citation_inspection: 11723

The water receptacle in the enclosure #36 for two black bears, Cody and Pebbles, was empty and the only water available in their enclosure was in a horse trough provided for the bears' enrichment and for cooling themselves. This water was brown in color and had food, hair, and other debris floating in the water. This water is not potable and poses a risk to the animals' health if consumed due to bacterial contamination. One of the bears was noted to sit by the drinking water receptacle as if waiting for it to be filled. After an employee was called over to fill this receptacle, this bear was noted to immediately drink repeatedly for a total of approximately 1 minute. At least 12 water receptacles provided for animals to soak and cool themselves contained brown to black water with noticeable hair, fecal matter, leaves, and other debris (Enclosures #12, 22, 23, 25, 26, 27, 32, 33, 36, 56, 58, and 64). These receptacles are not being kept clean and sanitary and pose a risk to the animals' health should they choose to bathe or drink this water due to bacterial contamination. Animals not provided with adequate potable drinking water are at risk for dehydration and overheating. If other types of water receptacles are provided to animals, these and all drinking water receptacles shall be kept clean and sanitary in order to minimize contamination by bacteria, algae, and other potentially toxic or infectious materials. If potable water is not accessible to the animals at all times, it must be provided as often as necessary for the health and comfort of the animal and all water receptacles shall be kept clean and sanitary. Potable water was provided to the two black bears, Cody and Pebbles, during the inspection upon the request of the AC inspector. All water receptacles shall be kept clean and sanitary as of 9/11/2015.