What's a Polar Bear Doing in the Tropics? - Animal Concerns ...
What's a Polar Bear Doing in the Tropics? - Animal Concerns ...
What's a Polar Bear Doing in the Tropics? - Animal Concerns ...
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APPENDIX II: GUIDELINES FOR ENCLOSURE DESIGNWSPA• <strong>Polar</strong> bears require two separate, large and overgrown outdoorenclosures for segregation purposes.• For non-breed<strong>in</strong>g animals <strong>the</strong> absolute m<strong>in</strong>imum number of enclosuresis two of equal size.• The enclosure has to accommodate for a full behavioural repertoire,and it has to accommodate for species needs as well as specific<strong>in</strong>dividual needs. It shall provide <strong>the</strong> animals with a choice ofenvironment and socialis<strong>in</strong>g, and it shall give <strong>the</strong> animal a sense ofbe<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> control. It shall be a large natural enclosure with concreteserv<strong>in</strong>g only as security and safety for animals and public. Thepermanent features of an outdoor enclosure shall provide key facilitiesfor swimm<strong>in</strong>g, seclusion, nest<strong>in</strong>g facilities as well as denn<strong>in</strong>g facilities.Indoor facilities shall be as well equipped as outdoor enclosures andshall be comfortable.• <strong>Bear</strong>s shall not be kept <strong>in</strong> traditional pits or concrete enclosures.• Concrete shall be restricted to security fences, support<strong>in</strong>g steepslopes or as <strong>the</strong> base of steps or step slopes.• All species must have a den or nest box appropriate for <strong>the</strong> species.Indoor facilities shall be as <strong>in</strong>terest<strong>in</strong>g and hospitable as outdoorquarters and <strong>the</strong>y shall have skylights and w<strong>in</strong>dows to allow for entryof natural light.• Temperature, ventilation and light<strong>in</strong>g shall at all times be suitable for<strong>the</strong> animal’s comfort and well-be<strong>in</strong>g.• Dens that are bare, damp and with a concrete floor are notacceptable.• There shall be at least two entrances to <strong>in</strong>door facilities, with freeaccess from <strong>the</strong> outdoor enclosure.• Indoor facilities shall provide rest<strong>in</strong>g platforms (not more than 1mabove <strong>the</strong> ground for ground dwell<strong>in</strong>g species, for older <strong>in</strong>dividuals notmore than 10-20cm above ground, for <strong>in</strong>dividuals that are not able toclimb nest<strong>in</strong>g materials must be provided on <strong>the</strong> ground).• For non-breed<strong>in</strong>g bears <strong>the</strong>re shall be a m<strong>in</strong>imum of (n + 1) <strong>in</strong>terl<strong>in</strong>ked<strong>in</strong>door cages.• Structures and furniture shall be well placed to allow animals to movefreely.• In polar bear enclosures <strong>the</strong> water to land ratio shall not exceed 1:3and water must be cooled.TAG• Enclosures of concrete are not suitable bear enclosures.What’s a polar bear do<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> tropics?91www.acres.org.sg