ANNUAL REPORT 2006 - Denver Zoo

LARGE MAMMAL DIVISIONDale LeedsCurator of Large MammalsIn the large mammal division and at thezoo in general, every year brings moreexciting challenges. The focus of themammal division in recent years has beendeveloping new exhibits like Predator Ridgeand improvements to existing exhibits, suchas working with the horticulture divisionto renovate hoofstock yards. With manyof these challenges met and with AsianTropics still in the future we shifted someof our focus to program improvementsthis year.One program area that saw improvementis our ability to deal with neonatal infants.We rely heavily on our veterinary staffwhen we have critical cases and theydo a phenomenal job. However, we alsooccasionally experience young that needsupport but can stay with their mothersand sometimes fathers and siblings. Twoexamples in 2006 involved a lion cub anda Mishmi takin. Because of our trainingprogram, we can weigh infant lions daily.When the zookeepers identified that oneyoung lion appeared fine but was notgaining weight appropriately we decidedto intervene. The keepers, in conjunctionwith veterinary and animal managementstaff, developed a program to supplementthe infant with bottles and ultimatelysolid foods. The baby rebounded and isdoing very well. She never left her normalsurroundings or pride social structure. Thesecond case started with the birth of a takincalf on the coldest day of the year. The calfwas found in distress by zookeeper GabeKibe who was able to separate the calf fromher mother. Dr. Dave Kenny was able tostabilize the calf at the hospital while theAbove | A domestic yak calf with mother16Left | Mishmi takin calf Binggao was born to mother Tien-Tien in subzeroweather. After a short time at the zoo hospital, mother and calf were reunited.