Page 21 - Gateways_Spring2017_Neat

Abinturong departs Brookfield Zoo for Boise.
A gorilla comes to us from Chicago’s North
Side. Wolf cubs prepare for a new life in Arizona.

In 2016, more than 4,000 animals transferred
to or from Brookfield Zoo. Each of these animal
moves—from the tiniest dart poison frog to a
600-pound tiger—is based on careful strategy and
involves meticulous preparation and planning.

When we transfer an animal to another
institution, we make sure the animal is healthy and,
if young, is weaned. We provide the other institution
with complete medical and behavioral records for
the animal and may even send along a supply of
its food to make the transition easier. Based upon
breeding season and weather, we determine the best
time of year for the transfer to take place.

Animal welfare before, during, and after
transport is of the utmost importance to us.
As every pet owner can attest, even under the best
circumstances, travel can be eventful for animals.
Digestive systems often may be temporarily
disrupted, so one type of preparation might be
to begin a course of probiotics to bolster stomach
health prior to the transfer.

BROOKFIELD ZOO | SPRING 2017 21