citation_inspection: 25370

All of the birds in the drive through area of the zoo were housed with mammals of various size. These animals include eland, nilgai, buffalo, elk, zebra, camel, cattle, and yak. While on the wagon ride used for the public to feed the animals in the drive-thru portion of the facility a zebra was seen kicking a duck with its back leg causing the duck to roll on its back and was unable to right itself. After the zebra kicked the single duck, an eland was startled at the wagon and ran away stepping on numerous other ducks. The lead inspector had to ask the driver to stop to pick up the duck that was kicked by the zebra so that veterinarian could be called, and the duck could receive veterinary attention. The duck was put at the drivers feet and was unable to stand. The licensee stated that the animals get their only ration of grain from the wagon rides. The licensee also stated a round bale of hay is fed every night. Birds do not eat hay and therefore only get their ration of food during the wagon rides. The ducks competing with these large animals for food shows that they are hungry. This co-mingling of mammals and birds when feeding is leading to bird distress and injury. Birds cannot be housed with other birds and/or mammals that prevent access to food, water, or shelter by individual animals, or be hazardous to the health and well-being of each other. Birds may not be housed with other animals, including members of their own species, unless they are compatible. Compatibility must be determined in accordance with generally accepted professional practices and by actual observations to ensure that the birds are, in fact, compatible. To be corrected from this day forward, September 19, 2023 This inspection and exit interview were conducted with ______. Additional Inspectors: Kristin Ray, VETERINARY MEDICAL OFFICER JUSTINE O MALLEY, VETERINARY MEDICAL OFFICER n