ZAA Standards
ZAA Animal Care and Enclosure Standards - click here for pdf version
ZAA Facility Accreditation
Accreditation Process
- Join ZAA (check off “Accreditation” box)
- Following membership approval by the Board of Directors and the payment of required dues, you may apply for accreditation.
- If you are approved for membership an accreditation application will be sent to you.
- When the application and a $200.00 non-refundable application fee is received back, an inspection may be arranged and you will be contacted by the accreditation chair.
Inspection Process
Facilities are graded by:
Physical Facility
Husbandry and Animal Care Practices
Record Keeping and Health Care Records
Knowledge of Animals by Personnel
Animal Diet and Nutrition
Facility Security
Veterinary Care
Licensing and Permits
Safety Plans
- Two (2) member team is required for all inspections. They will be current ZAA Professional members. Re-accreditation of members in good standing will only require 1 (one) inspector.
- Upon request, applicants may substitute for one inspector, a local, exotic animal experienced veterinarian that is not a full time paid staff member of the facility.
- Any expenses incurred by the Inspection Team will be borne by the applicant. They may include (but are not limited to) airfare, hotel stay, and for those that qualify to use their veterinarian, any and all costs associated with their vet’s time if charged.
- The length of time needed for the inspection is determined by the size of the animal facility, the number of animals, the number of enclosures, and other areas of interest at the facility. Expenses are kept to a minimum.
- Process details are in the “ZAA guidelines,” included in the information packet sent to the facility upon initial request for accreditation.
- The inspection Team members will use an Accreditation Inspection Form to evaluate the facility, separately.
- These reports will be submitted to the Accreditation Committee Chairman for consideration. The committee may allow the applicant to correct/improve deficiencies.
- Following Accreditation Committee approval, the final report is given to the ZAA Chairman, who will then present the report to the Board of Directors for approval.
- The BOD will approve, deny, or table for later consideration.
- If a favorable majority vote is reached, the applicant shall be deemed an Accredited Member of the ZAA and an accreditation certificate will be issued.
- Evaluations of Accredited member facilities shall occur every 5 years or as deemed necessary by the Board of Directors. If the facility is to relocate to a new location, a new Accreditation inspection is required. Evaluation is also required if new management or a new owner assumes control of the facility. Accreditation is predicated on maintaining ZAA facility membership, maintaining all required permits and abiding by all applicable municipal, county, state, and federal regulations.
Additional Notes:
Sales of animals; ZAA accredited facilities are not allowed to sell any class 1 (one) animals for pet purposes or to the pet industry. ZAA also prohibits members selling animals to any known entity that promotes or engages in “canned hunts.”
Other than the above restriction, sales of animals, birds, reptiles, etc, which occur in the course of normal business is not restricted.
ZAA Animal Care and Enclosure Standards - 2013
The following guidelines are suggested as minimum standards for ZAA animal care and housing. Specific alternatives may be allowed by ZAA on a case by case basis. If state requirements are stricter, then those may apply. Any change in the standards that has an effect on a currently accredited facility does not have to be implemented until the facility is due for re-accreditation, unless there is an established risk factor that precludes a time waiver for implementation.
I. Categories of Captive Wildlife.
ZAA hereby establishes the following categories of wildlife for use in the following guidelines:
Class I:
1. Chimpanzees (genus Pan)
2. Gorillas (genus Gorilla)
3. Gibbons (genus Hylobates)
4. Drills and mandrills (genus Mandrillus)
5. Orangutans (genus Pongo)
6. Baboons (genus Papio)
7. Siamangs (genus Symphalangus)
8. Gelada baboons (genus Theropithecus)
9. Snow leopards (Panthera uncia)
10. Leopards (Panthera pardus)
11. Jaguars (Panthera onca)
12. Tigers (Panthera tigris)
13. Lions (Panthera leo)
14. Cougars, panthers (Puma concolor)
15. Bears (family Ursidae)
16. Rhinoceros (family Rhinocerotidae)
17. Elephants (family Elephantidae)
18. Hippopotamuses (family Hippopotamidae)
19. Cape buffalos (Syncerus caffer caffer)
20. Crocodiles (except dwarf and Congo) (family Crocodylidae)
21. Gavials (family Gavialidae)
22. Black caimans (Melanosuchus niger)
23. Komodo dragons (Varanus komodoensis)
Note: ZAA does not support the keeping of Class I wildlife as pets. Class I wildlife are to be maintained solely in breeding or exhibition facilities.
Class II:
1. Howler monkeys (genus Alouatta)
2. Uakaris (genus Cacajao)
3. Mangabeys (genus Cercocebus)
4. Guenons (genus Ceropithecus)
5. Bearded sakis (genus Chiropotes)
6. Guereza monkeys (genus Colobus)
7. Celebes black apes (genus Macaca)
8. Indris (genus Indri)
9. Macaques (genus Macaca)
10. Langurs (genus Presbytis)
11. Douc langurs (genus Pygathrix)
12. Snub-nosed langurs (genus Rhinopithecus)
13. Proboscis monkeys (genus Nasalis)
14. Servals (Leptailurus serval)
15. European and Canadian lynx (Lynx lynx)
16. Bobcats (Lynx rufus)
17. Cheetahs (Acinonyx jabatus)
17. Caracals (Caracal caracal)
19. African golden cats (Profelis aurata)
20. Temminck's golden cats (Profelis temmincki)
21. Fishing cats (Prionailurus viverrina)
22. Ocelots (Leopardus pardalis)
23. Clouded leopards (Neofelis nebulosa)
24. Coyotes (Canis latrans)
25. Gray wolves (Canis lupus) (including wolf x domestic hybrids which are 25 percent or less domestic dog)
26. Red wolves (Canis niger) (including wolf x domestic hybrids which are 25 percent or less domestic dog)
27. Asiatic jackals (Canis aureus)
28. Black-backed jackals (Canis mesomelas)
29. Side-striped jackals (Canis adustus)
30. Indian dholes (Cuon alpinus)
31. African hunting dogs (Lycaon pictus)
32. Wolverines (Gulo gulo)
33. Honey badgers (Mellivora capensis)
34. American badgers (Taxides taxus)
35. Old World badgers (Meles meles)
36. Binturongs (Arctictis binturong)
37. Hyenas (all species) (family Hyaenidae)
38. Dwarf crocodiles (Osteolaemus tetraspis)
39. Alligators, caimans (except American alligator) (family Alligatoridae)
40. Ostrich (Struthio camelus)
41. Cassowary (Casuarius spp.)
Class III:
All other wildlife not listed herein.
II. Facility Requirements:
1. Facility requirements for Class I Carnivores (lions, tigers, leopards, snow leopards, jaguars, cougars, and bears):
a. The facility shall not be constructed on less than five (5) contiguous acres of property owned or leased by the applicant. If leased, the lease shall be for a term of not less than 5 years from the date of application. Such lease is subject to initial and annual review and approval by ZAA.
b. The facility shall have a "buffer zone" of not less than 15 feet between any structure and the facility perimeter fence line.
c. The facility shall be bounded by a fence of not less than eight (8) feet in height, constructed of not less than 11 1/2 gauge chain link, or equivalent, to prevent escape from the property of any wildlife that may escape the primary caging.
2. Additional facility requirements for the following Class II carnivores: clouded leopards, and Class II Canidae:
a. The facility shall not be constructed on less than two and one-half (2 ½) contiguous acres of property owned or leased by the applicant. If leased, the lease shall be for a term of not less than 5 years from the date of application. Such lease is subject to initial and annual review and approval by ZAA.
b. The facility shall contain a "buffer zone" of not less than 15 feet between any structure and the facility perimeter fence line.
c. The facility shall be bounded by a fence of not less than eight (8) feet in height, constructed of not less than 11 1/2 gauge chain link, or equivalent, or, as an alternative, a fence of not less than six (6) feet in height, with a 2-foot, 45 degree, inward angle overhang. The inward angle fencing and vertical fencing shall be constructed of 11 1/2 gauge chain link or equivalent. This fencing is to prevent escape from the property of any wildlife that may escape from primary caging.
3. Facilities maintaining Class III wildlife only:
a. Facility shall meet same requirements as Class II facilities except that the perimeter fence may be 6 foot high with no overhang.
III. General Regulations of Captive Wildlife.
1. No person shall maintain captive wildlife in any unsafe or unsanitary condition, or in a manner which results in threats to the public safety, or the maltreatment or neglect of such wildlife.
2. Caging Requirements:
a. Cages or enclosures housing captive wildlife shall be sufficiently strong to prevent escape and to protect the caged animal from injury, and shall be equipped with structural safety barriers to prevent any physical contact with the caged animal by the public. Structural barriers may be constructed from materials such as fencing, moats, landscaping, or close-mesh wire, provided that materials used are safe and effective in preventing public contact.
b. Class I or Class II wildlife cages or enclosures less than 1,000 square feet shall be covered at the top to prevent escape (except paddocks, reptile enclosures, flightless birds, and habitats specified below).
c. For the purpose of this section, the following definitions apply:
i. Paddocks
1. Areas enclosed by fencing, railing or other ZAA-approved structures which allow animals to graze or browse.
ii. Reptile enclosures
1. Areas encompassed by smooth walls or other ZAA-approved materials which provide safe keeping of venomous and non-venomous snakes, Crocodilians and other reptiles.
iii. Open air habitats or moated areas
1. Areas enclosed by ZAA-approved fences, walls, or moats which provide safe keeping of species.
d. Caging considered unsafe or otherwise not in compliance herewith shall not be approved by ZAA.
e. Unconfined captive wildlife shall be maintained under rigid supervision and control, so as to prevent injuries to members of the public. No captive wildlife shall be tethered outdoors unsupervised. To provide for public safety, all wildlife shall be controlled in such a manner as to prevent physical contact with the public, except as follows:
3. Public contact exhibition.
a. General: All wildlife that will be used for contact with the public shall have been evaluated by the exhibitor to insure compatibility with the uses intended. All wildlife shall be exhibited in a manner that prevents injuries to the public and the wildlife. The exhibitor shall take reasonable sanitary precautions to minimize the possibility of disease or parasite transmission which could adversely affect the health or welfare of citizens or wildlife.
b. Class I wildlife shall only be permitted to come into physical contact with the public in accordance with the following:
i. Facilities shall comply with the following Full and Incidental Contact criteria and provide ZAA with:
1. a list of Class I species used in public contact environments; and
2. handling policies, procedures, safeguards, and program safety evaluations for those species.
ii. Full contact: For the purpose of this section, full contact is defined as situations in which an exhibitor or employee handler maintains proximate control and supervision, while temporarily surrendering physical possession or custody of the animal to another. Full contact with Class I wildlife is authorized only as follows:
1. Carnivora and Crocodylia that weigh not more than twenty-five (25) pounds;
2. Chimpanzees, orangutans, and gorillas that are not less than six (6) months of age and weigh not more than twenty-five (25) pounds;
3. Gibbons and siamangs not less than four (4) months of age and not more than two (2) years of age:
4. Elephants and rhinos as approved.
5. Reptilia other than Class I Crocodylia: Large constrictors (see page 32) not more than ten (10) feet in length or sixty (60) pounds in weight.
iii. Incidental contact: For the purpose of this section, incidental contact is defined as situations in which an exhibitor or employee handler maintains control, possession and supervision of the animal while permitting the public to come into contact with it. Incidental contact with Class I wildlife is authorized only as follows:
1. Carnivora and Crocodylia that weigh not more than 40 pounds;
2. Chimpanzees, orangutans, and gorillas that are not less than six (6) months of age and weigh not more than 40 pounds;
3. Gibbons and siamangs that are not less than four (4) months of age and not more than two (2) years of age;
4. Elephants and rhinos under direct control of handlers.
5. Reptilia other than Class I Crocodylia: Large constrictors (see page 32) more than ten (10) feet in length or sixty (60) pounds in weight must have two trained handlers plus an additional handler for every additional five (5) feet in length.
c. Public contact or handling intervals for Class I wildlife shall be limited as to frequency, intensity, and duration so that such handling will not adversely affect the health, welfare, or safety of the animals, nor expose the public to injury.
4. Any condition which can result in wildlife escaping from its enclosure, cage, leash, or other constraint, or which could result in injury to any person, shall not be allowed.
5. Sanitation and Nutritional Requirements:
a. Sanitation, water disposal, and waste disposal shall be in accordance with all applicable local, state, and federal regulations.
b. Water: Clean drinking water shall be provided daily. Any water containers used shall be clean. Reptiles and amphibians that do not drink water from containers and those in an inactive season or period shall be provided water in a manner and at such intervals as to ensure their health and welfare. All pools, tanks, water areas and water containers provided for swimming, wading or drinking shall be clean. Enclosures shall provide drainage for surface water and runoff.
c. Food: Food shall be of a type and quantity that meets the nutritional requirements for theparticular species, and shall be provided in an unspoiled and uncontaminated condition. Clean containers shall be used for feeding.
d. Waste: Fecal and food waste shall be removed as necessary from inside, under, and around cages and stored or disposed of in a manner which prevents noxious odors or pests. Cages and enclosures shall be ventilated to prevent noxious odors.
e. Cleaning and maintenance: Hard floors within cages or enclosures shall be cleaned a minimum of once weekly. Walls of cages and enclosures shall be spot cleaned daily. The surfaces of housing facilities, including perches, shelves and any furniture-type fixtures within the facility, shall be cleaned weekly, and shall be constructed in a manner, and made of, materials that permit thorough cleaning. Any surface of cages or enclosures that may come into contact with animal(s) shall be free of excessive rust that prevents the required cleaning or that affects the structural strength.
IV. Structural Caging Requirements for Class I, II and III Wildlife.
1. In addition to the standard caging requirements set forth above, Class I and Class II animals shall be caged in accordance with the following requirements:
a. A fence sufficient to deter entry by the public, which shall be a minimum of eight (8) feet in height, shall be present around the premises wherein Class I or Class II animals are housed or exercised outdoors.
b. All cages or enclosures of Class I and Class II animals except paddocks, approved open air habitats, or outdoor reptile enclosures shall be equipped with a safety entrance.
i. A safety entrance is defined as a protected, secure area that can be entered by a keeper that prevents animal escape and safeguards the keeper, or a device that can be activated by a keeper that prevents animal escape and safeguards entry.
1. Such entrances shall include: A double-door mechanism, interconnecting cages, a lock-down area, or other comparable devices, subject to ZAA approval, that will prevent escape and safeguard the keeper.
ii. Safety entrances shall be constructed of materials that are of equivalent strength as that prescribed for cage construction for that particular species.
c. All cages or enclosures constructed of chain link or other approved materials shall be well braced and securely anchored. For animals that dig or burrow, chain link or equivalent at least one (1) foot below ground and at an angle towards the center of the exhibit must be installed. Cages shall be constructed using metal clamps, ties or braces of equivalent strength as the material required for cage construction for the particular species.
2. Additional requirements for specific species shall be as follows:
a. Group I: Chimpanzees (over 50 pounds), gorillas, orangutans.
i. Outdoor facilities: Cage construction materials shall consist of steel bars, two-inch galvanized pipe, nine (9) gauge chain link fencing, masonry block or their structural equivalent.
ii. Indoor facilities: Potential escape routes shall be equipped with steel bars, two-inch galvanized pipe, nine (9) gauge chain link fencing, masonry block or their structural equivalent in rooms where the wildlife is maintained.
b. Group II: Chimpanzees (up to 50 pounds), drills, mandrills, baboons, jaguars, tigers, lions, cougars, leopards, snow leopards, bears, clouded leopards, and cheetahs.
i. Outdoor facilities: Cage construction materials shall consist of not less than nine-gauge chain link or structural equivalent. For digging animals, a dig barrier as appropriate.
ii. Indoor facilities: Potential escape routes shall be equipped with wire or grating of not less than nine-gauge or structural equivalent.
c. Group III: Rhinoceros, elephants, hippopotamus, Cape buffalo.
i. Indoor and outdoor facilities: Construction materials shall consist of steel bars, reinforced masonry block or structural equivalent.
d. Group IV: Crocodiles, gavials, alligators, caimans, komodo dragons.
i. Outdoor facilities: Bounded by a fence at least five feet in height of not less than 11½ gauge chain link or structural equivalent.
e. Group V: Gibbons, siamangs, patas monkeys, howler monkeys, uakaris, mangabeys, guenons, bearded sakis, guereza monkeys, celebes black apes, indris, macaques, langurs, proboscis monkeys, spider monkeys, woolly monkeys, and capuchin monkeys, ocelots, servals, lynx, bobcats, caracals, African golden cats, Temminck's golden cats, fishing cats, wolves, coyotes, Asiatic jackals, Indian dholes, African hunting dogs, binturongs, and Old World badgers. For digging animals, a dig barrier as appropriate.
i. Outdoor facilities: Construction material shall consist of not less than 11 1⁄2-gauge chain link or structural equivalent.
ii. Indoor facilities: Potential escape routes shall be equipped with wire or grating not less than 11 1⁄2-gauge or structural equivalent.
f. Group VI: Wolverines, honey badgers, American badgers, and hyenas. For digging animals, a dig barrier as appropriate.
i. Outdoor facilities: Cage construction materials shall consist of not less than nine-gauge chain link or structural equivalent.
ii. Indoor facilities: Potential escape routes shall be equipped with wire or grating of not less than nine-gauge chain link or structural equivalent.
g. Group VII: Ostrich, cassowary.
i. Outdoor facilities: Bounded by a fence of at least six feet in height of not less than 11 1⁄2-gauge chain link or structural equivalent.
h. Group VIII: Class III mammals (except spider, woolly, and capuchin monkeys) and Varanidae (except Komodo dragon, see Group IV).
i. Outdoor facilities: Cage construction materials shall consist of not less than 14-gauge wire or structural equivalent material.
ii. Indoor facilities: Rooms may serve as enclosures provided that:
1. Construction materials equal or exceed the structural equivalent for outside caging.
2. Potential escape routes are secured, or the animal is supervised to ensure against escape.
3. The size of the room(s) equals or exceeds that required for cages and enclosures.
V. Standard Caging Requirements for Captive Wildlife.
1. No captive wildlife shall be confined in any cage or other enclosure which contains more individual animals, or is smaller in dimension, than as specified in this section, or is not equipped as specified in this section, or as authorized in accordance with the following:
a. Requests for deviations from standard caging or enclosure requirements may be granted to allow for different size configuration (length, width and height) if the required square footage is present and if the locomotory needs of the animal(s) are not compromised. Wet or dry moats may be substituted for the required fencing for retaining some species of wildlife. Any proposed deviations from the standard caging or enclosure requirements, or proposals to use wet or dry moats to substitute for fencing, must be approved in writing by ZAA.
b. Deviations to the above regulations may include provisions for husbandry, veterinary care, transport, and educational/performing wildlife.
2. Definitions: Where specified in this section, wildlife cages and enclosures shall be equipped to provide for the protection and welfare of the animals. Such equipment includes, but is not limited to:
a. Shelter, nest box or den
i. A structure that protects captive wildlife from the elements (weather conditions). Such structures may vary in size depending on the security and biological needs of the species. They are particularly described as follows:
1. The structure shall provide protection from the elements and from extremes in temperature that are detrimental to the health and welfare of the animal. When vegetation and landscaping is available to serve as protection from the elements, access to a shelter shall also be provided during inclement weather conditions. Such shelter shall be attached to or adjacent to the paddock, habitat, or enclosure.
2. Nest box or den: An enclosed area that provides a retreat area within, attached to, or adjacent to a cage or enclosure of specified size, which shall provide protection from the elements and from extremes in temperature that are detrimental to the health and welfare of the animal.
b. Elevated platform or perching area
i. A surface or structure, either natural or manmade, positioned above the floor, or above the grade level of the cage or enclosure, that will provide a resting area for the animal(s).
c. Original floor area
i. The total square footage required for the initial number of animals specified. For example, this is calculated by finding the new total area required for 4 squirrel monkeys when the original floor area equals 36' for 1 or 2 animals (6'x 6'x 8' high). For each additional animal, there is an increase in cage or enclosure size by 25 percent of original floor area. For two additional monkeys: 25% x 36'x 2 animals=18'; add 18'to 36'=54 total square feet of floor area required for 4 monkeys. New cages or enclosures can be 6'x 9'x 8' high, or any width/length dimension that equals or exceeds the increased cage or enclosure space.
d. Gnawing and chewing items
i. Natural or artificial materials that provide for the health of teeth, so as to keep teeth sharp, wear down enamel and promote general oral hygiene. Gnawing items include, but are not limited to, logs and trees. Chewing items include, but are not limited to, woody stems, knuckle bones, and rawhide objects; suitability dependent upon species.
Primates
Additional cage or enclosure requirements for primates: In addition to requirements of this section, each cage or enclosure shall have enrichment devices to provide physical and mental stimulation or manipulation compatible with the species. Such devices shall be non-injurious, and may include, but is not limited to, boxes, balls, mirrors or foraging items. Each cage or enclosure shall be equipped with a shelter(s) large enough to accommodate all the animals in the enclosure simultaneously.
1. Prosimians:
a. Small (e.g., loris, potto, angwantibo, tarsiers, and mouse, dwarf, forked, marked, and sportive lemurs).
i. For one or two animals, a cage 3 feet by 3 feet, 6 feet high, or dimensional equivalent volume. For each additional animal, increase cage size by 25 percent of original floor area.
ii. Each cage shall have perching area(s) and nest box(es) that will accommodate all animals in the enclosures simultaneously. Each cage shall also have climbing apparatus.
b. Medium (e.g., bush babies, lemurs: ruffed, cata, true, gentle, avahi, aye-aye).
i. For one or two animals, a cage 8 feet by 8 feet, 8 feet high, or dimensional equivalent volume. For each additional animal, increase cage size by 25 percent of original floor area.
ii. Each cage shall have perching area(s) and nest box(es) that will accommodate all animal(s) in the enclosure simultaneously. Each cage shall also have climbing apparatus.
c. Large (e.g., sifakas, indris).
i. For one or two animals, a cage 8 feet by 8 feet, 8 feet high, or dimensional equivalent volume. For each additional animal, increase cage size by 25 percent of original floor area.
ii. Each cage shall have perching area(s) and nest box(es) that will accommodate all animals in the enclosure simultaneously. Each cage shall also include climbing apparatus.
2. New World Monkeys.
a. Tamarins and Marmosets.
i. For one or two animals, a cage 4 feet by 4 feet, 8 feet high, or dimensional equivalent volume. For each additional animal, increase cage size by 25 percent of original floor area.
ii. Each cage shall have perching area(s) and nest box(es) that will accommodate all animals in the enclosure simultaneously. Each cage shall also include climbing apparatus.
b. Squirrels, titis, owls, talapoins and similar sized monkeys.
i. For one or two animals, a cage 6 feet by 6 feet, 8 feet high, or dimensional equivalent volume. For each additional animal, increase cage size by 25 percent of original floor area.
ii. Each cage shall have perching areas and nest box(es) that will accommodate all animals in the enclosure simultaneously. Each cage shall also have climbing apparatus.
c. Medium-sized New World monkeys (e.g., capuchins, sakis, uakaris).
i. For one or two animals, a cage 8 feet by 8 feet, 8 feet high, or dimensional equivalent volume. For each additional animal, increase cage size by 25 percent of original floor area. b. Each cage shall have perching area(s) and shelter(s) that will accommodate all animals in the enclosure simultaneously. Each cage shall also have climbing apparatus.
d. Large arboreal monkeys (e.g., howlers, spiders, woolly).
i. For one or two animals, a cage 8 feet by 8 feet, 8 feet high, or dimensional equivalent volume. For each additional animal, increase cage size by 25 percent of original floor area.
ii. Each cage shall have perching area(s) and shelter(s) that will accommodate all animals in the enclosure simultaneously. Each cage shall also have horizontal climbing apparatus.
3. Old World Monkeys.
a. Macaques, guenons, mangabeys, patas, languars, colobus, proboscis, simakobu, snub-nosed, and similar sized monkeys.
i. For one or two animals, a cage 10 feet by 10 feet, 9 feet high, or dimensional equivalent volume. For each additional animal, increase cage size by 25 percent of original floor area.
ii. Each cage shall have perching area(s) and shelter(s) that will accommodate all animals in the enclosure simultaneously. Each cage shall have horizontal climbing apparatus.
b. Baboons, mandrills and drills.
i. For one or two animals, a cage 10 feet by 10 feet, 8 feet high, or dimensional equivalent volume. For each additional animal, increase cage size by 25 percent of original floor area.
ii. Each cage shall have perching area(s) and shelter(s) that will accommodate all animals in the enclosure simultaneously. Each cage shall have horizontal climbing apparatus.
4. Apes:
a. Gibbons and siamangs.
i. For one or two animals, a cage 10 feet by 10 feet, 8 feet high, or dimensional equivalent volume. For each additional animal, increase cage size by 25 percent of original floor area.
ii. Each cage shall have perching area(s) and shelter(s) that will accommodate all animals in the enclosure simultaneously. Each cage shall have horizontal climbing apparatus.
iii. Wet or dry moats may be substituted for the required fencing provided ZAA written approval has been obtained. For island exhibits, wet moats shall be used that are no less than 16 feet wide depending on structures and vegetation, with 50 percent of the water having a depth twice the height of the tallest animal.
b. Chimpanzees and orangutans.
i. For one animal under 50 pounds, a cage 8 feet by 6 feet, 6 feet high, or dimensional equivalent volume. For each additional animal double the original floor area. For one or two animals over 50 pounds, a cage 20 feet by 12 feet, 8 feet high, or dimensional equivalent volume. For each additional animal, increase cage size by 50 percent of original floor area.
ii. Each cage shall have perching area(s) and shelter(s) that shall accommodate all animals in the enclosure simultaneously. Each cage shall have horizontal climbing apparatus.
iii. Wet or dry moats may be substituted for the required fencing provided ZAA written approval has been obtained. For island exhibits, wet moats shall be used that are no less than 20 feet wide, with 50 percent of the water having a depth twice the height of the tallest animal.
c. Gorillas.
i. For one or two animals, a cage 28 feet by 24 feet, 10 feet high. For each additional animal, increase cage size by 50 percent of original floor area.
ii. Each cage shall have a platform(s) large enough to accommodate all animals simultaneously; such platform(s) shall be elevated three feet. Each cage shall also have shelter(s) large enough to accommodate all animals in the enclosure simultaneously.
iii. Wet or dry moats may be substituted for the required fencing provided ZAA written approval has been obtained. For island exhibits, wet moats shall be used that are no less than 20 feet wide, with 50 percent of the water having a depth twice the height of the tallest animal.
Carnivores and Certain Omnivores with Similar Requirements:
1. Wild Felines.
a. In addition to requirements of this section, each cage or enclosure shall be equipped with a shelter(s) large enough to accommodate all the animals in the enclosure simultaneously. Each cage or enclosure shall have enrichment devices to provide physical and mental stimulation or manipulation compatible with the species. Such devices shall be non-injurious, and may include, but is not limited to, boxes, balls, bones, barrels, drums, rawhide, pools, etc.
b. African and Asian lions and Asian tigers.
i. For one or two animals, a cage 24 feet by 15 feet, 8 feet high. For each additional animal, increase cage size by 25 percent of original floor area.
ii. Each cage shall have an elevated platform(s) that shall accommodate all animal(s) simultaneously. Each cage shall have a claw log, unless the animal(s) front claws have been removed.
iii. Outdoor exhibits (uncovered) shall have vertical jump walls at least 14 feet high, plus a 2-foot, 45 degree, inward angle overhang with a hot wire, or a 36” overhang without hotwire or vertical jump walls at least 16 feet high, without an overhang. The inward angle fencing shall be made of the same material as the vertical fencing. Wet or dry moats may be substituted for the required fencing provided ZAA written approval has been obtained.
c. Jaguars, leopards, snow leopards, and cougars.
i. For one or two animals, a cage 20 feet by 20 feet, 8 feet high. For each additional animal, increase cage size by 25 percent of original floor area.
ii. Each cage shall have an elevated platform(s) that shall accommodate all animals in the enclosure simultaneously. Each cage shall have a claw log, unless the animal(s) front claws have been removed.
iii. Leopards, jaguars, snow Leopards, and cougars shall not be kept in uncovered enclosures except in facilities with wet or dry moats, which have been ZAA approved in writing or applied for and received a waiver for specified reasons.
d. Lesser cats (e.g., bobcats, lynx, ocelots, caracal, serval, margay, fishing cats, jungle cats, Teminick's cats, golden cats).
i. For one or two animals, a cage 15 feet by 8 feet, 6 feet high. For each additional animal, increase cage size by 25 percent of original floor area. Open top enclosures by ZAA approval only.
ii. Each cage shall have an elevated platform(s) that shall accommodate all animals in the enclosure simultaneously. Each cage shall have a claw log, unless the animal(s) front claws have been removed.
e. Small cats (e.g., Geoffroy's cats, jaguarundis, leopard cats, wildcats (Felis silvestris), mountain cats, pampas cats, marbled cats, pallas' cats, sand cats, oncilla/tiger cats, black-footed, cats, flat-headed cats, kodkods, rusty-spotted cats).
i. For one or two animals, a cage 8 feet by 12 feet, 6 feet high. For each additional animal, increase cage size by 25 percent of original floor area.
ii. Each cage shall have an elevated platform(s) that shall accommodate all animals in the enclosure simultaneously. Each cage shall have a claw log, unless the animal(s) front claws have been removed.
f. Cheetahs.
i. For one or two animals, a cage 40 feet by 20 feet, 8 feet high. For each additional animal, increase cage size by 25 percent of original floor area.
ii. Each cage shall have an elevated platform(s) that shall accommodate all animals in the enclosure simultaneously.
2. Bears.
a. In addition to requirements of this section, each cage or enclosure shall be equipped with a shelter(s) large enough to accommodate all the animals in the enclosure simultaneously. Each enclosure shall have enrichment devices to provide physical and mental stimulation or manipulation compatible with the species. Such devices shall be non-injurious, and may include, but is not limited to, boxes, balls, bones, barrels, drums, climbing apparatus, foraging items, etc.
b. Black bears, Asiatic, sloth, spectacled.
i. For one animal, a cage 20 feet by 20 feet, 8 feet high. For each additional animal, increase cage size by 25 percent of original floor space.
ii. Each cage shall have an elevated platform(s) for resting. Each cage shall have a 4 foot by 6 foot pool of water, 3 feet deep.
c. Sun bears.
i. For one animal, a cage 20 feet by 10 feet, 8 feet high. For each additional animal, increase cage size by 25 percent of original floor space.
ii. Each cage shall have an elevated platform(s) for resting. Each cage shall have a 3 foot by 4 foot pool of water, 2 feet deep.
d. Brown bears (e.g., European, grizzly, Kodiak) and polar bears.
i. For one animal, a cage 24 feet by 32 feet, 8 foot high with a roof, or 12 feet high with 45 degree overhang. For each additional animal, increase cage size by 25 percent of original floor space.
ii. Each cage shall have an elevated platform(s) for resting. Each cage shall have a 6 foot by 10 foot pool of water, 4 feet deep, except for polar bears which must conform to marine mammal protection Act standards.
3. Pandas (red).
a. In addition to the requirements for this section, each cage or enclosure shall have enrichment devices to provide physical and mental stimulation or manipulation compatible with the species. Such devices shall be non-injurious, and may include, but is not limited to, climbing apparatus, foraging/browse items, pools of water, etc. Each cage or enclosure shall be equipped with a shelter(s) large enough to accommodate all the animals in the enclosure simultaneously.
b. For one animal, a cage 10 feet by 10 feet, 8 feet high, or dimensional equivalent volume.For each additional animal, increase the cage size by 25 percent of original floor area.
c. Each cage shall have perching area(s) that will accommodate all animals in the enclosure simultaneously.
d. Shelter must be provided at all times to protect animals from excessive heat.
4. Wild Canids.
a. In addition to the requirements of this section, each cage or enclosure shall be equipped with a shelter(s)/den(s) that shall accommodate all the animals in the enclosure simultaneously. Each enclosure shall have enrichment devices to provide physical and mental stimulation or manipulation compatible with the species. Such devices shall be non-injurious, and may include, but is not limited to boxes, balls, bones, barrels, drums, rawhide, pools, etc.
b. Foxes, small (e.g., Fennec, kit).
i. For one or two animals, a cage 10 feet by 8 feet, 6 feet high, or dimensional equivalent volume. For each additional animal, increase cage size by 25 percent of original floor area.
ii. Each cage shall have an elevated platform(s) that shall accommodate all animals in the enclosure simultaneously.
c. Foxes, (e.g., red, grey, Arctic, bat eared, bush dogs).
i. For one or two animals, a cage 10 feet by 8 feet, 6 feet high, or dimensional equivalent volume. For each additional animal, increase cage size by 25 percent of original floor area.
ii. Each cage shall have an elevated platform(s) that shall accommodate all animals in the enclosure simultaneously.
d. Wolves (e.g., gray wolf, except red wolf), maned wolf, hyenas, African wild dogs, Cape hunting dogs.
i. For one or two animals, a cage 20 feet by 10 feet, 6 feet high. For each additional animal, increase cage size by 25 percent of original floor area.
ii. Each cage shall have an elevated platform(s) that shall accommodate all animals in the enclosure simultaneously.
iii. Outdoor cages over 1,000 square feet (uncovered) shall have vertical jump walls at least 8 feet high, with a 45 degree inward angle overhang 2 feet wide with a hot wire or 3 feet wide without a hot wire, jump walls 10 feet high without an overhang.
e. Coyotes, jackals, Asian wild dogs, red wolf, dingoes.
i. For one or two animals, a cage 20 feet by 8 feet, 6 feet high. For each additional animal, increase cage size by 25 percent of original floor area.
ii. Each cage shall have an elevated platform(s) that shall accommodate all animals in the enclosure simultaneously.
iii. Outdoor cages over 1,000 square feet (uncovered) shall have vertical jump walls at least 8 feet high with a 45 degree, inward angle overhang 2 feet wide with a hot wire or 3 foot overhang without a hot wire, jump walls 10 feet high without an overhang.
5. Raccoons, coati-mundis, olingos, kinkajous, ringtail (cacomistles).
a. In addition to the requirements for this section, each cage or enclosure shall have enrichment devices to provide physical and mental stimulation or manipulation compatible with the species. Such devices shall be non-injurious, and may include, but is not limited to, boxes, balls, mirrors, climbing apparatus, foraging items, etc. Each cage or enclosure shall be equipped with a shelter(s) large enough to accommodate all the animals in the enclosure simultaneously.
b. For up to two animals, a cage 8 feet by 8 feet, 8 feet high, or dimensional equivalent volume. For each additional animal, increase cage size by 25 percent of original floor space.
c. Each cage shall have perching area(s) and nest box(es) that will accommodate all animals in the enclosure simultaneously.
6. Badgers, weasels and polecats, skunks, fishers, ferrets, otters, wolverines, minks, martins, civets, genets, mongoose, and binturong.
a. In addition to the requirements for this section, each cage or enclosure shall have enrichment devices to provide physical and mental stimulation or manipulation compatible with the species. Such devices shall be non-injurious, and may include, but is not limited to, boxes, balls, PVC tubing, etc. Each cage shall have a shelter(s)/den(s)/nest box(es) that will accommodate all animals in the enclosure simultaneously.
b. Small (e.g., ferrets, weasels, polecats, skunks).
i. For up to 4 animals, a cage 5 feet by 6 feet, 6 feet high, or dimensional equivalent volume. For each additional animal, increase the cage size by 25 percent of original floor area.
ii. Each cage shall be equipped with chewing items.
c. Arboreal (e.g., martins, fishers, genets, small or medium civets).
i. For one or two animals, a cage 6 feet by 6 feet, 6 feet high, or dimensional equivalent volume. For each additional animal, increase the cage size by 25 percent of original floor area.
ii. Each cage shall be equipped with perching areas, climbing apparatus, and chewing items.
d. Medium (e.g., badger).
i. For one or two animals, a cage 8 feet by 8 feet, 6 feet high. For each additional animal, increase the cage size by 25 percent of original floor area.
ii. Each cage shall have an area of sufficient depth to provide for digging.
e. Large (e.g., wolverine, binturong, African civet).
i. For one or two animals, a cage 10 feet by 10 feet, 6 feet high. For each additional animal, increase the cage size by 25 percent of original floor area.
f. Aquatic (e.g., common river otters, sea otters, giant river otter). For sea otters, specifications will be as required by Federal regulations.
i. For one or two animals, a cage 10 feet by 10 feet, 6 feet high. For each additional animal, increase the cage size by 25 percent of original floor space.
ii. Each cage shall have a 8 foot by 4 foot pool of water, 2.5 feet deep. For each additional animal, increase pool size by 25 percent of original pool area. Dry resting areas shall be provided.
Hoofstock
Odd-and even-toed animals.
1. In addition to the enclosure requirements for this paragraph, each enclosure shall have a shelter(s).
2. Equids (e.g., zebras, asses) and large non-cusorial bovids (e.g., wild cattle, African buffalo, bison).
a. For one or two animals, a paddock enclosing 1,250 square feet, 6 feet high. For each additional animal, increase paddock by 25 percent of the original footage.
3. Cervids (deer family) and cursorial bovids (antelope).
a. Large (e.g., elk, sambar, red deer, sable antelope, eland, wildebeest, and deer and antelope of similar size).
i. For one or two animals, a paddock enclosing 1,250 square feet, 8 feet high.
ii. For each additional animal, increase paddock by 25 percent of the original footage.
b. Medium (e.g., white-tailed, fallow, axis, sika, pronghorn, deer and antelope of similar size).
i. For one or two animals, a paddock enclosing 800 square feet, 8 feet high. For each additional animal, increase paddock by 25 percent of the original footage.
c. Small (e.g., roe, dikdik, muntjac, brocket, pudu, Chinese water deer, musk deer, deer and antelope of similar size).
i. For one or two animals, a paddock enclosing 450 square feet, 5 feet high. For each additional animal, increase paddock by 25 percent of the original footage.
4. Camelids (e.g., vicuna and guanaco).
a. For one or two animals, a paddock enclosing 800 square feet, 6 feet high.
For each additional animal, increase paddock by 25 percent of the original footage.
5. Giraffes, okapi.
a. For one or two animals, a paddock enclosing 1500 square feet, 8 feet high. For each additional animal, increase paddock by 25 percent of the original footage.
6. Tapirs.
a. For one or two animals, a paddock enclosing 500 square feet, 4 feet high except Malayan which shall be 5 foot high. For each additional animal, increase paddock by 25 percent of the original footage.
b. Each enclosure shall have a pool of water, 60 square feet, 3 feet deep, equipped with a ramp or steps. For each additional animal, increase pool surface area by 25 percent of original area.
7. Wild swine (Suidae) and peccaries.
a. For one or two animals, a paddock enclosing 200 square feet, 4 feet high. For each additional animal, increase paddock by 25 percent of the original footage. Exhibit floor shall have an area of sufficient depth for digging. Dig barriers as required.
8. Wild goats/sheep, (Caprinae) (e.g., musk ox, goral, serow, takin).
a. For one or two animals, a paddock enclosing 500 square feet, 8 feet high. For each additional animal, increase paddock by 25 percent of the original footage.
9. Elephants NOTE: ZAA has adopted the Elephant Husbandry Resource Guide used by the Elephant Managers Association and the International Elephant Foundation as our husbandry standards. ZAA’s policy on “Protected Contact” is as follows:
a. While ZAA does not promote "protected contact", we believe that decision regarding protected contact with elephants should be left to the governing body of each organization. As a husbandry guide, ZAA defers to the Elephant Husbandry Resource Guide as the recognized standard for maintaining elephants.
10. Rhinos.
a. For one animal, a paddock enclosing 1,500 square feet, 5 feet high. For each additional animal, increase the paddock by 50 percent of original paddock area.
b. Access to a shelter shall be provided at all times.
11. Hippopotamus (e.g., Nile and pygmy).
a. Nile.
i. For one animal, a paddock enclosing 1,500 square feet, 5 feet high, with a pool of water, 120 square feet, 5 feet deep, equipped with a ramp or steps. For each additional animal, increase paddock and pool surface area by 50 percent of original area.
ii. Access to a shelter shall be provided.
b. Pygmy.
i. For up to two animals, a paddock enclosing 600 square feet, 4 feet high, with a pool of water 80 square feet, 3 feet deep, equipped with a ramp or steps. For each additional animal, increase paddock and pool surface area by 25 percent of original area.
ii. Access to a shelter shall be provided.
Other Mammals
1. Rodents.
a. In addition to the requirements for this section, each cage or enclosure shall have enrichment devices to provide physical and mental stimulation or manipulation compatible with the species. Such devices shall be non-injurious, and may include, but is not limited to, boxes, balls, PVC tubing, browse, etc. Each cage shall have shelters or nest box(es) that will accommodate all animals in the enclosure simultaneously. Dig barriers as required. Cage floors shall have an area of sufficient depth that provides for digging. A four foot non climbable wall can eliminate the need for a six foot tall barrier.
b. Small aquatic rodents (e.g., Florida water rat, muskrat).
i. For one or two animals, a cage 5 feet by 6 feet, 6 feet high, or dimensional equivalent volume. For each additional animal, increase the cage size by 25 percent of original floor area.
ii. Each cage shall have a pool of water, 2 feet by 2 feet, 1 foot deep.
iii. Each cage shall have gnawing items.
c. Medium aquatic rodents (e.g., nutria, beaver).
i. For one or two animals, a cage 8 feet by 10 feet, 6 feet high. For each additional animal, increase the cage size by 25 percent of original floor space.
ii. Each cage shall have a pool of water, 6 feet by 4 feet, 2 feet deep.
iii. Each cage shall have gnawing items.
d. Large aquatic rodents (e.g., capybara).
i. For one or two animals, a cage 10 feet by 10 feet, 6 feet high. For each additional animal, increase the cage size by 25 percent of original floor space.
ii. Each cage shall have a 6 foot by 8 foot pool of water, 3 feet deep. For each additional animal, increase the pool size by 25 percent of original floor area.
iii. Each cage shall have gnawing items.
e. Large rodents (e.g., porcupines, cavies, paca, pacarana, agoutis).
i. Cavies, paca, pacarana, agoutis and similar sized ground dwelling rodents.
1. For one or animals, a cage 6 feet by 6 feet, 6 feet high, or dimensional equivalent volume. For each additional animal, increase the cage size by 25 percent of original floor area.
2. Each cage shall have gnawing items.
ii. South and North American porcupines.
1. For one or two animals, a cage 8 feet by 6 feet, 6 feet high, or dimensional equivalent volume. For each additional animal, increase cage size by 25 percent of original floor area.
2. Each cage shall have gnawing items, perching areas and climbing apparatus.
iii. Old World porcupines (e.g., crested, bush tailed, and similar sized animals).
1. For one to two animals, a cage 8 feet by 8 feet, 6 feet high, or dimensional equivalent volume. For each additional animal, increase cage size by 25 percent of original floor area.
2. Each cage shall have gnawing items and browse. Each cage shall also have perching areas and climbing apparatus except for crested porcupines.
f. Squirrels and tree shrews.
i. Arboreal squirrels/tree shrews.
1. For up to four animals, a cage 5 feet by 5 feet, 8 feet high, or dimensional equivalent volume. For each additional animal, increase cage size by 25 percent of original floor area.
2. Each cage shall have climbing apparatus and gnawing items.
ii. Terrestrial squirrels.
1. Small prairie dogs, chipmunks.
a. For up to two animals, a cage 4 feet by 5 feet, 4 feet high, or dimensional equivalent volume. For each additional animal, increase the cage size by 25 percent of original floor area.
b. Each cage shall have gnawing items.
2. Large (e.g., marmots, ground hogs).
a. For up to two animals, a cage 5 feet by 5 feet, 4 feet high. For each additional animal, increase the cage size by 25 percent of original floor area.
b. Cage floors shall have an area of sufficient depth that provides for digging. Each cage shall have gnawing items.
g. Wild rabbits, hares, and picas.
i. For up to two animals, a cage 6 feet by 4 feet, 5 feet high. For each additional animal, increase the cage size by 25 percent of original floor area.
ii. Each cage shall have gnawing items.
2. Marsupials.
a. In addition to requirements of this section, each enclosure shall be equipped with a shelter(s) or nest box(es) that shall accommodate all the animals in the enclosure simultaneously. When vegetation or landscaping is available to serve as protection from the elements, access to a shelter shall also be provided during inclement weather conditions. Such shelter shall be attached to or adjacent to the paddock, habitat, or enclosure. Each paddock, habitat, or enclosure shall have enrichment devices to provide physical and mental stimulation or manipulation compatible with the species. Such devices shall be non-injurious, and may include, but is not limited to, browsing and grazing material. Cage floor shall be of sufficient depth to provide for digging. Dig barriers as required.
b. Kangaroo, Wallaroos (e.g., red, grey).
i. For one or two animals, a paddock enclosing 625 square feet, 5 feet high. For each additional animal, increase the cage by 25 percent of original floor area.
c. Wallabies (e.g., rock wallabies, and similar sized species).
i. For one or two animals, a paddock enclosing 500 square feet, 4 feet high. For each additional animal, increase the cage by 25 percent of original floor area.
d. Hare wallabies, forest wallabies (e.g., dama, potorros, rat kangaroos, and similar sized species).
i. For one or two animals, a paddock enclosing 100 square feet, 4 feet high. For each additional animal, increase the cage by 25 percent of original floor area.
e. Tree kangaroos (arboreal).
i. For one or two animals, a cage or enclosure 10 feet by 8 feet, 8 feet high, or dimensional equivalent volume. For each additional animal, increase cage size by 25 percent of original floor area.
ii. Each cage shall have perching area(s) and nest box(es) that shall accommodate all animals in the enclosure simultaneously. Each cage shall have horizontal climbing apparatus.
f. Ringtail opossums, gliders, pygmy possums, brushtail possums, cuscus, bandicoots
i. Small (e.g., pygmy opossums).
1. For one or two animals, a cage or enclosure 3 feet by 3 feet, 4 feet high, or dimensional equivalent volume.For each additional animal, increase cage size by 25 percent of original floor space.
2. Each cage shall have perching area(s) and nest box(es) that shall accommodate all animals in the enclosure simultaneously. Each cage shall have a horizontal climbing apparatus.
b. Gliders (e.g., sugar glider, Family Petauridae).
3. For up to six animals, a cage or enclosure 4 feet by 4 feet, 4 feet high, or dimensional equivalent volume. For each additional six animals, increase cage size by 25 percent of original floor area.
4. Each cage shall have perching area(s) and nest box(es) that shall accommodate all animals in the enclosure simultaneously. Each cage shall have a horizontal climbing apparatus.
ii. Ringtail possums (Family Pseudocheiridae).
1. For one or two animals, a cage or enclosure 4 feet by 3 feet, 3 feet high, or dimensional equivalent volume.For each additional animal, increase cage size by 25 percent of original floor area.
2. Each cage shall have perching area(s) and nest box(es) that shall accommodate all animals in the enclosure simultaneously. Each cage shall have a horizontal climbing apparatus.
iii. Cuscuses and brushtail possums (Phalangeridae).
1. For one or two animals, a cage or enclosure 4 feet by 4 feet, 4 feet high, or dimensional equivalent volume. For each additional animal, increase cage size by 25 percent of original floor area.
2. Each cage shall have perching area(s) and nest box(es) that shall accommodate all animals in the enclosure simultaneously. Each cage shall have a horizontal climbing apparatus.
iv. Bandicoots.
1. For one or two animals, a cage or enclosure 4 feet by 3 feet, 3 feet high, or dimensional equivalent volume. For each additional animal, increase cage size by 25 percent of original floor area.
v. Marsupial carnivores (Dasyuridae).
1. Small (e.g., 3 striped marsupial mouse).
a. For one to four animals, a covered cage or enclosure 1 foot by 2 feet, 1 foot high, or dimensional equivalent volume. For each additional animal, increase cage size by 25 percent of original floor area.
2. Large (e.g., Tasmanian devil, tiger quoll).
a. For one or two animals, a cage or enclosure 4 feet by 6 feet, 4 feet high, or dimensional equivalent volume. For each additional animal, increase cage size by 25 percent of original floor area.
vi. American (New World) opossums/possums and honey possum.
1. Small (e.g., mouse opossums, honey possum: Tarsipes rostratus).
a. For one to four animals, a cage or enclosure 3 feet by 3 feet, 3 feet high, or dimensional equivalent volume. For each additional animal, increase cage size by 25 percent of original floor area.
b. Each cage shall have perching area(s) and nest box(es) that shall accommodate all animals in the enclosure simultaneously. Each cage shall have horizontal climbing apparatus.
2. Large (e.g., American, yapok, four-eyed, woolly, bushy-tailed, and similar sized animals).
a. For one to four animals, a cage or enclosure 4 feet by 5 feet, 6 feet high, or dimensional equivalent volume. For each additional animal, increase cage size by 25 percent of original floor area.
b. Each cage shall have perching area(s) and nest box(es) that shall accommodate all animals in the enclosure simultaneously. Each cage shall have horizontal climbing apparatus.
vii. Wombats.
1. For one or two animals, a cage, enclosure, or paddock 10 feet by 10 feet, 6 feet high, or dimensional equivalent volume. For each additional animal, increase cage size by 25 percent of original floor area.
viii. Koalas.
1. For one or two animals, a cage, or enclosure, 8 feet by 10 feet, 8 feet high, or dimensional equivalent volume. A four foot non climbable wall can eliminate the need for an 8 foot barrier. For each additional animal, increase cage size by 25 percent of original floor area.
2. Each cage shall have perching area(s) and horizontal climbing apparatus.
3. Shade must be provided at all times and such animals must be protected from the heat.
ix. Hedgehogs, tenrecs, and solendons.
1. For one to four animals, a cage 2 feet by 2 feet, 2 feet high, or dimensional equivalent volume. For each additional animal, increase the cage length by 25 percent.
2. Each cage shall have perching area(s) and nest box(es) that shall accommodate all animals in the enclosure simultaneously.
3. Edentates (e.g., armadillos, pangolins, anteaters, sloth).
a. Each cage or enclosure shall be equipped with a shelter(s) large enough to accommodate all the animals in the enclosure simultaneously.
b. All armadillos except giant armadillo.
i. For one or two animals, a cage or enclosure, 4 feet by 4 feet, 4 feet high, non climbable barrier. For each additional animal, increase the cage length by 25 percent.
ii. Cage floors shall include an area of sufficient depth to provide for digging.
iii. Each cage shall be provided with a den(s) that shall accommodate all animals in the enclosure simultaneously.
c. Giant armadillo.
i. For one or two animals, a cage 10 feet by 12 feet, 6 feet high. For each additional animal, increase the cage length by 25 percent.
ii. Cage floors shall include an area of sufficient depth to provide for digging.
iii. Each cage shall be provided with a den(s) that shall accommodate all animals in the enclosure simultaneously.
d. Pangolin.
i. For one or two animals, a cage 10 feet, by 10 feet, 8 feet high. For each additional animal, increase the cage size by 25 percent of original floor area.
ii. Cage floors shall include an area of sufficient depth to provide for digging. Climbing apparatus shall be provided for arboreal species. A pool or tub of water shall be provided that shall accommodate the animal(s). Each cage shall be provided with a den(s) that shall accommodate all animals in the enclosure simultaneously.
e. Anteaters and aardvarks.
i. Small anteaters.
1. For one or two animals, a cage 8 feet by 8 feet, 6 feet high. For each additional animal, increase the cage length by 25 percent.
2. Cage floor shall include an area of sufficient depth to provide for digging. Climbing apparatus shall be provided for arboreal species. Each cage shall be provided with arboreal nest box(es) that shall accommodate all animals in the enclosure simultaneously.
ii. Giant anteaters and aardvarks.
1. For one or two animals, a cage 10 feet by 20 feet, 6 feet high. For each additional animal, increase the cage size by 25 percent of original floor area.
2. Cage floor shall include an area of sufficient depth to provide for digging. Climbing apparatus shall be provided for arboreal species. Each cage shall be provided with a den(s) that shall accommodate all animals in the enclosure simultaneously.
f. Sloth (e.g., two-toed and three-toed).
i. In addition to the requirements for this section, each cage or enclosure shall have enrichment devices to provide physical and mental stimulation or manipulation compatible with the species. Such devices shall be non-injurious, and may include, but is not limited to, natural or artificial trees, tree limbs, etc. Each cage shall have a shelter(s) or den(s) or nest box(es).
ii. For one or two animals, a cage 5 feet by 6 feet, 8 feet high, or dimensional equivalent volume. For each additional animal, increase the cage length by 25 percent.
iii. Each cage shall have perching area(s) and nest box(es) that shall accommodate all animals in the enclosure simultaneously. Each cage shall have horizontal climbing apparatus large enough to accommodate all animals in the enclosure simultaneously.
4. Bats.
a. Each cage or enclosure shall be equipped with a shelter(s) large enough to accommodate all the animals in the enclosure simultaneously.
b. Bats with a wingspread from 2-6 feet.
i. For up to 6 animals, an enclosure 20 feet by 20 feet, 6 feet high. Each enclosure shall be designed to encourage uninterrupted flight by incorporating a center structure to impede cross flights. The available flight area shall be no less than 1.5 times the wingspread of the largest bat in the enclosure. The center structure may incorporate nest boxes, feeding stations, trees, resting shelves, perches, columns, etc. For each additional animal, increase the enclosure size by 15 percent of the original floor area.
ii. Each cage shall have perching areas and nest box(es) that shall accommodate all animals in the enclosure simultaneously. Each cage shall have climbing apparatus.
c. Bats with a wingspread less than 2 feet.
i. The enclosure shall be large enough to permit aerial maneuvering within the enclosure.
ii. Each cage shall have perching areas and nest box(es) that shall accommodate all animals in the enclosure simultaneously. Each cage shall have climbing apparatus.
Birds
Perching birds shall be provided with a perch of a diameter sufficient to prevent the meeting of the bird's claws, and of sufficient height to prevent floor contact. Perches and perching areas shall be sufficient to accommodate all birds in the enclosure simultaneously. Perches shall be constructed in a manner and of materials that provide for effective cleaning or replacement to insure the health of the birds. Enclosures shall be provided with shelter(s). Each cage or enclosure shall be equipped with a shelter(s) large enough to accommodate all the animals in the enclosure simultaneously.
1. Psittacine and small Passerines.
a. Large (e.g., large cockatoos, large macaws, including palm cockatoos, green-winged macaws and similar sized birds).
i. For one or two birds, a cage providing space sufficient to permit perching without the tail feathers touching the floor and provide for head clearance with normal posturing, with a minimum cage dimension to allow full extension of both wings. These measurements shall be based on the largest bird in the enclosure. For each additional bird, increase perimeter by 25 percent.
b. Medium (e.g., medium-sized parrots, lories and large conures including Amazons, Patagonian and similar sized birds)
i. For one or two birds, a cage 18 inches by 18 inches, 2 feet high. For each additional bird, increase perimeter by 25 percent.
c. Small (e.g., parrots, cockatiels, lories and parakeets)
i. For up to four birds, a cage 1 foot by 2 feet, 10 inches high. For each additional bird, increase perimeter by 25 percent.
d. Very-small (e.g., canaries, finches, and similar-sized birds (except hummingbirds)
i. For up to 2 birds, a cage 8 inches by 8 inches, 8 inches high. For each additional bird, increase perimeter by 25 percent.
e. Hummingbirds and sunbirds.
i. For up to 5 birds, a cage 4 feet by 2 feet by 2 feet. For each additional bird, increase original floor area by 10 percent.
f. Small and medium passerine birds (e.g., jays, doves, pigeons, starlings and other similar-sized birds).
i. For up to two birds, a cage 3 feet by 2 feet, 3 feet high. For each additional bird, increase original floor area by 25 percent.
g. Large passerine, (e.g., ravens, crows, magpies, small hornbills and similar-sized birds).
i. For up to two birds, a cage 4 feet by 4 feet, 6 feet high. For each additional bird increase original floor area by 25 percent.
ii. Ground hornbills, Indian great hornbills, crowned pigeons and similar sized birds.
1. For up to three birds, a cage having 144 square feet of floor area, 6 feet high, with a perch elevated 4 feet above the floor.
2. For each additional bird, increase cage original floor area by 25 percent.
2. Waterfowl.
a. Small to Medium (e.g., green-winged teal, mallard and similar sizes ducks, geese)
i. For up to four birds, a cage with 75 square feet of land area and 7.5 square feet of water area.
ii. For each additional adult bird, increase enclosure and pool size by 25 percent.
b. Large (e.g., geese, swans, and similar size).
i. For up to four birds, an enclosure with 150 square feet of land and 15 square feet of water area.
ii. For each additional adult bird, increase enclosure and pool size by 25 percent.
3. Eagles, hawks, owls, vultures, toucans and toucanets.
a. For each bird, an enclosure 2 wingspreads by 3 wingspreads. The roof shall be of sufficient height to permit bird to perch erect on the highest perch.
b. For each additional bird, increase cage length by 50 percent and width by 25 percent.
c. Birds of prey used for falconry demonstrations shall be kept as ZAA directs.
4. Large ground-dwelling (e.g., Congo peafowl, Javan peafowl, curassows, wild turkeys, brush turkeys (moundbuilders), large grouse, capricali, and sage hen) (exhibit only).
a. For up to five birds, a cage having 144 square feet of floor, 6 feet high, with the perch elevated 4 feet above the floor.
b. For each additional bird, increase original floor area by 10 percent.
5. Lesser game birds (e.g., pheasants, wild guinea fowl, tragopans, snowcocks, partridge, grouse, chachlachas, guans (exhibit only).
a. For up to five birds, a cage having 100 square feet of floor, 6 feet high, with the perch elevated 30 inches.
b. For each additional bird, increase original floor area 10 percent.
6. Quail (e.g., bob-white quail, scaled quail, button quail, and other species exhibit only).
a. For a pair, a cage 2 feet by 2 feet, 1 foot high.
b. For each additional animal, increase original floor area by 10 percent.
7. Wading birds, (e.g., flamingos, ibises, spoonbills, herons, egrets, cranes, storks and their allies) and certain shore birds (plovers and sandpipers).
a. For up to five birds, a cage of 144 square feet, with a wading pool of water covering 14 square feet.
b. For each additional bird, increase original floor area by 25 percent.
8. Diving, skimming fish-eaters (e.g., pelicans, cormorants, anhinga, frigate birds, gannets, boobies, albatrosses, sheerwaters, petrels, sheepbills).
a. For up to two birds, a cage of 144 square feet, one half of which will be a pool of water, 18 inches deep.
b. For each additional bird, increase original floor area by 25 percent.
9. Penguins (e.g., Humboldts, Emperor, King, Jackass, etc.), puffins, murres, auks
a. Puffins, murres, auks.
i. For up to two birds, a cage of 100 square feet, one half of which shall be a pool of water, three feet deep. For each additional animal, increase original floor area and pool size by 25 percent.
b. Penguins-large (e.g., Emperor, King, and southernmost species).
i. For up to two birds, a cage of 100 square feet, one half of which shall be a pool of water, three feet deep with flowing water, 55-degree Fahrenheit or less. For each additional animal, increase original floor area and pool size by 25 percent.
c. Penguins-small (e.g., Humboldts, blackfoot and northernmost species).
i. For up to two birds, a cage of 80 square feet, one half of which shall be a pool of water, two feet deep. For each additional bird, increase original floor area and pool size by 25 percent.
10. Ratites (e.g., ostrich, rhea, emu, cassowary).
a. For one or two birds, a paddock enclosing 500 square feet, four feet high (six feet for ostriches) with an attached shaded, protected area.
b. For each additional bird, increase original paddock area by 25 percent.
Reptiles & Amphibians
In addition to requirements of this section, enclosures shall be provided with an environment that allows for temperature regulation necessary to insure the well-being of the species. The environment or devices shall be non-injurious. Each enclosure shall be provided with a non-injurious substrate that is species appropriate. Such substrate shall be disposed of or sanitized at intervals sufficient to insure the health of the animal(s). Each cage or enclosure shall be equipped with a shelter(s) large enough to accommodate all the animals in the enclosure simultaneously.
1. Reptiles
a. Snakes
i. The following species are considered to be “large constrictors:”
1. Large constrictors:
2. Indian or Burmese python (python molurus)
3. Northern African Rock python (python sebae)
4. Southern African Rock Python (python natalensis)
5. Reticulated Python (python reticulatus)
6. Boa constrictor (Constricor constrictor)
7. Green anaconda (Eunectes murinus)
8. Bolivian Anaconda (Eunectes beniensis)
9. De Schauensee's Anaconda (Eunectes deschauenseei)
ii. Enclosures for large constrictors shall be constructed of a variety of materials, all or any of which must securely, effectively, and safely contain the animal.
1. Exhibit front or viewing area must use laminated glass, acrylic, or double paned glass (where the glass on the viewer’s side is laminated or tempered).
a. Glass for viewing area can be single paned tempered glass when an escape proof exhibit is kept behind the glass: an example would be a glass aquarium behind a viewing area.
2. The minimum size of the exhibit shall be based upon the length of the longest specimen in the enclosure and shall allow for the thorough cleaning of the container or exhibit by staff.
a. For up to two specimens, a cage or enclosure having a perimeter 25% greater than the length of the longest specimen; the width of the enclosure shall not be less than 20% of the length of the longest specimen.
b. For each additional specimen, increase the perimeter by 25%.
3. The minimum height shall be 6.5 feet tall.
4. Environmental enriching furniture such as varied substrates,logs, and rocks should be available. All species should have access to a water tub or pool large enough for complete submersion.
iii. Enclosure sizes for all snakes (other than large constrictors) shall be based upon the length of the longest specimen in the enclosure.
1. For up to two specimens, a cage or enclosure having a perimeter at least as great as the length of the longest specimen; the width of the enclosure shall not be less than 20% of the length of the longest specimen. For each additional specimen, increase perimeter by 10%.
b. Lizards
i. The following species are considered to be “large lizards:”
1. Crocodilians
2. Varanus subspecies of monitors (3 species)
3. Komodo dragon Varanus komodoensis
4. Crocodile monitor Varanus salvadorii
5. Water monitor Varanus salvator
6. Nile Monitor Varanus niloticus
ii. Enclosures for large lizards shall be built of reinforced brick or steel walls, with top and doors of steel or half-inch (½”) or thicker plywood on a 2"x4" (wooden stud) or better framework.
1. Exhibit front or viewing area must use laminated glass, acrylic, or double paned glass (where the glass on the viewer’s side is laminated or tempered).
a. Glass for viewing area can be single paned tempered glass when an escape proof exhibit is kept behind the glass: an example would be a glass aquarium behind a viewing area.
2. The minimum size of the exhibit shall be based upon the length of the longest specimen in the enclosureand shall allow for the thorough cleaning of the container or exhibit by staff.
a. Lizards 25 to 36 inches in length
i. For one or two lizards an enclosure 36 inches by 12 inches, 16 inches high. For each additional lizard, increase enclosure size by 10 inches or 25 percent in length and width.
b. Lizards 37 inches to 6 feet in length
i. For one or two lizards, an enclosure 6 feet by 3 feet, 4 feet high. For each additional lizard, increase the enclosure by 25 percent of the original floor area.
c. Lizards over 6 feet in length
i. For one or two lizards, an enclosure 9 feet by 6 feet, 4.5 feet high. For each additional lizard, increase the enclosure by 25 percent of original floor area.
3. Environmental enriching furniture such as varied substrates,logs, and rocks should be available. All species should have access to a water tub or pool large enough for complete submersion.
4. Enclosures should allow for all the normal activities of the species (e.g. swimming, climbing, burrowing, running, hiding, and, especially, sunning).
5. This environment should also be sufficiently environmentally enriched to exceed the minimum husbandry requirements for sustained long life and reproduction, if desired, of the species.
iii. Enclosures for all other lizards should be an environment large enough to allow for all the normal activities of the species (e.g. swimming, climbing, burrowing, running, hiding, and, especially, sunning).
1. This environment should also be sufficiently environmentally enriched to exceed the minimum husbandry requirements for sustained long life and reproduction, if desired, of the species.
2. When more than one animal occupies the same unit, additional space and environmental enrichments should be added in a direct ratio to the number of individuals, their ages, sexes, and needs demand.
c. Turtles (other than tortoises and box turtles)
i. In addition to requirements of this section, each enclosure shall have a pool of water that will allow for the immersion of the largest turtle. For all turtles with soft carapaces, a non-abrasive pool bottom is required.
ii. Enclosure sizes for all turtles shall be based upon the size of the largest specimen in the enclosure.
1. For one or two turtles, an enclosure with an area at least five times the shell length, by two times the shell width of the largest turtle. The pool area shall equal no less than two times the shell width, by two times the shell length of the largest turtle. A dry resting area equal to the size of the shell of the largest turtle shall be provided. For each additional specimen, increase resting and pool area by 25 percent of the original floor area.
d. Tortoises and box turtles
i. Enclosure sizes for all tortoises and box turtles shall be based upon the size of the largest specimen in the enclosures.
1. For one or two tortoises or box turtles, an enclosure with a floor area 10 times the shell size of the largest specimen in the enclosure. For additional specimens, the floor area available for movement shall be twice the floor area covered by the combined body mass of all animals in the enclosure.
e. Crocodilians
i. For one animal, an enclosure of sufficient size to permit moving and turning both on a dry area and in a pool of water, the water being of sufficient depth to permit submersion. For additional animals, the combined area covered by all their bodies shall not exceed 50 percent of enclosure area.
2. Amphibians
a. Aquatic amphibians shall be kept in water filled tanks or aquaria. Semi-aquatic and terrestrial amphibians shall be kept in enclosures, tanks or aquaria with a water area and a dry area that shall permit moving and turning. Both the dry area and the water area shall provide room to accommodate all animals in the enclosure simultaneously.
VI. Possession, Exhibition and Caging Venomous Reptiles:
Venomous reptiles shall be kept enclosed in cages, cases, pits, or enclosures of the following specifications:
1. Enclosure may be constructed of a variety of materials, all or any of which must securely, effectively, and safely contain the animal. Cages and doors to cages shall be sealed.
a. Enclosures shall be securely locked with two separate locking mechanisms to lessen unauthorized intrusion, keeper error, or lock failure, through one of two methods:
i. The immediate door to the enclosure shall have two separate latches, clamps, slide bolts, or similar, each with its own key-required lock.
ii. The immediate door to the enclosure shall have at least one latch, clamp, slide bolt, or similar, with at least one having its own key-required lock, and the access door or gate to the service area shall have its own key-required lock.
b. Enclosures which include glass (such as for viewing) must use safety or laminated glass, acrylic or double-paned glass (where as glass on the viewer’s side is laminated or tempered).
i. Glass for viewing area can be single paned tempered glass when an escape proof exhibit is kept behind the glass: an example would be a glass aquarium behind a viewing area.
2. A room may contain venomous reptiles in cages that are not locked provided that such a room is locked with two separate key-required locking mechanisms to prevent unauthorized intrusion, is inaccessible to unauthorized personnel, and is constructed and maintained as to be escape-proof.
3. Outdoor open-topped enclosures
a. For venomous reptiles native to the United States:
i. The floors of outdoor cages shall be of concrete or masonry construction at least two inches in thickness. Sides shall be of similar construction, at least eight inches in thickness, or strength equivalent, and extend no less than four feet above the highest accessible point of the enclosure. Outdoor enclosures need not have concrete or masonry flooring if the enclosure meets the following additional specifications:
1. The enclosure shall have concrete or masonry walls, at least eight inches in thickness, or strength equivalent.
2. The enclosure shall have footers made of concrete, or strength equivalent, extending not less than three feet below the grade level.
3. The corners of enclosure shall be designed or guarded to prevent the escape of reptiles by climbing.
4. All landscaping of the enclosure shall be arranged to insure that vegetation or other structures do not allow for the escape of reptiles.
ii. Entrance doors shall be kept securely locked on all outdoor enclosures to prevent escape and unauthorized intrusion and the enclosure shall be equipped with barriers to prevent visitors from falling into enclosures that are constructed below ground level or viewing level.
b. For venomous reptile species not native to the United States:
i. In addition to the requirements for venomous reptiles native to the United States, all outdoor enclosures shall be topped with close-meshed wire or an equivalent barrier to provide additional security.
c. All outdoor, open top enclosures shall have two separate key-required locking mechanisms to prevent unauthorized intrusion, is inaccessible to unauthorized personnel, and is constructed and maintained as to be escape-proof.
4. Transportation
a. Venomous reptiles may be transported only in the following fashion:
i. They shall be placed in a stout, closely woven cloth sack, tied or otherwise secured and, then, double bagged in the same fashion.
ii. This sack shall then be placed in a container which shall be of strong material, such as solid plywood sheets, metal or thick plastic containers constructed to withstand crushing and physical abuse.
1. Air holes should be less than 1/3 the diameter of the smallest reptile contained within and shall be screened inside with quarter inch (¼”) or smaller wire.
2. Boxes containing venomous snakes or lizards shall be prominently labeled “DANGER Venomous Reptiles.”
5. Facilities housing, owning, or otherwise maintaining venomous reptiles shall have proper “snake bite” protocols in place.
a. Sufficient protocols must cover every venomous species in the collection, take in to account multiple specimens of the same species, and deal with situations that may include multiple victims or multiple bites to one victim.
b. Sufficient protocols should be consulted through a medical doctor and collaborate with at least one local hospital that offers emergency services.
c. A sufficient protocol shall be properly implemented by following three steps:
i. Training: all staff authorized to work with (both directly and indirectly) venomous specimens, as well as at least one other person, shall be fully trained on the protocol.
ii. Written: the protocol must be written down and included as part of the required duties of all staff authorized to work with (both directly and indirectly) venomous specimens and prominently posted in the room or area containing the venomous specimens.
iii. Supervision: the owner or manager must ensure adherence to the protocol through supervision or other appropriate means, to include enforcement.
6. All enclosure access points, containers, sacks, and any other containment for venomous specimens shall have venomous labels in place.
7. Specimens considered to be in an “off public display” situation must be maintained in manners consistent with the above standards.
VII. Exceptions to Standard Caging Requirements for Captive Wildlife.
Wildlife may be temporarily housed in cages or enclosures smaller than the sizes set forth above only under the following circumstances:
1. For transport and for performing and non-performing animals as approved by ZAA.
2. Wildlife being held for sale by those persons properly licensed or for veterinary care or quarantine may be temporarily housed or caged in smaller cages or enclosures for a period not to exceed 60 days. With written notification to ZAA, this period may be extended in circumstances where a licensed veterinarian has certified that a longer holding period is medically necessary in the interests of the health, safety and welfare of the subject animals or the public. Medical records concerning all animals for which an extension of the 60-day period is obtained shall be maintained at the facility and shall be made available for inspection, upon request, by ZAA. The caging or enclosure of all wildlife temporarily held under this section shall not be smaller than that required for the caged animal to stand up, lie down, and turn around without touching the sides of the enclosure or another animal. All wildlife thus caged or housed shall be permanently marked or their enclosures shall be permanently marked, so as to be traceable to written records indicating the date the wildlife was placed in temporary holding. Such records shall be maintained and made available for inspection by ZAA.
3. The standard caging requirements shall not apply to facilities possessing ratites (ostriches, rheas, emus, and cassowaries) for propagation purposes only and not for public exhibition.
4. Newborn and juvenile mammals may be temporarily kept in enclosures below the standard caging requirements and are exempted from the land requirements and structural strength requirements as follows:
a. Newborn mammals may be kept in incubation and rearing facilities. Nursing young may be maintained with their parents with no increase in required cage size for the adult animal for up to twelve weeks, provided that documentation is available to show the age of the young. Such time may be extended with a veterinarian's statement, showing that such size cage is required for the continued health and welfare of the animals until a certain date.
b. Juvenile mammals may be kept in enclosures that do not meet or exceed the size specification in subsection (2) of this section provided that:
i. Written documentation is available to verify the age of the animal.
ii. The animal is marked or otherwise identifiable.
iii. The animal shall be provided space for exercise on a daily basis.
iv. Cages that meet the standard caging requirements shall be provided for Class I and Class II carnivores when they reach 25 pounds or six months of age, whichever comes first. Class III carnivores shall be provided cages that meet the standard caging requirements at six months of age. Class I, II, and III primates shall be provided cages that meet standard caging requirements at twelve (12) months of age.
5. Hatchling/fledgling birds and newborn reptiles and amphibians may be held in enclosures that allow for normal postural movements and social adjustments that ensure the health and sanitary needs of the animals.
6. Birds held temporarily for exhibit only and not for sale, may be kept in show cages, provided that, such birds have sufficient space for perching without touching the sides, top, or bottom of the cage and the health and sanitary needs of the birds are met. Water shall be available in the show cages at all times.
7. Reptiles and amphibians held temporarily for herptile shows, expositions, and exhibits may be kept in enclosures that allow for normal postural movements and social adjustments and that ensure the health and sanitary needs of the animals.
8. Cages or enclosures for mobility impaired animals shall meet standard caging requirements, unless it can be demonstrated that such cage or enclosure, or its required accessories, are detrimental to the health or welfare of the animal. In such cases, written documentation by a veterinarian confirming the need for such exemption shall be maintained by the permittee and made available to ZAA upon request.
9. Mammals held temporarily for shows, expositions, and exhibits may be kept in enclosures that allow for normal postural movements and social adjustments and that ensure the health and sanitary needs of the animals.
VIII. Transportation Requirements for Wildlife; Caging Requirements for Performing and Non-Performing Animals.
1. General requirements for transporting wildlife in vehicles. No vehicle shall be used in transporting any wildlife except as follows:
a. Vehicles shall be equipped to provide fresh air without injurious drafts and adequate protection from the elements to all animals.
b. The animal traveling area shall be free of engine exhaust fumes.
c. Fecal and food wastes shall be removed from the animal quarters as necessary.
d. Animal cages shall have openings for emergency removal of wildlife.
e. Wildlife in transport shall be protected from extremes in temperature that could be detrimental to the health and welfare of the animal.
f. Wildlife transported in the same cage area shall be in compatible groups.
g. The animal's cage or enclosure shall be of sufficient strength and security to prevent escape. The cage or enclosure shall be large enough to ensure that each specimen has sufficient space to turn, stand erect, and lie naturally. Provided, however that certain species may be restricted in their movements according to professionally acceptable standards when such freedom of movement would constitute a danger to the animals, their handlers, or other persons.
h. Elephants shall be tethered during transport (except nursing young).
i. Wildlife shall not be placed in enclosures over other specimens unless each enclosure is fitted with a floor which prevents excreta from entering lower enclosures.
j. Wildlife shall be watered twice daily and fed daily.
2. Mobile Exhibits -- Performing Animals.
a. No mobile exhibit shall utilize the performing animal caging dimensions prior to approval by ZAA. To obtain such approval, the permittee shall provide written schedules to ZAA of wildlife exercise intervals and scheduled performances. The exercise intervals shall be of such frequency, intensity and duration as to provide for the health and welfare of the animal over an extended period, provided that the animals shall not be caged without exercise or performances for more than a 72-hour period. Performing and exercise information shall be verifiable by ZAA through inspections.
b. Performing animals used in mobile exhibits shall not be confined in any cage or enclosure that is smaller in dimension; or is not equipped as follows:
i. Class I and Class II Carnivores (i.e., lions, tigers, jaguars, leopards, pumas, bears, hyenas, wolves)
1. For a single animal, a cage which shall permit the animal to turn or stand on all-fours with head clearance, and confined in such a manner so that no animal can injure another. For Class I animals, cages shall be constructed of steel, case hardened aluminum, alloy, or strength equivalent material. If bars are used, bars shall be spaced no more than 2 inches apart. For Class II animals, cage construction shall not be less than 11 1⁄2 gauge chain link or strength equivalent material. Cages of Class I and Class II animals that the public can access shall be equipped with a physical barrier, which is made of a material to prevent the public from coming in contact with the animals. All cages shall have secure locking devices.
ii. Primates, Class I and Class II animals.
1. For a single animal, a cage which shall permit the animal to turn and stand erect with head clearance, confined in such a manner so that no animal can injure another. For Class I animals, cages shall be constructed of steel, case hardened aluminum, alloy or strength equivalent material. If bars are used, bars shall be spaced no more than 2 inches apart. For Class II animals, cage construction shall not be less than 11 1⁄2 gauge chain link or strength equivalent material. Cages of Class I and Class II animals that the public can access, shall be equipped with a physical barrier, which is made of a material to prevent the public from coming in contact with the animals. All cages shall have secure locking devices.
iii. Elephants:
1. See Elephant Husbandry Resource Guide.
iv. Class III Animals.
1. For a single animal, a cage which shall permit the animal to turn and stand on all fours, or stand erect, with head clearance, confined in such a manner so that no animal can injure another.
2. For performing wildlife possessed by traveling zoos and other traveling acts, wildlife can be housed in cages or enclosures that do not meet or exceed the specifications as provided by ZAA.
3. Mobile Exhibits -- Non-Performing Animals.
a. Non-performing wildlife in mobile exhibits shall not be confined in any cage or enclosure that is smaller in dimension or is not equipped as follows:
i. Class I and Class II Carnivores (i.e., lions, tigers, jaguars, leopards, pumas, bears, hyenas, wolves).
1. For a single animal, the cage length shall be double the body length (excluding tail), with a width that is equal to the body length, and a height that permits the animal to stand on all-fours with head clearance. For two or more animals kept together, add one-third more cage length for each additional animal. For Class I animals, cages shall be constructed of steel, case hardened aluminum, alloy or strength equivalent material. If bars are used, bars shall be spaced no more than 2 inches apart. For Class II animals, cage construction shall not be less than 11 1⁄2 gauge chain link or strength equivalent material. Cages of Class I and Class II animals that the public can access, shall be equipped with a physical barrier, which is made of a material to prevent the public from coming in contact with the animals. All cages shall have secure locking devices.
ii. Primates.
1. All cages shall be well ventilated and shall have secure locking devices. Each cage shall have an overhead pull bar and a seat. For two or more animals kept together, add one-third more cage length for each additional animal. For Class I animals, cages shall be constructed of steel, case hardened aluminum, alloy or strength equivalent material. If bars are used, bars shall be spaced no more than 2 inches apart. For Class II animals, cage construction shall not be less than 11 1⁄2 gauge chain link or strength equivalent material. Cages of Class I and Class II animals that the public can access, shall be equipped with a physical barrier, which is made of a material to prevent the public from coming in contact with the animals.
2. Gorillas.
a. For a single animal, a cage 8 feet by 8 feet, with a height at least 2 feet over the standing height of the animal.
3. Orangutan.
a. For a single animal, a cage 7 feet by 7 feet, with a height at least two feet over standing height of the animal.
4. Adult chimpanzee.
a. For a single animal, a cage 6 1⁄2 feet by 6 1⁄2 feet, with a height at least two feet over standing height of the animal.
5. Chimpanzees up to 50 pounds and macaques.
a. For a single animal, a cage 5 feet by 5 feet, with a height at least two feet over standing height of the animal.
iii. Class III animals (except reptiles).
1. For a single animal, the cage length shall be double the body length (excluding tail), with a width that is equal to the body length, and a height that will permit the animal to stand on all fours, or stand erect, with head clearance. For two or more animals kept together, add one third more cage length for each additional animal.
b. Time limitation on smaller travel caging allowed for housing non-performing animals.
i. For non-performing wildlife possessed by traveling zoos and other traveling acts, wildlife shall be housed in standard cage specifications as provided by ZAA whenever such wildlife is present in such travel cages or enclosures for more than 45 days. Non-performing wildlife shall not be kept in cages or enclosures below the size required by the standard caging requirements for more than a total of 45 days out of each 90 day period. Such mobile exhibits shall provide an itinerary of planned exhibition times and locations with annual renewal applications.
IX. Euthanasia.
ZAA has adopted AVMA euthanasia standards as our protocol on euthanasia. A copy can be obtained from the ZAA office or downloaded from this web site.
https://www.avma.org/KB/Policies/Documents/euthanasia.pdf
X. Risk Management
Facilities shall develop, implement, and enforce sufficient risk management practices and policies that include all relevant aspects of the facility.
Facilities meeting any of the following criteria must have, at least, the associated procedure:
1. Owns, houses, or otherwise maintains live specimens (regardless of public viewings)
a. Animal escape procedure
i. Must include means of resolving the escaped animal situation
ii. Include specifics for facilities containing Class I and/or Class II species
b. Other
2. Open to the public (public visit the facility)
a. Accident (animal and non-animal) procedure
b. Incidents involving an animal or animal exhibit (such as, if a person enters an exhibit)
c. Other
3. Subjected to unpredictable or devastating acts of nature (such as tornadoes, hurricanes, flooding, fires, etc.)
a. Appropriate protocol to plan for, exist through, and recuperate after (animal related)
b. Other
4. Employs staff
a. Training manuals and protocols (to include safety requirements)
b. Other
5. Other
a. Trespassers
b. Security
c. Burglary
d. General Safety
e. Other
Sufficient protocols must cover all applicable aspects of the facility.
1. A sufficient protocol shall be properly implemented by following three steps:
a. Training: all relevant staff shall be fully trained on the protocol.
b. Written: the protocol must be written down and included as part of the required duties of all relevant staff and prominently posted in the relevant area.
c. Supervision: the owner or manager must ensure adherence to the protocol through supervision or other appropriate means, to include enforcement.
XI. Closing.
These standards are dynamic in nature and will be amended as needed to meet or keep up with newly identified or recognized animal keeping standards.
Owners and maintainers of captive wildlife are encouraged to notify ZAA of any innovative programs that help establish a system of better care for animal populations.
Statement of Intent
The ZAA Animal Care & Enclosure Standards detailed above are intended to provide for a safe and healthy environment for animals and people. Obvious typographical or other grammatical errors are not a means or justification for deviating from the intended meaning or requirement.
If any mistakes or omissions are noted in these standards please advise the ZAA Board of Directors or the Accreditation Chairman as soon as possible so they can be corrected.