citation_inspection: 3826

Based on the noncompliances identified in this inspection, this facility does not appear to currently have a sufficient number of adequately trained employees to maintain the professional level of husbandry practices described in the regulations and standards for the 460 USDA-regulated animals (30+ species) in their care. The majority of these species are being managed in large multi-species exhibits with active breeding programs and therefore animals are present in a variety of different life-stages. As a result, there are complex medical, behavioral, nutritional, and other husbandry needs for these animals. Relevant areas of non-compliance identified on this report include: inadequate daily observations of all animals, inadequate management of animals showing signs of incompatibly, failure to properly complete veterinarian prescribed treatments and husbandry recommendations, and inadequate general facility maintenance. With regard to record-keeping, there are numerous days that facility husbandry logs have not been completed by staff members, suggesting either that there were an insufficient number of employees to be able to have the time to complete the logs, or that the employees in those areas were insufficiently trained in facility protocols. The Vice President and the Director of Animal Management stated that training of all new employees is largely via on the job training with current employees. Inspectors were informed that all employees are expected to work in all areas of the facility when the normally assigned keepers are absent; however, there are limited guidelines, checklists or Standard Operating Procedures for employees to follow when working in areas they aren(cid:25)t typically assigned to ensure tasks are completed per facility protocols. All facilities are required to have a sufficient number of adequately trained employees to maintain the professional husbandry standards described in the regulations and standards, and to ensure that animals are receiving appropriate monitoring, veterinary care, feeding, watering, and other care. The licensee must evaluate the current staffing level and employee training procedures to ensure that a sufficient number of adequately trained employees are utilized to compile and manage appropriate records and to maintain the professionally acceptable level of husbandry practices described in the regulations and standards. Correct by: 16 November 2015.