An investigation into the Behavior, Sociality and Enclosure Use of Group-Housed Lions and Tigers
It is common practice in zoological collections to house lions (Panthera leo) in prides, yet other felid species are typically housed in pairs or singly. This study investigated the effects of group-housing on a pride of 21 lions, and 10 tigers (Panthera tigris) at the Fasano Zoo, Italy. Both species were housed in large, safari-style […]
Behavioral repertoire assessment of Bengal tigers (Panthera tigris) with focus on thermoregulatory behavior
The behavioral repertoire and environmental feature needs for thermoregulatory comfort have not been reported in the literature for large captive exotics. An observational study was done to investigate the behavioral repertoire of tigers via continuous observation, while focusing on thermoregulatory behavior, in order to examine behavioral and thermoregulatory needs of these animals, and inform microclimatic […]
Wild Tigers in Captivity: A Study of the Effects of the Captive Environment on Tiger Behavior
Humans maintain wild animals in zoological parks for the purposes of education, conservation, research, and recreation. However, abnormal behaviors may develop in animals housed in human-made environments, if those environments do not allow them to carry out their natural behaviors (such as swimming, climbing, stalking, and predation). Captive environments in zoological parks often do not […]
Dangerous animals in captivity: Ex situ tiger conflict and implications for private ownership of exotic animals
Abstract 10.1002/zoo.10117.abs The risks associated with tiger attacks on people in the wild are well documented. There may currently be more tigers in captivity than in the wild, but relatively little is known about the risks of injury or death associated with owning and managing captive tigers and other large carnivores. The purpose of this […]
Previously undescribed features in the temporalis and masseteric musculature of several large felids raised in captivity
Abstract 10.1002/(SICI)1098-2361(1997)16:23.3.CO;2-U Although the anatomy of the domestic housecat has been examined in meticulous detail, comparative observations on the anatomy of the larger wild cats is scant and information about particularities in their cranial complexes rarer still. In the course of dissecting sets of masticatory muscles in five large felids, all older zoo animals, we […]
How access to exhibit space impacts the behavior of female tigers (Panthera tigris)
Little is known about how socially housed captive carnivores respond to temporary reductions in available space. We documented rates of aggression and affiliation in our group of six female tigers, under their normal housing conditions and during a period of exhibit renovations which resulted in a 50% reduction in time spent in an outdoor enclosure. […]
Behavioral Analysis of Tiger Night Housing Practices
The systematic evaluation of changes in animal management practices is critical to ensuring the best possible welfare. Here, we examined the behavioral impacts of intermittently housing our six adult female tigers, who have been housed socially for much of their lives, individually overnight to allow for specialized care required by their advancing age. We looked […]
Immobilization of captive tigers (Panthera tigris) with a combination of tiletamine, zolazepam, and detomidine
The aims of this study were to evaluate the effects of the administration of a combination of tiletamine-zolazepam and detomidine (TZD) in 9 tigers (Panthera tigris). Nine captive tigers were immobilized with tiletamine-zolazepam and detomidine administered intramuscularly. At the end of the procedure immobilization was partially reversed with atipamezole. Lateral recumbency was achieved in 15.6 ± 5.9 min. […]