Special issue of Animal Keeper's Forum 32 (7/8), 2005

 

Anonymous, 2005.
Report from Japan States Amyloidosis killing off cheetahs in zoos. Animal Keeper's Forum 32 (7/8), 328.

A research team at Azabu University in Fuchinobe, Japan has issued a report stating cheetahs being raised in troops in Japanese zoos are dying of amyloidosis, a protein abnormality that may be in part stress-related. Amyloidosis is a condition characterized by abnormal protein deposits accumulating in internal organs.

Anonymous_2005_Amyloidosis_killing_off_cheetahs_in_Japanese_zoos.pdf

 

Augustus, P. and Casavant, K., 2005.
A summary of the cheetah program at the San Diego Zoo's Wild Animal Park. Animal Keeper's Forum 32 (7/8), 370.

The San Diego Zoo's Wild Animal Park was opened in May of 1972. Since that time, over 125 cheetah cubs have been born at this facility. Our cheetah population is housed in an off-exhibit area adjacent to the main park at the Behavioral Biology Research Station.

Augustus_&_Casavant_2005_Cheetah_program_at_San_Diego_zoo.pdf

 

 

Beckhelling, A., 2005.
Educating the African Nations. Animal Keeper's Forum 32 (7/8), 354-357.
Farmers, friend or foe, have the most direct impact on current cheetah survival rates outside of protected areas. Each project contributing to this article actively engages farming communities and shares information aimed at reducing farmer-predator conflict. Programs include education about livestock and wildlife management techniques, the importance of bio-diversity and a predator's place in a healthy ecosystem, as well as relocating problem animals. These facilities also commented that farming communities express a recognition of predator conservation, but are reluctant to endure stock loss. Sharing innovative management techniques such as the Cheetah Conservation Fund's (CCF) Anatolian Shepherd livestock guard dog program has a positive impact on farming communi t ies and improves the cheetah's chances.

Beckhelling_2005_Educating_the_African_nations.pdf

 

 

Bell, K., 2005.
Morbidity and Mortality in hand reared cheetah cubs. Animal Keeper's Forum 32 (7/8), 306-314.

This paper does not purport to serve as a husbandry protocol (of which there are numerous), but instead examines the major problems reported during the hand rearing of cheetah cubs. Review is made of the reported causes of morbidity and mortality among cheetah cubs, including congenital defects, nutritional deficiencies, gastrointestinal disturbances, immunological dysfunction, hypothermia and infectious pathogens. In association with recommended prophylactic schedules (i.e. vaccination and parasite control), appropriate sanitation, nutrition, careful monitoring of cub health and growth rate is likely to significantly improve cub survivorship.

Bell_2005_Mortality_in_hand_reared_cheetah_cubs.pdf

 

 

Carlisle, G., 2005.
A brief summary of the incidence of renal amyloidosis in captive-bred cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus) at the Cango Wildlife Ranch in Oudtshoorn, South Africa. Animal Keeper's Forum 32 (7/8), 325-327.
In the time period from December 1987 to February 2005 the Cango Wildlife Ranch in Oudtshoorn, South Africa have lost 67 Cheetah, 28 (41%)of these have been related to or as a direct result of renal amyloidosis. Renal amyloidosis is a poorly understood phenomenon of the deposition of an insoluble proteinaceous substance which infiltrates the medulla (the area between the inner pelvis and outer cortex) of the kidney, becomes waxy and renders the tissue non-functional and the organ begins to fail. Renal amyloidosis is a common problem found in most captive-bred cheetah populations all over the world, it appears that in the time period (1990-1995) the disease increased in prevalence in the USA and Southern Africa from 20% to 70% where cheetah either died or were euthanased due to acute or chronic renal failure as a result of renal amyloidosis.

Carlisle_2005_Renal_amyloidosis_in_captive-bred_cheetahs.pdf

 

 

Conradie, C., 2005.
Rehabilitation and conservation research project. Animal Keeper's Forum 32 (7/8), 321-323.
AfriCat's aim is to release as many cheetahs and leopards back into the wild as possible. In situations where this cannot happen we endeavor, by means of our Cheetah Rehabilitatio.  Program, to return these animals to an environment that closely resembles the one from which they were initially removed and where they have a second opportunity to live as nature intended. The AfriCat Cheetah Rehabilitation Program started in November 2000. The philosophy behind this program is to give orphan cheetahs with no previous hunting experience, an opportunity to act on their inherent instincts and perfect their hunting skills, with the potential of relocating them to private game reserves.

Conradie_2005_Cheetah_rehabilitation_and_conservation_research_project.pdf

 

 

Crawshaw, G., 2005.
Herpesvirus infection in cheetahs. Animal Keeper's Forum 32 (7/8), 290.
Feline herpesvirus 1 (FHV1) is a very common cause of upper respiratory disease in domestic cats, causing sneezing and discharges from the eyes and nose. In most cases, cats recover spontaneously and completely, although some will develop persistent infection. The virus may also affect the eyes causing opacity and ulceration of the cornea and conjunctiva. More rarely lesions may be seen on the skin. Wild felines are also susceptible to infection and in these the disease may be severe and even fatal. Upper respiratory infection consistent with FHV-1 has been seen in cheetahs in North America but several collections have also experienced a persistent form of the disease affecting the eyes, eyelids and skin.

Crawshaw_2005_Herpesvirus_infection_in_cheetahs.pdf

 

 

Dorfman, L., 2005.
Bonding with mother-reared cheetahs. Animal Keeper's Forum 32 (7/8), 384-385.
We received two cheetah cubs (Acinonyx jubatus), a male and female, when they were weaned from their mother at four months of age. They had very limited contact with humans prior to their being weaned. Since we are a sanctuary and our mission is to give our resident cats the best possible quality of life in captivity, we embarked on a program to acclimate these cubs to human contact in order to alleviate the stress that would otherwise be caused by human proximity in the course of their care.

Dorfman_2005_Bonding_with_mother_reared_cheetahs.pdf

 

 

Frank, J. and Saffoe, C., 2005.
Breeding management strategy for cheetahs (Acinonyx jubatus) at the Smithsonian's National Zoological Park. Animal Keeper's Forum 32 (7/8), 393-397.
It is no shocking revelation to any animal keeper that cheetahs (Acinonyx jubatus) are very difficult to breed in captivity. Many cat species reproduce poorly in zoos, but cheetahs seem to have more challenges, ranging from poor genetic variability and gamete malformation to behavior nuances that complicate husbandry practices. At the Smithsonian's National Zoological Park (SNZP) we have been trying hard to overcome these obstacles and breed cheetahs. Although we cannot control their genetic situation we can manipulate our management to increase the potential for creating optimum breeding conditions.

Frank_&_Saffoe_2005_Breeding_management_strategy_at_Smithonian.pdf

 

 

Friedmann, Y., 2005.
The Global Cheetah Forum. Animal Keeper's Forum 32 (7/8), 366-367.
The Global Cheetah Forum (GCF) is a neutral, global forum which aims to support and facilitate the efforts of cheetah conservationists worldwide, through communication, collaboration and integration. Its goals are to facilitate open dialogue between the role players and stakeholders in cheetah conservation, to assist in problem solving, encourage and support sound scientific research on cheetah, provide a link between ex situ and in situ cheetah conservation programmes and promote the interests of cheetah conservation globally.

Friedmann_2005_The_Global_Cheetah_Forum.pdf

 

 

Grams, K., 2005.
An African opportunity with Cheetah Conservation Fund Namibia and Kenya. Animal Keeper's Forum 32 (7/8), 398-404.
During a five months stay in Namibia, we helped with the completion of CCF's education centre consisting of the History of the Cheetah, Biology of the Cheetah, Ecology of Namibia's Cheetah Habitat; and the Future of the Cheetah.

Grams_2005_CCF_Namibia_and_Kenya.pdf

 

 

Grant, K., 2005.
Hand-rearing cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus) cubs: milk additives. Animal Keeper's Forum 32 (7/8), 316-318.

The maternal milk composition of many wild animals is considerably lower in carbohydrates (lactose) than that found in the domestic counterparts. Milk powders manufactured for domestic animals are generally used as the base ingredient of milk formulas used in zoos and wildlife rehabilitation centers. Many times the milk formula provided contains a higher level of lactose than is found in the maternal milk. Mammals that do not have the lactose enzyme, lactase, have difficulty breaking down the milk sugar for digestion. The undigested particles ferment in the small intestine and allow for the proliferation of potentially pathogenic bacteria. The result is diarrhea and, in severe cases, enteritis.

Grant_2005_Hand-rearing_cheetah_cubs_milk_additive.pdf

 

 

Grant, K., 2005.
Hand-rearing cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus) cubs: milk formulas. Animal Keeper's Forum 32 (7/8), 294-302.

Artificial milk formulas manufactured for domestic kittens have traditionally been used as the handrearing milk formula for captive wild felids. This paper will compare the differences between the composition of cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus) maternal milk and that of the domestic cat. The differences are significant, especially regarding the carbohydrate (lactose) content. As a result, using a milk formula designed for domestic kittens does not closely match the composition of cheetah milk. However, modifications to kitten milk formulas may provide a more nutritionally balanced diet for cheetah cubs and contribute to increased growth rates and decreased incidence of digestive disorders.

Grant_2005_Hand-rearing_cheetah_cubs_milk_formula.pdf

 

 

Grant, K., 2005.
Hand-rearing cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus) cubs: weaning diet. Animal Keeper's Forum 32 (7/8), 349-353.
There are many different viewpoints regarding when and how to initiate the weaning process in exotic felids. The Felid TAG recommends adding chicken or turkey baby food to the milk formula at four weeks of age with small felids. Various zoo facilities recommend weaning when the cubs show interest in solid food. Gittleman and Oftedal (1987) indicated cheetahs first consumed solid food at 33 days of age and weighed 1.94 kg (4.27 lbs.) As the cubs begin consuming solid foods in a measurable amount, the volume of formula can be reduced proportionately. Many times cubs will take the bottle at some feedings but refuse it at others. Eliminating specific feedings rather than reducing the volume at each feeding allow the cubs to get hungry enough to explore other food options available, such as a bowl of meat.

Grant_2005_Hand-rearing_cheetah_cubs_weaning_diet.pdf

 

 

Jochum-Natt, S., 2005.
Coursing Cheetahs. Animal Keeper's Forum 32 (7/8), 304-305.
We researched what type of lure coursing equipment would work in our exhibit. We spoke to several zoos that use pre-fabricated systems or in-house manufactured  systems. Because coursing lures are expensive, for several years we sought out individuals and hobby groups to donate time and resources to make a lure system. Although there was interest, it never worked out due to the project being such a time-consuming task. We eventually decided that it would be best for us to purchase a complete coursing system from Injoy Lure Coursing Equipment ® located in Vermont. They manufacture coursing systems for domestic dog coursing programs and many zoo facilities use their products for cheetahs. A complete system costs between $700 to $1200 or more. We began to pursue sponsorship for purchasing a system for our cheetahs.

Jochum-Natt_2005_Coursing_cheetahs.pdf

 

 

Larsen, L., 2005.
Volunteer opportunities available in Kenya. Animal Keeper's Forum 32 (7/8), 390-392.
The Cheetah Conservation Fund has recently expanded its efforts in Kenya. Under the direction of Mary Wykstra, the Kenya project uses CCF Namibia and other successful cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus) programs as models to develop a conservation strategy, which supports the long-term survival of cheetahs in Kenya. Volunteers are a vital competent of CCF programs. Volunteers work alongside CCF staff, contributing their expertise and time. CCF has had a long history with zoological institutions and we are eager to develop volunteer opportunities with zoo professionals. Utilizing zookeepers' skills and abilities as well their passion for conservation, will be an important addition to our conservation.

Larsen_2005_Volunteer_opprtunities_in_Kenya.pdf

 

 

Lindholm, N,. 2005.
The introduction of three abandoned cheetah cubs to a foster mother and half siblings at the Forth Worth Zoo. Animal Keeper's Forum 32 (7/8), 291-293.
In 1994 the Fort Worth Zoo opened a new cheetah facility. By 1995 the population was 2.4 cats.One of the males, Baya Mdomo, was an older animal that had never bred. "Mdomo" was 13 years old when he arrived at the Fort Worth Zoo. He had been imported from the De Wildt cheetah breeding facility in 1987 by the Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden. In July 1992 he was transferred to the Louisville Zoo. He never produced offspring and from keepers daily reports he never appeared to be sexually active, or even interested in breeding. It was hoped that he would breed in Fort Worth since his genetics were desirable to the gene pool.

Lindholm_2005_Abandoned_cheetah_cubs_and_foster_mother.pdf

 

 

Louwman, J. W. W. and Louwman, J. C. M., 2005.
Successful adoption of a cheetah litter at Wassenaar Wildlife Breeding Centre. Animal Keeper's Forum 32 (7/8), 320-321.
In May 1998 an extraordinary event took place in WWBC. In that month three cheetahs in Wassenaar gave birth to a total of ten cubs within two weeks time. Two of the females were first- time mothers. It is a rule in Wassenaar to weigh all cubs regularly during the first weeks to check health conditions. One of the mothers was not able to feed the cubs and they lost weight. We introduced these cubs to one of the other two females with cubs of the same age. They were accepted.

Louwman_&_Louwman_2005_Successful_adoption_of_a_cheetah_litter.pdf

 

 

Louwman, J. W. W. and Louwman, J. C. M., 2005.
Cheetah breeding program at Wassenaar Wildlife Breeding Centre. Animal Keeper's Forum 32 (7/8), 368-370.
Cheetah breeding results in zoos have always been rather poor. Even nowadays only very few facilities breed cheetahs repeatedly every year. It is suspected that the low birth rates are due to inadequate husbandry of cheetah in zoos, as results largely differ per facility. Cheetahs seem to need a somewhat different husbandry than other big cats. To meet those requirements the Wassenaar Wildlife Breeding Centre in the Netherlands established in 1980 a protocol for breeding cheetahs. Much had been done to try replicate the cheetahs' life in the wild as much as possible. The strategy proved rather successful and resulted in the birth of 210 cheetahs up to December 2004 (62 litters). Some of these cubs were born in other facilities, but their mothers had been bred at Wassenaar and left WWBC pregnant. Wassenaar cub survival rate during the first six months of age is 88%.

Louwman_&_Louwman_2005_Cheetah_breeding_program_at_Wassenaar.pdf

 

 

Marker, L., 2005.
Aspects of ecology, biology and conservation strategies of Namibian farmland cheetahs.
Animal Keeper's Forum 32 (7/8).
Namibia has the largest remaining population of free-ranging cheetahs in the world (approximately 2,500), 90% of which are found on commercial livestock and game farms. The management of predators on private land is a complex, difficult issue especially when an endangered species is involved. The primary problem is conflict with livestock farming, to which there are solutions other than traditional lethal predator control. To be compatible with the survival of wildlife, new methods and policies of farm management, wildlife management and predator control urgently need to be incorporated into land management. Since 1991, the Cheetah Conservation Fund (CCF), a Namibian-based research and educational foundation, has been conducting integrated and multi-diciplinary research to provide baseline knowledge on the biology and ecology of the cheetah to help conserve the species. An overview of CCF's research findings will be discussed and how programs developed in Namibia are now being used in other countries where cheetahs are in need. In addition, ideas as to how Zoo Keepers can assist in cheetah conservation will be presented.

Marker_2005_Namibian_farmland_cheetahs.pdf

 

 

Marker, L., 2005.
The international cheetah studbook. Animal Keeper's Forum 32 (7/8), 378-383.
The International Cheetah Studbook has the purpose of registering all cheetah in the world held in both zoological and private facilities, and providing information about existing animals by publishing the studbook contents enabling the creation of the preconditions for selecting breeding animals. The first edition of the International Cheetah Studbook was published in 1988. The 2002 International Cheetah Studbook is the 12th edition and includes all cheetahs known to be alive as of 31 December 2002 and combines all information available for the period 1 January, 2002 to 31 December, 2002.

Marker_2005_The_international_cheetah_studbook.pdf

 

 

Marker, L., 2005.
Iranian cheetah conservation. Animal Keeper's Forum 32 (7/8), 374-377.
The last half-century has seen the rapid decline of the world's last Asiatic cheetah. They are now extinct throughout the majority of their historic range, including Russia, India and the Middle East. The last stronghold of Asiatic cheetah is found on the edge of Dasht-e Kavir, a large area of desert and shrub steppe. This final population of critically endangered Asiatic cheetah occurs only in fragmented territories on the outer-ring of the Kavir Desert. Current estimates place the cheetah population in Iran at 50 to 60 individuals, a statistic boldly reaffirming the need for immediate cooperation and planning. The main threats to its survival are illegal killing and poaching, and habitat disturbance and degradation. Much of the cheetahs' former habitat has been converted to agriculture and other uses. In addition, lands have been fenced making it difficult for wildlife to move and the remaining range lands have been overgrazed that have lead to desertification. There is direct competition between wild and domestic livestock and antelope. Camels and other livestock often dominate and pollute water holes making them inaccessible to wildlife. The paper describes the conservation activities of the different organisations involved over the past few years.

Marker_2005_Iranian_cheetah_conservation.pdf

 

 

Marker, L., 2005.
Cheetah conservation in Namibia. Animal Keeper's Forum 32 (7/8), 330-338.

Protected areas provide important refuges for numerous species, but the successful conservation of many large carnivores depends on conserving them beyond the boundaries of such areas as well. The most critical component of successful conservation outside protected areas involves working with local communities to achieve sustainable human-wildlife coexistence, particularly when the species under consideration are large carnivores. Conservation initiatives on private land must combine a myriad of interrelated, community-based approaches, including habitat and prey-base conservation or restoration, education about predators, conflict resolution, and financial incentives. Educating local people about predators is critical to conservation, as there is often a lack of awareness that locally abundant species may be globally threatened, and local concerns must be recognised and addressed for any significant progress to be made.

Marker_2005_Cheetah_conservation_in_Namibia.pdf

 

 

Marker, L,. 2005.
Overview of the global wild cheetah population. Animal Keeper's Forum 32 (7/8), 284-288.

The status of the cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus), varies widely throughout its range with perhaps 32 countries where cheetahs are still found. All populations are classified as vulnerable or endangered by the World Conservation Union's (IUCN) Red Data Book and are regulated by the Convention for International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) as Appendix I. Although there has not been a comprehensive survey of African cheetahs since 1975, there is a consensus that the cheetah population is declining throughout Africa. Total number of cheetahs estimated at less than 15,000 is based on a literature review and mail questionnaire surveys and have been used as the source for data that is also published in the IUCN Cat Specialist group Wild Cats.

Marker_2005_The_wild_cheetah_population.pdf

 

 

Merner, S., 2005.
Developing a behaviour modification program for your cheetah. Animal Keeper's Forum 32 (7/8), 323-324.
The most effective trainers are the ones who can successfully combine the art and science of operant conditioning into a flawless dance. If you have ever seen a truly talented trainer, then you have witnessed this dance, this unspoken language. You have seen firs-hand the respect, trust and ease that the trainer and animal are sharing. However, this has been a learning process for both the trainer and the cat. The article gives uidance on how to become a good trainer.

Merner_2005_Behavior_modification_program_for_your_cheetah.pdf

 

 

Saffoe, C., 2005.
Using weight to determine pregnancy in cheetahs (Acinonyx jubatus). Animal Keeper's Forum 32 (7/8), 358-365.
Employing non-invasive management techniques for collection animals is a priority throughout the National Zoological Park (NZP). In January of 2001 staff at the NZP Cheetah Conservation Station (CCS) began weighing cheetahs on a weekly basis. Although weighing monthly is sufficient for assessing general health, we believe that monitoring weekly provides more consistent information on the cats in our collection. In addition to the health benefits of weighing cheetahs, keepers have noticed that weekly weights provide information that may be useful in determining if a female that has recently bred is actually pregnant.

Saffoe_2005_Using_weight_to_determine_pregnancy_in_cheetahs.pdf

 

 

Thomas, P., Balme, G., Hunter, L., and McCabe-Parodi, J., 2005.
Using scent attractants to non-invasively collect hair samples from cheetahs, leopards and lions. Animal Keeper's Forum 32 (7/8), 342-384.
The goal of this project was to document the responses of free-ranging cheetahs (Acinonyx jubatus) and other large African felids to novel scents in an attempt to refine methods for surveying felid populations. Specifically, the purpose of the study was:
1) To ascertain whether African felids are attracted to novel scents. While captive cats are drawn to a wide variety of fragrances, we wanted to assess the response of free-ranging felids to novel scents where they might i) explore scents because they are unfamiliar and interesting, or ii) avoid scents because they might be associated with human activity.
2) Assess whether these scents would elicit rubbing responses that could be used to facilitate the collection of hair samples from African felids. If successful, this technique could be used as an effective tool to non-invasively collect hair samples for genetic analyses.

Thomas_et_al_2005_Scent_attractants_to_collect_hair_samples_from_cats.pdf

 

 

Turnbull, P., 2005.
Anthrax vaccination evaluation study in cheetah. Animal Keeper's Forum 32 (7/8), : 329.
It have been recognized for decades that anthrax (that disease now so notorious for its biological warfare and bioterrorism associations) is a common natural seasonal disease among the herbivorous species of the Etosha National Park, occasionally affecting livestock and wildlife in other parts of Namibia. Of particular concern all along has been the additional threat is poses to the already endangered black rhino in Etosha, but it was only very recently realized that cheetah were dying in
substantial numbers there from this disease.

Turnbull_2005_Anthrax_vaccination_evaluation_study_in_cheetah.pdf

 

 

Vandermey, N., 2005.
Cheetah conservation Botswana. Animal Keeper's Forum 32 (7/8), 371-374.
A new organization called Cheetah Conservation Botswana was looking for volunteers for a minimum one-month time period. Botswana has one of the largest free-ranging cheetah populations remaining, but local farmers still persecute them and consider them pests. This paper is a  diary and describes the work of a volunteer.

Vandermey_2005_Cheetah_conservation_Botswana.pdf

 

 

Wykstra, M., 2005.
Cheetah Conservation Fund - Namibia to Kenya. Animal Keeper's Forum 32 (7/8), : 386-389.
The main question, "Is there really a decline of cheetah in Kenya?" was the reason for initiating a CCF project in Kenya (CCF-K). While there have been reports of reduced sightings since 1990, we do not know how accurate past estimates have been as they have mainly focused on populations inside the National Parks and used calibration. In all previously documented studies it is estimated that as much as 90% of cheetahs live outside of protected parks and reserves. For this reason the CCF Kenya project was launched in December 2001.

Wykstra_2005_CCF_Namibia_to_Kenya.pdf

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
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