16 Jul Doc Talk – Teaching an Old Cat New Tricks
If you’ve been to the zoo recently, you may have seen things are in full swing and that also includes the animal’s undergoing annual checkups. Since animal’s can’t talk, zoo veterinarians struggle to identify sources of illness in their charge before things get bad, and many basic screens require risky and difficult anesthetization. With the help of teamwork and some dedication, the Roosevelt Park Zoo has found a way to get its animals to comply with basic screenings- by training them to participate in their annual checkups and many routine tests.
Like many elderly house cats, Kiota, an 18-year-old African Lion, has been being treated for chronic kidney disease. In addition to supplements to help his kidneys function efficiently, he requires routine blood work every 4-6 months. For most zoos performing blood tests on their big cats is such an operation, they don’t, unless absolutely necessary. Giving a lion a general anesthetic is a risk to its health and requires a large team of keepers and vets, but few people are game to draw blood from an awake lion.
However, with the help of the zoo’s training program and senior/ carnivore-panda keeper Chelsea, the zoo has found it quite easy to train all three species (lions, leopards and tigers) to slip their tails through a gap in their enclosure for a reward, so that Dr. Logan can access a vein in the tail. This allows the vet to draw blood in complete safety. “Kiota and I have built a trusting and respectful relationship. This relationship allows us to be able to train these important medical behaviors to increase his welfare and wellbeing.” Says, Chelsea Mihalick Senior Carnivore/Panda Keeper.
“None of them show any signs they even feel the needle going in,” says Dr. Logan. “We assume there is some pain associated, but the reward apparently outweighs it.”
Lions, once again like house cats, typically live into their late teens or early twenties with a little bit of luck, proper medical care, and diet. Kiota, continues to do well and actively participates in training sessions to assist in his own continued medical care. “Not only do animals always have the choice not to participate, but the interactions with the keepers provide stimulation, exercise, and improves mental health,” said Dr. Logan.
You can find Kiota out on exhibit or enjoying the day room at the Severson-Ahart African Savanna.