| MANITOBA'S BIG CAT |
| Recently, one of the Zoo's popular big cats, Ayla the female Cougar, had to be put down due to health complications of old age. Her long-time mate Max would be lonely without a companion, so the Curator is contacting sources to acquire a friend for Max. Eventually arriving by air or truck transport, the Cougar will be examined by our Veterinarian, and following a month-long quarantine, the formal introduction of the big cats will begin. Introductions and compatibility are extremely important for the Zoo's animal collection. Put two aggressive animals of the same species (such as Muskox or Tigers) together without special precautions and one or both animals will be injured for certain, and possibly killed. The staff is experienced in these procedures and in determining how long this process takes; it depends on how the animals are acting toward each other. Attempt at nose to nose, and later eventual full contact, are usually made when the females are in heat, which greatly improves the chances of the animals tolerating or even liking each other. Tigers may take six months, while our pair of Takin has been only nose-to-nose for more than a year, giving the smaller female a chance to gain full size and speed. On your next visit to the Zoo, observe how individuals of various species are interacting within the herd or a pair. Just as humans, there are dominance hierarchies, alliances, shunning and sometimes aggression. These insights make a Zoo visit extra special. |
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