citation_inspection: 11725

Rodent feces had accumulated in the indoor portion of the enclosure #52 housing a binturong, Chip. Feces had accumulated on the floor in the entry way, along the walls of the enclosure, and in front of the wall heater, along with a pile of pink insulation material. A dead rodent was in the enclosure with the binturong. The licensee did state he places rodent bait outside of the enclosure but there does not appear to be adequate control of rodent pests in this enclosure. An accumulation of rodent feces was found in the veterinary hospital on the floor and surfaces around the 2 enclosures housing 2 juvenile tiger cubs and 1 golden tabby liger cub. Excessive flies were found in the area used for food preparation and all around the improperly stored meat in this room. Excessive flies were noted throughout the outdoor facility particularly around the bear enclosures (#8 Rachey, Xena and Koda, #36 Cody and Pebbles, and unnumbered enclosure Huggy, Lolli, and Holly) and around the west side enclosures (#46 tigers Kasper and Kodiak, #47 tigers Elijah and Jezebel, # 48 lions Mona and Daniel, and #50 cougar Boo). The flies were numerous enough that the buzzing was audible while observing the animals and one of the AC inspectors was bit by flies several times. The flies congregated on and around the food in the bear enclosures. There were several containers hanging on the perimeter fence or near the food preparation building that the licensee stated are used for fly bait but all were empty except for dead flies and debris. Rodents, flies and other pests may carry and transmit diseases to the animals and a more effective method of monitoring and preventing their presence in/around primary enclosures and around food storage/preparation should be implemented. The licensee shall establish and maintain a safe and an effective pest control program which should include reduction of flies, particularly around food and food preparation areas, cleaning of enclosures to remove excreta and rodent feces and dead rodents, and keeping all water receptacles clean and sanitary.