Panthera leo) Care Manual Published by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums in association with the AZA Animal Welfare Committee Formal Citation: AZA Lion Species Survival Plan (2012). Lion Care Manual. Association of Zoos and Aquariums, Silver Spring, MD. p. 143. Authors and Significant contributors: Hollie Colahan, Editor, Denver Zoo, AZA Lion SSP Coordinator Cheri Asa, Ph.D, St. Louis Zoo Christy Azzarello-Dole, Brookfield Zoo Sally Boutelle, St. Louis Zoo Mike Briggs, DVM, APCRO, AZA Lion SSP Veterinary Advisor Kelly Cox, Knoxville Zoo Liz Kellerman, Abilene Zoo Suzan Murray, DVM, Smithsonian’s National Zoo, AZA Lion SSP Veterinary Advisor Lisa New, Knoxville Zoo Budhan Pukazhenthi, Ph.D, Smithsonian’s National Zoo, AZA Lion SSP Reproductive Advisor Sarah Putman, Smithsonian’s National Zoo Kibby Treiber, Fort Worth Zoo, AZA Lion SSP Nutrition Advisor Ann Ward, Ph.D, Fort Worth Zoo, AZA Lion SSP Nutrition Advisor Contributors to earlier Husbandry Manual and Standardized Guidelines drafts: Dominic Calderisi, Lincoln Park Zoo Brent Day, Little Rock Zoo Pat Thomas, Ph.D, Bronx Zoo Tarren Wagener, Fort Worth Zoo Megan Wilson, Ph.D, Zoo Atlanta Reviewers: Christy Azzarello-Dole, Brookfield Zoo Joe Christman, Disney’s Animal Kingdom, SSP Management Group Karen Dunn, Tulsa Zoo, SSP Management Group Norah Fletchall, Indianapolis Zoo, Felid TAG Co-Chair Liz Kellerman, Abilene Zoo Scotty Stainback, Caldwell Zoo Terry Webb, Prospect Park Zoo, SSP Management Group Laurie Gage, DVM, USDA Big Cat Specialist Alex Sliwa, Cologne Zoo, EAZA Felid TAG Chair Louise Ginman, Taronga Zoo, ZAA Lion Species Coordinator AZA Staff Editors: Maya Seaman, AZA ACM Intern Candice Dorsey, Ph.D., Director, Animal Conservation Cover Photo Credits: Hollie Colahan Association of Zoos and Aquariums 2 Lion (Panthera leo) Care Manual Disclaimer: This manual presents a compilation of knowledge provided by recognized animal experts based on the current science, practice, and technology of animal management. The manual assembles basic requirements, best practices, and animal care recommendations to maximize capacity for excellence in animal care and welfare. The manual should be considered a work in progress, since practices continue to evolve through advances in scientific knowledge. The use of information within this manual should be in accordance with all local, state, and federal laws and regulations concerning the care of animals. While some government laws and regulations may be referenced in this manual, these are not all-inclusive nor is this manual intended to serve as an evaluation tool for those agencies. The recommendations included are not meant to be exclusive management approaches, diets, medical treatments, or procedures, and may require adaptation to meet the specific needs of individual animals and particular circumstances in each institution. Commercial entities and media identified are not necessarily endorsed by AZA. The statements presented throughout the body of the manual do not represent AZA standards of care unless specifically identified as such in clearly marked sidebar boxes. Association of Zoos and Aquariums 3 Lion (Panthera leo) Care Manual Acknowledgements Lions are an iconic species, both loved and feared. While they do not have the striking color patterns of a jaguar or the cultural significance of a tiger, the striking mane and complex social structure makes them unique among all the wild cats. Nearly half of all AZA-accredited institutions house lions, a testament to their charisma and popularity. For many years lions were easy to breed and we believed they would always be in zoos. Over those same years we saw tens of thousands of them in Africa and believed they would rule the wild forever. In the thirty years since the AZA Lion SSP was established we have been proven wrong on every level. Every day keepers, animal managers, wildlife managers, and scientists work tirelessly to ensure that lions remain the highlight of a zoo experience or a wildlife safari. Mike Fouraker, Tarren Wagener, and Bob Wiese managed this SSP many years before I did and much of the information in this document comes from their hard work, as well as the advisors and active members of the SSP, and they deserve recognition for their many years of voluntary service to the AZA Lion SSP. The AZA Felid TAG is made up of an incredible group of individuals whom I am grateful to call mentors, colleagues, and friends. I owe special thanks to Norah Fletchall and Danny Morris for inviting me into this group and providing me opportunities and support over the last seven years. This document has been a long time coming, for a variety of reasons. It represents the best information available today from the best zoos and most experienced animal managers in AZA and around the world. It is a living document and should be continually updated with both the published and anecdotal information available at the time. The intent of this document is to serve as a resource for the keepers, managers, and curators that care for this species today or hope to in the future, so that we can provide the best possible care for every lion and ensure that future generations hear a lion’s roar both at their zoo and in the wild. Hollie Colahan Coordinator, AZA Lion SSP January 2012 For Elson (1995-2011), the one who started it all for me Photo courtesy of D. Bredahl Association of Zoos and Aquariums 4 Lion (Panthera leo) Care Manual Table of Contents Introduction ............................................................................................................................................... 7 Taxonomic Classification ...................................................................................................................... 8 Genus, Species, and Status ................................................................................................................. 8 General Information ............................................................................................................................... 9 Chapter 1. Ambient Environment ..................................................................................................... 13 1.1 Temperature and Humidity .......................................................................................................... 13 1.2 Light ................................................................................................................................................. 14 1.3 Water and Air Quality .................................................................................................................... 15 1.4 Sound and Vibration ..................................................................................................................... 15 1.5 Cleaning and Sanitation ............................................................................................................... 15 1.6 Pest Management ......................................................................................................................... 16 Chapter 2. Habitat Design and Containment .................................................................................. 17 2.1 Space and Complexity .................................................................................................................. 17 2.2 Safety and Containment ............................................................................................................... 23 Chapter 3. Transport ............................................................................................................................. 29 3.1 Preparations ................................................................................................................................... 29 3.2 Protocols ......................................................................................................................................... 31 Chapter 4. Social Environment ........................................................................................................... 33 4.1 Group Structure and Size ............................................................................................................ 33 4.2 Influence of Others and Conspecifics ........................................................................................ 34 4.3 Introductions and Reintroductions .............................................................................................. 35 Chapter 5. Nutrition ............................................................................................................................... 39 5.1 Nutritional Requirements .............................................................................................................. 39 5.3 Nutritional Evaluations .................................................................................................................. 53 Chapter 6. Veterinary Care .................................................................................................................. 59 6.1 Veterinary Services ....................................................................................................................... 59 6.2 Identification Methods ..................................................................................................................