Cat Section

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This team is responsible for the daily care of large and small cat species. It is a great undertaking to tend to the diverse needs of these complex predators. In order to meet the tough requirements of the section, the staff must start their day at 8.00am and often work well into the evening. Zoo environments are, by their very nature, free from the concept of a 'typical' day. Each day there are a number of routine jobs which must be fulfilled for the section to function smoothly but the working day is always unpredictable with unexpected events and new challenges constantly arising. Although many of the daily tasks involve working directly with the animals, there is a great deal of mundane, behind-the-scenes business which must be attended to. Currently, there are 18 tigers, 3 lions, 2 jaguars, 1 leopard and 5 small cats within the cat collection.

First thing every morning these animals must have their outdoor accommodation cleaned and inspected for essential maintenance. The cats can then be allowed out from their overnight quarters into the enclosure which has been prepared for their use during the day (several of the tigers enjoy the experience of occupying different environments via a system where they swap enclosures). It is imperative that each individual is given a health check as early in the day as possible. The staff are trained to evaluate the health of each species but they must also utilize the intimate understanding they have of individuals to enable them to pick up on the most subtle of problems. Visits from the zoo's vet occur on scheduled mornings (any veterinary procedures, involving sedation and anaesthetization, are commonly carried out in the mornings). Morning oral medications are also distributed at this time is necessary.

After the cats are settled in their enclosures the team grab a quick cup of tea. What follows is a day packed with work. Besides caring for the zoo's 29 cats, the team also operate as educators within the education department and are responsible for formally sharing their expertise with visitors throughout the course of the day.

The first practical job though, after tea break, is to get to work cleansing the cat's night dens. This is a labour-intensive effort, which entails taking away animal carcass remains from the previous evening's feed, removing any soiled substrate and washing down the den. After room service is complete it is time for a well earnt break for lunch before returning to an afternoon of planned activities. It is during this period, before late afternoon/evening routines commence, when project work and food preparation take place. The team will have discussed in advance where and how they will concentrate their time. It may be that certain general maintenance and up-keep of facilities and enclosures needs to be attended to, along with grounds work.

Environmental enrichment is a core aspect of wild animal husbandry and is typically focused on throughout the course of the afternoon. This may necessitate some time spent in the office appraising and developing the zoo's enrichment programme. One of the most rewarding aspects of the day comes when the team get to lift the programme from paper and put it into practice. However, they cannot afford themselves the luxury of putting their feet up while they observe the cats explore their natural behaviours and have some fun, as they then have the serious task of collecting data based on what they are seeing. Later, this must be funnelled back into the programme for in order for it to work effectively.

Another key part of the after lunch activities is the collection and preparation of food for many large and small carnivorous mouths. This side of caring for wild cats would not be for everyone, especially on a full stomach, but the cat section team view collecting dead farm animals and butchering carcasses as a very necessary part of their work. The cats benefit, indisputably, from a varied, fresh diet, (inclusive of bones, hide, and selected organs), which provides them with all the nutrition they need naturally while also giving them as 'real' a feeding experience as possible.

Towards the end of the afternoon the inside accommodation is prepared. Fresh wood shavings or hay is added to the dens to ensure all the cats have a comfortable and cosy night. Leaving enough time before dusk, the team begin their routine of dishing out meals, (and evening medications where appropriate), to the cats, catering, of course, for individual tastes and preferences. Just prior to putting the cats away for the night, they are given a final health check for the day.

Once inside their dens, they then are shut in until the next morning. As the light fades, there is often still work to be done and the staff head back to the office to write up the day's maintenance and security records and fill out animal health charts, diaries and report forms. Only then can the team leave for home, often departing with the booming territorial calls of the big cats echoing into the distance.