TIGER (Panthera tigris) CARE MANUAL CREATED BY THE AZA Tiger Species Survival Plan® IN ASSOCIATION WITH THE AZA Felid Taxon Advisory Group Tiger (Panthera tigris) Care Manual Tiger (Panthera tigris) Care Manual Published by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums in association with the AZA Animal Welfare Committee Formal Citation: AZA Tiger Species Survival Plan® (2016). Tiger Care Manual. Association of Zoos and Aquariums, Silver Spring, MD. Authors/Significant Contributors: Ronald Tilson, Ph.D., Former AZA Tiger SSP Coordinator 1987-2011, formerly Minnesota Zoo Cheryl L. Morris, Ph.D., AZA Tiger SSP Nutrition Advisor, Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium Douglas L. Armstrong, D.V.M., AZA Tiger SSP Veterinary Advisor, Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium Julie E. Napier, D.V.M., Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium Karen Goodrowe Beck, Ph.D., AZA Tiger SSP Management Committee, Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium Andy Goldfarb, Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium Michelle Skurski, Disney's Animal Kingdom Tara Harris, Ph.D., AZA Tiger SSP Coordinator, Minnesota Zoo Reviewers: Douglas Richardson, Tiger EEP Husbandry Advisor, Royal Zoological Society of Scotland Malcolm Fitzpatrick, Sumatran Tiger EEP Coordinator, Zoological Society of London AZA Staff Editors: Maya Seaman, AZA ACM Intern Alex Shimm, AZA Conservation & Science Intern Haley Gordon, AZA Conservation & Science Intern Candice Dorsey, Ph.D., Vice President, Animal Programs Rebecca Greenberg, Conservation & Science Coordinator Felicia Spector, Program Assistant for Animal Programs Cover Photo Credits: John Perrone 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 Tiger (Panthera tigris) 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. Records .................................................................................................................20 3.1 Definitions .......................................................................................................................20 3.2 Types of Records ............................................................................................................20 3.3 Permit Considerations .....................................................................................................21 3.4 Government Ownership ..................................................................................................21 3.5 Identification ....................................................................................................................21 Chapter 4. Transport ...............................................................................................................23 4.1 Preparations ....................................................................................................................23 4.2 Protocols .........................................................................................................................26 Chapter 5. Social Environment ..............................................................................................28 5.1 Group Structure and Size ................................................................................................28 5.2 Influence of Others and Conspecifics ..............................................................................28 5.3 Introductions and Reintroductions ...................................................................................28 Chapter 6. Nutrition.................................................................................................................31 6.1 Nutritional Requirements .................................................................................................31 6.2 Diets ................................................................................................................................34 6.3 Nutritional Evaluations .....................................................................................................36 Chapter 7. Veterinary Care .....................................................................................................39 7.1 Veterinary Services .........................................................................................................39 7.2 Transfer Examination and Diagnostic Testing Recommendations ...................................39 7.3 Quarantine ......................................................................................................................40 7.4 Preventive Medicine ........................................................................................................42 7.5 Capture, Restraint, and Immobilization ............................................................................47 7.6 Management of Diseases, Disorders, Injuries and/or Isolation ........................................51 Chapter 8. Reproduction ........................................................................................................61 8.1 Reproductive Physiology and Behavior ...........................................................................61 8.2 Assisted Reproductive Technology .................................................................................64 8.3 Pregnancy and Parturition ...............................................................................................65 8.4 Birthing Facilities .............................................................................................................66 8.5 Assisted Rearing .............................................................................................................66 8.6 Contraception ..................................................................................................................68 Chapter 9. Behavior Management ..........................................................................................70 Association of Zoos and Aquariums 3 Tiger (Panthera tigris) Care Manual 9.1 Animal Training ...............................................................................................................70 9.2 Environmental Enrichment ..............................................................................................72 9.3 Staff and Animal Interactions ...........................................................................................73 9.4 Staff Skills and Training ...................................................................................................74 Chapter 10. Ambassador Animals .........................................................................................77 10.1 Ambassador Animal Policy ............................................................................................77 10.2 Institutional Ambassador Animal Plans ..........................................................................77