citation_inspection: 33433

***The Patagonian cavy cited on the June 2016 inspection report was rechecked and appears to be continuing to heal without incident. No fighting was observed during this inspection, but cavies were noted to chase each other in the enclosure. There are no visual barriers and there is insufficient space to allow animals to remove themselves from unwanted social contact. This results in stress for the animals. Enclosures must be designed to permit normal social and postural adjustments for the species in question. Correct by December 15, 2016 ***The Arctic foxes appeared hyper vigilant, agitated, and paced nearly continuously when we approached the enclosure. The enclosure has one igloo style shelter that cannot fit both animals comfortably at the same time, and there are no visual barriers that allow them to remove themselves from view, which is a social behavior for foxes. Normal postural behaviors for foxes include a motivation to dig, create dens and jump onto elevated areas. Inability to engage in highly motivated behaviors such as hiding and digging results in stress to the animals. This enclosure is on a concrete slab and does not provide these normal social and postural adjustments for the species in question. Suitable dens, visual barriers, and provisions for safe digging must be provided. Correct by December 15, 2016 ***The enclosure for the bear is a corn crib on a concrete slab and this bear exhibits behavioral and orthopedic abnormalities. Asiatic black bears are biologically designed to be smaller and slimmer to have the mobility to climb trees, so excess weight on this species of bear can cause additional health and behavioral issues. The bear enclosure has insufficient space and furnishings (such as climbing structures, and a water feature suitable for swimming) to promote exercise. In addition, the substrate is concrete flooring, which can exacerbate mobility issues and does not allow for digging, an important normal postural adjustment for bears. In light of the bear’s behavior, weight issues and front limb angular deformities, the amount of space, furnishings, and the substrate are not appropriate for this bear. The licensee must consult with the attending veterinarian to provide an enclosure design that facilitates normal social and postural adjustments appropriate for the individual bear’s medical needs. The licensee informed the inspectors that the animal will be transferred to another facility in the near future. The animal must be promptly evaluated by the attending veterinarian or safely transferred before the correction date. Correct by December 15, 2016