A part of the Zoo that very few guests get to see is inside the animal hospital. One would correctly assume that a few of the hospitalized animals are sick or injured, but the majority of animals who pass through the hospital are there for another important reason – quarantine. Animals that are in quarantine are in a new, unfamiliar space, and they may need peace and quiet during their stay.
Every new animal that comes to the Zoo has the potential to bring new diseases and parasites that could infect the animals who already live here or the humans who care for them. To prevent contamination, there is a process that begins before the animal ever leaves their original home. As the institution receiving the animal, we ask for a variety of tests, including bloodwork, current x-rays, vaccination records and more. Only after the veterinarians give the all-clear can that animal move to their new habitat.
Upon arrival, the first thing we do is weigh the animal. This gives a good baseline to allow us to monitor how well the animal is adjusting to quarantine. Being in a new place can be trying, especially for animals who are highly social and may be used to being in larger groups. For instance, our newest gorilla, a young Western Lowland Gorilla male from the Knoxville Zoo, arrived by himself; so George, our young male gorilla similar in age, was brought over to stay and keep him company. However, this wasn’t a risk-free choice, so George also had to go through quarantine to ensure his safety.
After the animal enters quarantine, it will remain so for a minimum of 30 days, during which we will collect three separate fecal samples a week apart and run a parasitology test. We also require lab tests to detect specific bacteria that can cause serious sickness, like Salmonella and E. coli. Even though George was born at Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens and has always lived here, because he was now in the same ward as the new gorilla, we had to collect three negative fecal samples from both gorillas.
Finally, after the minimum 30 days, three negative fecal results and a final physical exam performed by the veterinarian, the animal clears quarantine at the hospital and is allowed to move to its new home. As the animal settles into its surroundings, we can be sure that the animal is healthy as can be, which sets them up for success.
Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens welcomed the addition of Bashir, a 13-year-old, male critically endangered Malayan Tiger, in early April 2022. Bashir underwent quarantine before getting him acclimated to his new environment. The steps of introducing Malayan Tigers to each other is strategically planned and coordinated. Malayan Tigers are listed as crittically endangered according to the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service and the IUCN red list status. There are estimated to be less than 150 Malayan Tigers left in the wild.
Kipenzie, a southern white rhino who came to Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens in April 2021, was quarantined until her introdcution to the habitat with 26-year old Gabby and Archie (who is the second oldest living southern white rhino in captivity). White rhinos are listed as near threatened due to poaching by humans for their horns.
Both Bashir and Kipenzi came to Jacksonville based on breeding recommendation from the Association of Zoos & Aquariums (AZA) Species Survival Plan (SSP) for Malayan Tigers and Southern White Rhinos.
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