citation_inspection: 3823

This facility is not adequately conducting and recording daily observations in a way that can be effectively conveyed to the attending veterinarian. The facility(cid:25)s own protocols require keepers (cid:28)to record the security, health, and wellbeing and pertinent noteworthy behaviors of the animals in their charge.(cid:29) The protocol also states that noteworthy behaviors should include normal and/or abnormal locomotion, feeding, social grouping/association, and aggression. The Director of Animal Management stated that it can be difficult to observe all the animals on any given day. In fact, several staff members stated that new animal births or deaths may not be noticed for up to several days in some of the hoofstock areas due to the large amount of pasture land and animals hiding in wooded areas. The majority (23) of the 36 deaths recorded in the past 11 months suggest a lack of adequate daily observation. Some daily observations noted may have been indicators of more serious problems. For example, observations of rhinos interfering with giraffe feeding were noted on 5/3/15 and 5/9/15. On 6/2/15, a 1.5 year old giraffe was found dead by goring. Takin aggression was noted in early July 2015, but there was no evidence of follow-up. Three takin died of traumatic wounds between July 13 and August 10, 2015. Daily observation and assessment of animals(cid:25) health and well-being are important to identify when an animal is in need of veterinary care or other intervention. If an animal in need of treatment goes unobserved or unreported for a prolonged period of time, that animal may suffer undue pain and distress that could be alleviated with adequate veterinary care. Likewise animals that are not eating an appropriate diet in sufficient quantity to maintain their health and well-being must be reported to the attending veterinarian. Records of these observations and subsequent direct and frequent communication to the attending veterinarian is required so that timely and accurate information on problems of animal health, behavior, and well-being is conveyed to facilitate the provision of adequate veterinary care. Correct by ensuring daily observations of all animals by trained staff to assess their health and well-being and appropriately document in records. Additionally, ensure that a mechanism is in place for direct and frequent communication in order to ensure that timely and accurate information regarding problems of animal health, behavior, and well-being is conveyed to the attending veterinarian. Correct by: from this time forward.