citation_inspection: 13408

(b) ***** At time of inspection the concrete block housing units for both the Leopard and Cougar were to narrow and not long enough to completely protect the cats from the elements and to prevent discomfort from the elements. The cats had to lay one of two directions only, facing towards the front or rear of the longest measurement of the housing unit. When facing forward such as the leopard at time of inspection its flanks touched the back wall of the housing unit while it had its front legs tucked beside its body and its head stuck out of the front of the housing unit. The width dimension of the housing unit would not allow for either animal to lie, it was far too narrow. These units had an overhang on the roof which would have been the appropriate length for the housing unit itself to provide for the protection and comfort of the animals. The width should be of a similar dimension which would allow for the animals to lay in either direction comfortably. ***** At time of inspection the single housed male lion had been provided with a concrete block housing unit which met the provisions that a housing unit should. It was long enough and wide enough to provide protection from the elements and prevent discomfort to the animal. Ventilation for this unit was provided by the entrance to the housing unit. The animal had sufficient shade provided so that ventilation was not a factor at this time. ***** At time of inspection the concrete pads that had been poured in the enclosure housing the two tigers and the enclosure with the three lions were of a size sufficient for one animal only. When the Director was asked if a housing unit for each animal in the enclosure equivalent to the pad size poured was to be provided for each animal the answer was no that the pad currently poured was to be the housing unit for the animals in the enclosure. After seeing the unit for the single lion the inspector asked the director if the proposed pad size and housing units would be large enough for all the animals to enter at one time and be provided protection from the elements, could move about freely, sit, stand and lie in a normal manner the answer was no that they needed to be larger. These units which are not large enough for all the animals to enter at one time, need to be enlarged or multiple housing units which can accommodate all animals in the enclosures need to be constructed which will provide protection of the animals from the elements and prevent discomfort to the animals. The choice of materials to provide housing for these animals is that of the licensee. That choice also comes with the requirement to maintain that choice of materials in good repair. TO BE CORRECTED BY:10/31/14