Summary of So, You Want to Move a Tiger—Sure, No Problem!:
Moving a tiger (or any animal) from one zoo to another is a complex and time-consuming process. It involves multiple staff members from both the sending and receiving institution, extensive discussions and coordination, and various medical examinations and training for the tiger. The goal is to ensure the welfare and well-being of the animal throughout the entire process. The whole process can involve up to 24-30 staff members to guarantee the safety and comfort of the tiger during transportation.
Summary:
1. Moving a tiger from one zoo to another is a complex and time-consuming process that involves multiple staff members and careful planning.
2. The process begins with discussions among the animal care management team and the receiving institution.
3. The crucial step is the Pre-Ship Exam, which includes health checks and dental work.
4. Crate training is done to ensure that the tiger is comfortable in the crate for transport.
5. During transport, the animal is monitored by a vet technician and constant communication is maintained between the sending and receiving institutions.
So, You Want to Move a Tiger—Sure, No Problem!
Moving a tiger from one zoo to another may seem like a straightforward task. Still, in reality, it is a complex and time-consuming process that involves a lot of coordination, planning, and patience. In this article, we will take you behind the scenes and provide a glimpse into the unique and fascinating aspects of moving these magnificent creatures.
The process starts when a recommendation comes from the Taxon Advisory Group (TAG) to move an Amur tiger to a new facility. This recommendation initiates careful and lengthy discussions among the animal care management team, which consists of the Zoo Director, Animal Curator, Senior Animal Care, and Veterinarian. These discussions help determine whether the move is feasible and in the best interest of the animal.
Once the internal discussions are concluded, the Curator reaches out to the receiving institution to discuss the recommendations and whether they can accommodate the animal. This involves engaging the Curator and the Veterinarian of the receiving institution and adding another 3-to 4 staff members to the process.
If the receiving institution confirms its willingness to receive the tiger, the work begins. Coordination between the two institutions becomes crucial at this stage. The Registrar and Vet Technician from the sending institution coordinate the sharing of important records such as husbandry files, diet information, enrichment programs, and medical records. This exchange of information ensures that the receiving institution has all the necessary details about the animal’s life history and can prepare to provide the same level of care.
Once the receiving institution reviews the shared information, their Curator and Veterinarian assess the history of the tiger and either approve or request additional information. This step involves another 2 staff members and ensures that both parties are on the same page regarding the tiger’s health and well-being.
To ensure the tiger’s fitness for travel, a Pre-Ship Exam is conducted. This comprehensive examination includes blood work to assess overall health, radiographs, and a dental workup. It is important to understand that these exams are not as simple as taking a pet to the vet. The process requires the cooperation of the tiger, which can be achieved through patience and conditioning. The direct animal care staff works closely with the cat, hand-injecting vaccines, conducting voluntary blood draws, and administering sedation if necessary. Depending on the tiger’s disposition, this stage can involve up to 14 people.
Once the medical exams are completed, and the results are sent to the receiving institution for approval, the staff focuses on crate training. This training is vital to ensure that the tiger voluntarily enters and remains comfortable in the crate during transport. The process can take days or even weeks, depending on the individual animal’s temperament and level of comfort. Crate training is conducted multiple times throughout the day, allowing the tiger to explore and sleep in the crate. Meanwhile, the Curator schedules the transport, in this case, ground transport.
When a date is set for the actual move, the Transporter and Curator collaborate to plan the route and establish points of contact with other zoos along the way. This precautionary measure ensures that in case of any unforeseen circumstances like flat tires, mechanical breakdowns, or health issues, there is someone available to provide support and assistance. The Transporter arrives with a team of 2, including a Vet Technician. The Vet Technician’s primary responsibility is to monitor the tiger’s well-being during transport, ensure appropriate air temperature within the crate, and administer treats and water to keep the tiger comfortable.
Once the tiger willingly walks into the crate and the door is securely closed, an additional 6-8 staff members are required to carefully lift the crate and load it into the vehicle. At this point, the Curator contacts the receiving institution to notify them of the tiger’s departure. The Transporter maintains constant communication with both the sending and receiving institutions throughout the trip. On the sending institution’s end, anxiously monitoring the phone for updates can lead to sleepless nights. Once the tiger finally arrives at its new home, the sending institution is notified, and they are informed when the tiger is safely out of the crate and settling into its new environment. Several staff members from both institutions are present to aid in unloading.
In total, the entire process of moving a tiger involves a staggering 24-30 staff members, including animal care professionals, veterinarians, transporters, and administrative staff. Each of them plays a crucial role in ensuring the cat’s welfare and safety throughout the journey. Such a collaborative effort is necessary to guarantee a seamless transition for the animals and uphold the high standards of care that zoos strive to provide.
Next time you visit a zoo and see these magnificent creatures, take a moment to appreciate the behind-the-scenes work that goes into their transportation and care. Moving a tiger may not be as simple as it seems, but it is a testament to the dedication and commitment of the professionals involved.
