Procyonid (Procyonidae) Care Manual
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PROCYONID (Procyonidae) CARE MANUAL CREATED BY THE AZA Small Carnivore Taxon Advisory Group IN ASSOCIATION WITH THE AZA Animal Welfare Committee Procyonid (Procyonidae) Care Manual Procyonid (Procyonidae) Care Manual Published by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums in association with the AZA Animal Welfare Committee Formal Citation: AZA Small Carnivore TAG 2010. Procyonid (Procyonidae) Care Manual. Association of Zoos and Aquariums, Silver Spring, MD. p.114. Original Completion Date: 13 August 2008, 1st revision June 2009, 2nd revision May 2010 Authors and Significant contributors: Jan Reed-Smith, M.A., Columbus Zoo and Aquarium Celeste (Dusty) Lombardi, Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, AZA Small Carnivore TAG (SCTAG) Chair Mike Maslanka, M.S., Smithsonian‟s National Zoo, AZA Nutrition SAG Barbara Henry, M.S., Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden, AZA Nutrition SAG Chair Miles Roberts, Smithsonian‟s National Zoo Kim Schilling, Animals for Awareness Anneke Moresco, D.V.M., Ph.D., UC Davis, University of California See Appendix L for additional contributors to the Procyonid Care Manual. AZA Staff Editors: Lacey Byrnes, B.S. ACM Intern Candice Dorsey, Ph.D., Director of Animal Conservation Cover Photo Credits: Liz Toth Debbie Thompson Cindy Colling Reviewers: Sue Booth-Binczik, Ph.D., Dallas Zoo Denise Bressler, Logan & Abby‟s Fund Kristofer Helgen, Smithsonian Institution Kim Schilling, Animals for Awareness Mindy Stinner, Conservators‟ Center, Inc. Debbie Thompson, Little Rock Zoo Rhonda Votino Debborah Colbert Ph.D., AZA, Vice President of Animal Conservation Paul Boyle Ph.D., AZA, Senior Vice President of Conservation and Education 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 2 Procyonid (Procyonidae) Care Manual Table of Contents Introduction ............................................................................................................................................... 5 Taxonomic Classification ...................................................................................................................... 5 Genus, Species, and Status ................................................................................................................. 5 General Information ............................................................................................................................... 5 Chapter 1. Ambient Environment ........................................................................................................ 9 1.1 Temperature and Humidity ............................................................................................................ 9 1.2 Light ................................................................................................................................................... 9 1.3 Water and Air Quality .................................................................................................................... 10 1.4 Sound and Vibration ..................................................................................................................... 10 Chapter 2. Habitat Design and Containment .................................................................................. 11 2.1 Space and Complexity .................................................................................................................. 11 2.2 Safety and Containment ............................................................................................................... 14 Chapter 3. Transport ............................................................................................................................. 17 3.1 Preparations ................................................................................................................................... 17 3.2 Protocols ......................................................................................................................................... 17 Chapter 4. Social Environment ........................................................................................................... 19 4.1 Group Structure and Size ............................................................................................................ 19 4.2 Influence of Other Species and Conspecifics ........................................................................... 20 4.3 Introductions and Reintroductions .............................................................................................. 21 Chapter 5. Nutrition ............................................................................................................................... 23 5.1 Nutritional Requirements .............................................................................................................. 23 5.2 Diets ................................................................................................................................................ 26 5.3 Nutritional Evaluations .................................................................................................................. 31 Chapter 6. Veterinary Care .................................................................................................................. 33 6.1 Veterinary Services ....................................................................................................................... 33 6.2 Identification Methods ................................................................................................................... 35 6.3 Transfer Examination and Diagnostic Testing Recommendations ........................................ 35 6.4 Quarantine ...................................................................................................................................... 35 6.5 Preventive Medicine ...................................................................................................................... 37 6.6 Capture, Restraint, and Immobilization ...................................................................................... 41 6.7 Management of Diseases, Disorders, Injuries and/or Isolation.............................................. 42 Chapter 7. Reproduction ...................................................................................................................... 47 7.1 Reproductive Physiology and Behavior ..................................................................................... 47 7.2 Assisted Reproductive Technology ............................................................................................ 49 7.3 Pregnancy and Parturition ........................................................................................................... 49 7.4 Birthing Facilities ........................................................................................................................... 51 7.5 Assisted Rearing ........................................................................................................................... 51 7.6 Contraception ................................................................................................................................. 55 Chapter 8. Behavior Management ..................................................................................................... 57 8.1 Animal Training .............................................................................................................................. 57 8.2 Environmental Enrichment ........................................................................................................... 58 8.3 Staff and Animal Interactions ...................................................................................................... 61 8.4 Staff Skills and Training ................................................................................................................ 62 Chapter 9. Program Animals ............................................................................................................... 64 9.1 Program Animal Policy ................................................................................................................. 64 Association of Zoos and Aquariums 3 Procyonid (Procyonidae) Care Manual 9.2 Institutional Program Animal Plans............................................................................................