citation_inspection

There are two remaining enclosures at the facility that are still non-compliant with fencing being less than 12 ft high with no kick-ins or other means to ensure adequate containment. There are 3 tigers (Male#2 and Male#3) born 9/24/15 and a female (Ellie Mae) born 5/5/15 in one enclosure, next to the second enclosure containing Tacova a Male tiger also born in 2015. The licensee must provide an enclosure for big cats that has walls at least 16 ft high if there are no kick-ins or at least 12 ft high with 3 ft angled ft kick-ins' or other arrangement that is found acceptable according to the AWA standards and regulations that will provide proper containment of these animals. There is a section of fencing in the Hyena enclosure that is directly to the right of the metal panel used to cover a prior hole in the fence. There is a hole approximately 1 ft in diameter with several wires poking into the enclosure 4-5 inches in length. There is a hole under the fence that has been partially blocked with a wooden fence tie on the outside to prevent the hyenas' from escaping through the hole. Holes under the fencing and through it can be a possible escape route or provide an area for other animals to gain entry into the enclosure. The wires poking into the enclosure can be a possible source of injury to the Hyenas if they continue to chew and pull at the fencing. While there have been multiple repairs to the holes in the fence using the metal covers, the hyenas seem to be opening up additional holes right next to the end of the repaired section. The wooden tie is not secured or strong enough in its current state to be an acceptable solution to the hole under the fence. The licensee must provide repairs to the holes in the fencing around the hyena enclosure. All holes must be permanently repaired in a manner that prevents the animals from escaping or other animals from gaining entrance into the enclosure. The current wooden tie lying on the outside of the hole is not sufficient or properly secured to prevent escape for a determined hyena or other animal. The inspection and exit interview was conducted with the facility representative and Dr. Kurt Hammel, VMO, acting SACS. The licensee was advised that the report would be sent via certified and regular mail. Additional Inspectors Ranslem Corbin, Animal Care Inspector Hammel Kurt, Veterinary Medical Officer