Animal Diaries Archive

Healthy Tigers Happy Tigers

25 May 2007

Our first and foremost concern for our tigers here at Australia Zoo is their health. So there are many health checks being performed on a regular basis.

Some of these checks are very simple such as checking their teeth and gums. The handlers perform this by giving the tigers a drink of milk and lifting the top lip to expose the teeth.

A major benefit of the handlers being able to do this is that it is performed under a stress-free environment. We don't have to sedate the tigers to do these regular checks due to the handlers having such a close bond and the tigers trusting and being comfortable with the handlers.

Whilst keeping a close eye on their health by performing these procedures, we can then detect any abnormalities early and treat or medicate if necessary. Thus protecting the tigers from the abnormality deteriorating or progressing.