Polar Bear (Ursus Maritimus) Care Manual
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Polar Bear (Ursus maritimus) Care Manual POLAR BEAR (Ursus maritimus) CARE MANUAL CREATED BY THE AZA Polar Bear Species Survival Plan ® IN ASSOCIATION WITH THE AZA Bear Taxonomic Advisory Group Association of Zoos and Aquariums 1 Polar Bear (Ursus maritimus) Care Manual Polar Bear (Ursus maritimus) Care Manual Published by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums in association with the AZA Animal Welfare Committee Formal Citation: AZA Bear TAG 2009. Polar Bear (Ursus maritimus) Care Manual. Association of Zoos and Aquariums, Silver Spring, MD. Original Completion Date: 16 December 2009 Authors and Significant Contributors: See Appendix J AZA Staff Editors: Dr. Debborah Colbert, AZA Vice President, Conservation & Science Reviewers: Dr. Randi Meyerson (ACM Coordinator, Toledo Zoo) Dr. Joseph C.E. Barber, (AZA, ACM Consultant) Dr. Don Moore (SI-NZP, AZA Bear TAG Advisor) Dr. Barbara Kohn (APHIS) Dr. Steven Amstrup (USGS) Dr. Lydia Kolter (EAZA Bear TAG Chair) Barbara Henry, M.S. (AZA Nutrition SAG, Curator of Nutrition, Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden) Ann Ward, M.S. (AZA Nutrition SAG, Director, Nutritional Services for Fort Worth Zoo) Cover Photo Credit: Randi Myerson 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 Polar Bear (Ursus maritimus) 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 ................................................................................................................................................. 10 1.3 Water and Air Quality .................................................................................................................... 10 1.4 Sound and Vibration ..................................................................................................................... 11 Chapter 2. Habitat Design and Containment ................................................................................. 12 2.1 Space and Complexity .................................................................................................................. 12 2.2 Safety and Containment ............................................................................................................... 15 Chapter 3. Transport ............................................................................................................................ 18 3.1 Preparations ................................................................................................................................... 18 3.2 Protocols ......................................................................................................................................... 19 Chapter 4. Social Environment ........................................................................................................... 21 4.1 Group Structure and Size ............................................................................................................ 21 4.2 Influence of Others and Conspecifics ........................................................................................ 21 4.3 Introductions and Reintroductions .............................................................................................. 22 Chapter 5. Nutrition .............................................................................................................................. 24 5.1 Nutritional Requirements .............................................................................................................. 24 5.2 Diets ................................................................................................................................................ 27 5.3 Nutritional Evaluations .................................................................................................................. 31 Chapter 6. Veterinary Care .................................................................................................................. 34 6.1 Veterinary Services ....................................................................................................................... 34 6.2 Identification Methods ................................................................................................................... 35 6.3 Transfer Examination and Diagnostic Testing Recommendations ........................................ 36 6.4 Quarantine ...................................................................................................................................... 36 6.5 Preventive Medicine ...................................................................................................................... 38 6.6 Capture, Restraint, and Immobilization ...................................................................................... 43 6.7 Management of Diseases, Disorders, Injuries and/or Isolation.............................................. 45 Chapter 7. Reproduction ...................................................................................................................... 49 7.1 Reproductive Physiology and Behavior ..................................................................................... 49 7.2 Assisted Reproductive Technology ............................................................................................ 49 7.3 Pregnancy and Parturition ........................................................................................................... 50 7.4 Birthing Facilities ........................................................................................................................... 52 7.5 Assisted Rearing ........................................................................................................................... 52 7.6 Contraception ................................................................................................................................. 54 Chapter 8. Behavior Management ..................................................................................................... 56 8.1 Animal Training .............................................................................................................................. 56 8.2 Environmental Enrichment ........................................................................................................... 57 8.3 Staff and Animal Interactions ...................................................................................................... 59 8.4 Staff Skills and Training ................................................................................................................ 59 Chapter 9. Research .............................................................................................................................. 61 9.1 Current Investigations ................................................................................................................... 61 Association of Zoos and Aquariums 3 Polar Bear (Ursus maritimus) Care Manual 9.2 Future Research Needs ............................................................................................................... 62 Acknowledgements ............................................................................................................................... 65 References ............................................................................................................................................... 66 Appendix A: Accreditation Standards by Chapter .......................................................................