citation_inspection

**An adult male binturong in enclosure #52, Chip, appeared to be in thin body condition, had slight shaking or tremors of his head when standing still and then exhibited an abnormally hunched posture while shuffling his hind feet and reaching forward with his right front leg. A dead and decaying rodent was found within the enclosure and a large amount of rodent feces was accumulating throughout the enclosure. There was pink insulation material and an accumulation of rodent feces around the heater in the enclosure. The licensee stated that he had placed bait for killing rodents around the outside of Chip's enclosure but did not say what type of bait was being used. An invoice from a veterinarian dated 4/19/2015 listed "digital radiographs--nasal cavity" but there were no medical records or any other documents available during the inspection that explained why these were performed, what were the findings, and whether treatment, monitoring, or follow-up were needed. There was no information provided verbally from the licensee about why the veterinarian performed this diagnostic testing and no way to know if what was observed during this inspection is a new finding or is related to that previous examination. The veterinarian that had conducted the radiographs in April was on site for another purpose at the time of the inspection. Animal Care (AC) personnel asked the veterinarian about the behavior and posturing that was observed but the veterinarian was unaware of this and stated that the animal was anesthetized a few months ago and that blood collection was attempted but was unsuccessful. There was no plan outlined in writing or provided verbally for re-evaluating this animal following the April examination. This animal must be examined by a veterinarian and a diagnosis and treatment plan established. The dead rodent, rodent feces, and possible exposure of this animal to toxic chemicals as well as infectious organisms from the rodent contamination are of serious concern and need to be addressed immediately by cleaning the enclosure and excluding rodents from entering the enclosure. **A 7 week old bottle-raised male tiger cub (DOB 7/23/15), the licensee believed is named Joey, was noted by AC inspectors to have crusted hair and a clear discharge from both eyes. This condition had not been noticed by the facility staff and the veterinarian who was on site during the inspection for examination of another young tiger cub had not been asked to evaluate this cub at the time of the inspection. The environment in the veterinary hospital enclosure in which this cub is housed with a 7 week old golden tabby liger cub is unsanitary (rodent feces, exposed drywall which cannot be cleaned or sanitized). Young animals are vulnerable to infectious organisms due to their immature immune systems. Discharge from the eyes that crusts on the hair may be a sign of an eye or upper respiratory infection and this cub should be examined by a veterinarian for a diagnosis with appropriate treatment and plan for follow-up examination, if needed. This cub should not be handled by members of the public until a veterinarian has examined him and ensured that his health is not at risk. **An adult female tiger in enclosure #2, Buffy, was noted to be squinting her eyes in the sunlight before moving to pace the fence line in a shady area on the east side of the enclosure. Buffy has opaque coloration to the cornea of both eyes with the left eye appearing completely white. The other female tiger in this enclosure, Spangles, also has an opaque and cloudy appearance to both eyes, the left eye being more noticeably affected. This condition has been documented for both of the cats that it is chronic in nature by the attending veterinarian (AV) but, when compared to the previous inspection, it appears to be worsening in both tigers. There is no documentation that the licensee has notified the AV of the worsening condition nor of any follow-up by the AV to assess these animals. A note was made by a veterinarian on Buffy's medical record on 3/10/15 about "healing superficial abrasions to top of head & lateral to the eye". No record of the eye condition has been made for either animal since 2010. Eye conditions, particularly chronic conditions that become more active, are serious, often painful to the animal, and, if not treated quickly, may result in loss of vision. **A male tiger in enclosure #21, Caprichio, appeared to have an abnormal gait on his left front leg such that the elbow appeared to swing out to the side before placing the paw on the ground, giving him the appearance of being off-balance. This same tiger was noted on the last inspection on September 13, 2014 to have an abnormal gait on the right hind leg and was in thin body condition, particularly in the back leg muscles. The AV noted concerns in the tiger's medical record on 1/23/11 that this animal needed an increase in calcium supplementation and no other notes were entered in the record until 9/26/14 by another veterinarian that "no limping" was noted but tiger is "bowed legged all four limbs, USDA concerned about radiographs, no need to take at this time". The last entry for this tiger by a veterinarian is on 3/10/15 when he is noted to be "very skinny" with a plan to "panacur deworm", increase meat, and "dart if not improved in 4-6 weeks". No directions regarding the amount of "panacur deworm" to give, how much meat to increase for weight gain to be achieved, and no specific criteria as to what would qualify as "improved in 4-6 weeks" or what would be done if not improved and darting was to be done. An invoice from a veterinarian dated 4/19/15 does list digital radiographs of back right leg for "Capricio" but these were not made available for review during this inspection and no diagnosis or plan for monitoring or treating this tiger were identified in any records or known by the licensee. **A male tiger in enclosure #32, Waldo, had an abnormal gait affecting his right front leg. When walking, his head bobs downward noticeably when landing hard on his left front leg. He would stretch out the right front leg gently before walking at times not putting full weight on that leg. Waldo climbed into water tank used provided for the cats to soak and cool off but which was filled with contaminated water, dark grey in color with noticeable hair, fecal matter, and other debris. He began to paw at the water using only his left front leg while resting right front leg on edge of the tank before lying down in the tank. When he jumped out and over the edge of the tank, he landed very hard on his left front leg and then stood for a moment with his right front leg outstretched and lightly touching the ground. He then took only a few steps, hopping off of his back legs before entering the shelter structure. Invoices from a veterinarian dated 3/4/2014 and 4/19/2015 list digital radiographs of right elbow and right front leg for Waldo but these were not made available for review during this inspection and no diagnosis or plan for monitoring this tiger were identified in any records or could be explained by the licensee. An invoice from a veterinarian dated 8/5/2015 does identify Waldo as "still lame on RF" and "advise 2 weeks of meloxicam" but the pain medication prescribed is "on back order" per the facility representative so no treatment has been provided to this animal since 8/5/2015. **A male tiger in enclosure #65, Toni, had an abnormal gait affecting his right front leg. When walking, his head bobs downward noticeably when placing his left front leg and he was seen not bearing full weight on his right foot, barely touching his right toes to the ground when at rest. An invoice from a veterinarian dated 8/5/2015 does identify "Tony" as "still lame on RF" and "advise 2 weeks of meloxicam" but the pain medication prescribed is "on back order" per the facility representative so no treatment has been provided to this animal. Lameness and/or abnormal gait with muscle or weight loss may be indications of injury or underlying illness and these tigers need to be evaluated by a veterinarian to properly diagnose the cause and provide a plan for treating and/or monitoring these conditions. **An adult male tiger in enclosure #26, Andy, was seen to sit on his hind limbs, stroke his penis with his front paw, bite his left hind ankle, and then get up and urinate. This is unusual behavior and the licensee had not noticed this before in this tiger. There were no notations in his medical records regarding this behavior and no veterinary examination noted since 2010 for concerns with hair coat quality. A veterinarian should examine this tiger to determine if this is behavioral or indicative of an underlying veterinary condition which may require diagnostic testing (eg. blood work for urinary tract health) and further evaluation and plan for treatment and monitoring for resolution of any underlying condition if identified. **An adult black leopard in enclosure #61, Sinbad, was noted to have two large lumps protruding from the left hip and left lateral thigh with a third faintly noticeable on his right mid-lateral thigh. The veterinarian that was on site during the inspection stated she had not been aware of these lumps on this animal and visually evaluated Sinbad while talking with the AC inspectors and the licensee. She recommended no treatment at this time but to monitor them daily for changes. During review of the facility's medical records. an email dated 10/21/2014 from the licensee's spouse to this veterinarian and the AV mentioned two lumps on Sinbad and stated they didn't seem to be bothering him. There is no documentation on the size or location of the lumps noted in 2014 so it is not clear if the ones seen during this inspection are the same or are new. Lumps in or under the skin may be a sign of infection, inflammation, or tumors and should be measured and monitored, at a minimum, for changes in size or character. This animal and the skin lumps need further evaluation by a veterinarian with documentation of location, size, and texture with a diagnosis and plan for treatment, if needed, and monitoring for changes. **An adult black leopard in enclosure #14, Aramis, had hair loss and several areas of reddened skin on his tail, with the tip of the tail being most raw in appearance. Aramis has been receiving two medications, Amoxicillin and Amitriptylline, as prescribed by the facility veterinarians since early August 2015 but the licensee stated he doesn't seem to be improving. This leopard has been treated on and off for several years for self-injurious behavior resulting in loss of hair and damaged skin on his tail and, according to facility medical records, has received this same treatment when the problem is identified. Self-injurious behavior in captive large felids is not uncommon and can become chronic leading to infection of the tissues and possible need for amputation of the tip of the tail. This leopard should be re-examined by the AV for the reddened, raw skin and to determine if the current treatment should be continued. **Two coatimundi in enclosure #15, Molly and Macano, have thinning hair coats, especially over their lower backs, hind legs, and tails. These coati have been noted to have this abnormal hair coat during previous inspections. The AV has conducted skin scrapings to check for parasites and prescribed adding supplements to the diet but no further evaluation has been conducted since the hair loss was first documented in 2010. Thinning hair coats and hair loss may be a symptom of nutritional deficiencies, internal organ (endocrine) dysfunction, external parasites, and/or many other veterinary conditions and these animals need to be re-examined by veterinarian to determine a diagnosis and plan to address this chronic, recurring condition. The animals that were listed in the citation on the previous inspection conducted on September 13, 2014 were evaluated by a veterinarian. Two of these animals, Capricio and Buffy, continue to have veterinary conditions that have not been diagnosed nor has a treatment and follow-up plan been established to minimize pain and discomfort associated with these conditions.

The acquisition record for a bobcat named Toby being exhibited to the public does not have the name, address, driver's license number and State, and vehicle license number and State for the person(s) from whom this bobcat was acquired on 8/8/2015. The acquisition record states "Unknown previous owner, left at gate in crate, declawed & neutered". Complete and detailed information for animals acquired for use in exhibition needs to be complete to ensure that all animals are acquired legally as well as transported and handled humanely. Every exhibitor shall make, keep, and maintain records or forms which fully and correctly disclose the required information concerning animals other than dogs and cats, purchased or otherwise acquired, owned, held, leased, or otherwise in his or her possession or under his or her control including the name and address of the person from whom the animals were purchased or otherwise acquired and the vehicle license number and State, and the driver's license number (or photographic identification card for nondrivers issued by a State) and State of the person, if he or she is not licensed or registered under the Act. To be corrected on all acquisitions of animals other than dogs and cats from this time forward.

The west wall of the veterinary hospital indoor enclosure housing a 7 week old tiger cub, "Joey" and a 7 week old golden tabby liger cub, had the vinyl surface torn which exposes the drywall. This wall is in disrepair and cannot be adequately cleaned and sanitized. Surfaces that are not maintained in good repair and so they can be cleaned and sanitized pose a risk to the health of these very young animals due to their immature immune function to protect them against exposure to infectious organisms on those surfaces. Enclosure #36 housing 2 juvenile black bears, Cody and Pebbles, has a large hole in the wooden shelter structure near the entry door on the upper right side. This shelter is in disrepair and the hole can allow wind and rain to enter the structure which can cause discomfort to these animals. Enclosure #46 housing 2 adult tigers, Kodiak and Kasper had nails protruding from the raised wooden resting platform, posing a risk for injury to these animals. Enclosure #39 housing an adult Serval has a warped board with exposed nails on the wooden platform in front of the shelter structure, posing a risk for injury to this animal. Enclosure #9 housing an adult black leopard, Jamma, had several nails protruding from a wooden resting platform and ramp structure, posing a risk for injury to this animal. In the following enclosures, the doorframe around the den (shelter) had chewed and ripped wood which are in disrepair and which could cause an injury to the animals: **Enclosure # 11 housing 2 adult tigers, Charlie and Chainsaw **Enclosure # 12 housing 2 adult tigers, Seth and Gabrielle **Enclosure # 23 housing 2 adult tigers, Tutt and Nefertiti **Enclosure # 24 housing 2 adult tigers, Shenandoah and Sabre **Enclosure # 25 housing 2 adult tigers, Zena and Zoey **Enclosure # 60 housing 2 adult lions, Pharaoh and Savanna **Enclosure # 65 housing 2 adult tigers, Toni and Phoebe Enclosure # 24 housing 2 tigers, Shenandoah and Sabre, the chain link fencing on the west side of the enclosure adjacent to the den is pulled and is not in good repair, posing a risk of injury to the animals. Enclosure # 65 housing 2 tigers, Phoebe and Toni, the chain link fencing on the south side of the den is pulled and is not in good repair, posing a risk of injury to the animals. Enclosure #12 housing 2 adult tigers, Seth and Gabrielle the chain link fencing on the west side of the enclosure is pulled and is not in good repair, posing a risk of injury to the animals. The facility must be constructed of such material and of such strength as appropriate for the animals involved. The indoor and outdoor housing facilities shall be structurally sound and shall be maintained in good repair to protect the animals from injury and to contain the animals.

Several outdoor enclosures housing tigers, lions, tigers, bears, and ligers did not have adequate shade to protect them from direct sunlight: *Enclosure #42 housing 2 adult lions: Daniel and Chloe *Enclosure # 43 housing 3 adult tigers: Lazarus, Diablo, and Twinkle *Enclosure #44-45 housing 2 young tigers: Baxter and Maverick *Enclosure #46 housing 2 adult tigers: Kasper and Kodiak *Enclosure #47 housing 2 adult tigers: Elijah and Jezebel *Enclosure #48 housing 2 adult lions: Mona and Daniel *Enclosure #30 housing 1 adult liger: Shakira *Enclosure #31 housing 2 juvenile lions: Athena and Zeus *Enclosure #32 housing 3 juvenile tigers: Synder (aka Cinder) and Waldo *Enclosure #33 housing 1 adult tiger: Willy *Enclosure #29 housing 3 adult tigers: Billy, Jake, Chepe *Enclosure #28 housing 1 adult lion: Zazu *Enclosure #27 housing 2 juvenile tigers: Pancho and Montana *Enclosure #26 housing 1 adult tiger: Andy *Enclosure #25 housing 2 adult tigers: Zena and Zoey *Enclosure #24 housing 2 adult tigers: Shenandoah and Sabre *Enclosure #23 housing 2 adult tigers: Tutt and Nefertiti *Enclosure #22 housing 1 adult tiger: Pandora *Enclosure #21 housing 3 adult tigers: India, Capricio, and Carolina *Enclosure #19 housing 2 adult tigers: Sumadi and Eragon *Enclosure #65 housing 2 adult tigers: Phoebe and Toni *Enclosure #64 housing 32 adult tigers: Natasha and Juanita *Enclosure #63 housing 2 adult tigers: Amber and Thurston *Enclosure #62 housing 1 adult liger: Fergy *Enclosure #60 housing 2 adult lions: Savanna and Pharaoh *Enclosure #54 housing 3 adult tigers: Raja, Varekai, and Kanji *Enclosure #59 housing 5 adult tigers: Shival, Mugale, Bana Bibi, Rani, Sultan *Enclosure #13 housing 2 juvenile tigers: Roman and Donner *Enclosure #12 housing 2 adult tigers: Seth and Gabrielle *Enclosure #11 housing 2 adult tigers: Charlie and Chainsaw *Enclosure #10 housing 2 adult tigers: Cleatus and Charlie *Enclosure #55 housing 1 adult tiger: Shir Khan *Enclosure #56 housing 2 adult tigers: Charaka and Priya *Enclosure #57 housing 2 juvenile tigers: Bentley and Achilles *Enclosure #58 housing 1 adult tiger: Stripes *Enclosure (not numbered) housing 2 black bears, Holly and Lolli, and 1 brown bear, Huggy Four tigers were noted to have abnormal conditions affecting their eyes. Numerous animals were observed laying in the restricted shadow of shade available to them in their enclosures (approximately 8 feet by 10 feet) during the inspection. Inadequate protection from direct sunlight has the potential to cause eye damage and may affect an animal's ability to thermoregulate without the ability to access shade. In addition, inadequate shade may restrict the animals from utilizing the full enclosure space. The licensee was asked by AC personnel if there was a plan for correcting the lack of shade for all of these animals. He stated that he had no plan and that the "new owner" would have to fix it. Shelter from sunlight is required when overheating or discomfort of the animals is likely.

There were fence panels stacked against the fence on the inside of the perimeter fence on the south side near Enclosure #43 for 3 tigers, Lazarus, Diablo, and Twinkle. These panels were stacked in a manner that would allow animals to easily climb over the perimeter fence should an animal escape from its primary enclosure. These materials may also cause damage to the perimeter fence which could reduce its effectiveness to keep unwanted persons and animals from entering the facility or to act as a secondary containment should animals escape from their primary enclosures. The perimeter fence must be maintained so that it can function as a secondary containment system for the animals in the facility and to prevent the entrance of unwanted persons or animals.

The water receptacle in the enclosure #36 for two black bears, Cody and Pebbles, was empty and the only water available in their enclosure was in a horse trough provided for the bears' enrichment and for cooling themselves. This water was brown in color and had food, hair, and other debris floating in the water. This water is not potable and poses a risk to the animals' health if consumed due to bacterial contamination. One of the bears was noted to sit by the drinking water receptacle as if waiting for it to be filled. After an employee was called over to fill this receptacle, this bear was noted to immediately drink repeatedly for a total of approximately 1 minute. At least 12 water receptacles provided for animals to soak and cool themselves contained brown to black water with noticeable hair, fecal matter, leaves, and other debris (Enclosures #12, 22, 23, 25, 26, 27, 32, 33, 36, 56, 58, and 64). These receptacles are not being kept clean and sanitary and pose a risk to the animals' health should they choose to bathe or drink this water due to bacterial contamination. Animals not provided with adequate potable drinking water are at risk for dehydration and overheating. If other types of water receptacles are provided to animals, these and all drinking water receptacles shall be kept clean and sanitary in order to minimize contamination by bacteria, algae, and other potentially toxic or infectious materials. If potable water is not accessible to the animals at all times, it must be provided as often as necessary for the health and comfort of the animal and all water receptacles shall be kept clean and sanitary. Potable water was provided to the two black bears, Cody and Pebbles, during the inspection upon the request of the AC inspector. All water receptacles shall be kept clean and sanitary as of 9/11/2015.

Rodent feces had accumulated in the indoor portion of the enclosure #52 housing a binturong, Chip. Feces had accumulated on the floor in the entry way, along the walls of the enclosure, and in front of the wall heater, along with a pile of pink insulation material. A dead rodent was in the enclosure with the binturong. The licensee did state he places rodent bait outside of the enclosure but there does not appear to be adequate control of rodent pests in this enclosure. An accumulation of rodent feces was found in the veterinary hospital on the floor and surfaces around the 2 enclosures housing 2 juvenile tiger cubs and 1 golden tabby liger cub. Excessive flies were found in the area used for food preparation and all around the improperly stored meat in this room. Excessive flies were noted throughout the outdoor facility particularly around the bear enclosures (#8 Rachey, Xena and Koda, #36 Cody and Pebbles, and unnumbered enclosure Huggy, Lolli, and Holly) and around the west side enclosures (#46 tigers Kasper and Kodiak, #47 tigers Elijah and Jezebel, # 48 lions Mona and Daniel, and #50 cougar Boo). The flies were numerous enough that the buzzing was audible while observing the animals and one of the AC inspectors was bit by flies several times. The flies congregated on and around the food in the bear enclosures. There were several containers hanging on the perimeter fence or near the food preparation building that the licensee stated are used for fly bait but all were empty except for dead flies and debris. Rodents, flies and other pests may carry and transmit diseases to the animals and a more effective method of monitoring and preventing their presence in/around primary enclosures and around food storage/preparation should be implemented. The licensee shall establish and maintain a safe and an effective pest control program which should include reduction of flies, particularly around food and food preparation areas, cleaning of enclosures to remove excreta and rodent feces and dead rodents, and keeping all water receptacles clean and sanitary.