Nutritious Animal Diets
Our sanctuary is home to a variety of species, each with its own unique dietary needs. Here’s a glimpse into the types of food we prepare:
Carnivores: Animals like our tigers and bobcats enjoy a meat-rich diet.
Feast Components & Routine
- Prime Proteins: Our felines feast on top-notch red meat, including equine (horsemeat) and beef, as well as premium-grade chicken and turkey.
- Chicken Necks: These aren’t just meals but also dental care tools! As natural toothbrushes, chicken necks help maintain oral hygiene, ensuring no tartar buildup. They’re packed with calcium-rich protein, and their vertebrae are safe for consumption, causing no internal harm.
Serving Proportions & Adjustments
On average, every big cat is served meat at roughly 2-4% of its body weight. However, this is more than a one-size-fits-all approach. Factors like species, weight, age, activity level, hormonal fluctuations, and other unique requirements play pivotal roles. Our team closely monitors everything from scat patterns to health indicators to ensure the diet stays effective and appropriate.
- Vital Additions: We sprinkle essential supplements on the main course. This includes bone meal for calcium and phosphorous balance, multivitamins, and probiotics to ensure robust health. A dose of glucosamine coupled with chondroitin is provided for those with joint concerns.
- Natural Fasting Instinct: Taking natural cues, larger feline species like tigers and pumas undergo a weekly fasting day, especially in warmer climates. Depending on various factors, this might even extend into winter. Contrary to popular belief, these majestic creatures don’t feast daily in their natural habitats. Their digestive system functions optimally with periodic empties.
Omnivores: Our raccoons, foxes, and bears have varied diets.
This include fruits, vegetables, eggs, species-specific kibble, and prime proteins like those we feed the carnivores.
Preparation Process
Every meal is carefully prepared with the animals’ health and nutritional needs in mind:
- Species-Specific Diets: We tailor each meal to meet the specific dietary requirements of different species. For example, tigers need a high-protein diet with essential nutrients found in meat, while raccoons benefit from a balanced mix of proteins, fruits, and vegetables.
- Age-Related Needs: Young animals require more protein and calcium for growth, while older animals may need softer foods or supplements to support their health.
- Fresh and Safe Ingredients: All food is sourced fresh and inspected for quality to ensure safety and nutrition.
Feeding Safety
Feeding time is conducted with utmost care to ensure the safety of both the animals and our staff:
- Protected Contact: We use barriers and feeding tools to maintain a safe distance while delivering food, especially for large and potentially dangerous animals like tigers and bears.
- Routine and Calm Environment: Animals are fed calmly and predictably to reduce stress and ensure they feel secure during mealtime.
Food Pan Retrieval and Dishwashing
After the animals have enjoyed their meals, we follow a thorough process to maintain hygiene and safety:
- Retrieval: Food pans are retrieved using tools to ensure staff safety. This process is done carefully to avoid disturbing the animals.
- Dishwashing: All dishes and feeding tools are thoroughly washed and disinfected to prevent the spread of bacteria and ensure the animals always eat from clean containers.
Recordkeeping
Accurate records are crucial for monitoring the health and well-being of our animals:
- Dietary Logs: We keep detailed logs of what each animal eats, how much they eat, and any changes in their diet. This helps us track their nutritional intake and adjust as needed.
- Health Monitoring: Recording feeding habits and food-related issues can quickly identify and address potential health concerns.
Benefits for the Animals
Proper feeding practices are essential for the health and happiness of our animals:
- Nutrition: Ensuring each animal receives a balanced diet tailored to their needs supports their overall health and longevity.
- Enrichment: Feeding time is an opportunity for mental and physical stimulation. For example, with the bears, hiding food in various locations encourages natural foraging behaviors.
- Health Monitoring: Regular feeding routines and careful recordkeeping help us monitor the animals’ health and detect any issues early.
We invite you to join us during this important part of our day. Feeding our animals is not just about providing food—it’s about ensuring they live enriched, healthy lives.
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