There are two huge tigers in their den, and by observing the big cats in this photo one can gain an appreciation for the size and scale of this excellent habitat. It must be one of the 5 best tiger habitats in North America.
Yes, it definitely is. I would say the 5 best not in any order are Minnesota, San Diego, Columbus, Hogle, and of course Bronx's Tiger Mountain. Dallas also has a nice one.
This definatley is a very apealing looking exhibit.
I wonder how much of it is used by the tigers?
Do they appreciate it? Or is it more about pleasing the public?
I have heard and read about scent marking as enrichment for tigers. What other forms are there? I would personally encourage introduceing live feed here. Are fish any more sensitive than rabbits??
The US public has shown much discouragement for live feed. Fish and Insects seem to be ok though. Some zoos are feeding carcasses to carnivorous animals. Scent marking is very popular with many species...I know that taco seasoning seems to be a favorite for some large cats.
I think it is Munich that has a mechanical flying fox runing through the enclosure. Hanging a carcass on this and watching the animals run must be amazing!
The bunnies in the lion enclosure at SDWAP are very good enrichment! Do they ever get caught?
The entire exhibit is used by the tigers, just certain tigers prefer certain areas. I really think the tigers appreciate the exhibit more than the public because they are very active, although I have heard quite a few visitors compliment the size and layout of the exhibit.
About "live enrichment:" Our tigers often supplement their diet with low flying geese.
I heard from a keeper at Melbourne Zoo that one of their fishing cats managed to pull a possum into its exhibit one night while it had been sitting on top.
