Monitoring consumption
A log of how much meat each lion consumes should be kept, to ensure each individual is receiving adequate nutrition. The amount required will vary during seasons, pregnancy, lactation and growth, and the diet should be altered accordingly. If any individual is not receiving appropriate calorie intake, specifically the young or less dominant, lions should be separated during feeding
Lions should be regularly observed to ensure that the feeding regime is appropriate. Wild lions in the Serengeti weigh on average 120kg (female) and 170kg (male) (Schaller, 1972). Lions may be trained to sit on scales within the enclosure, so that accurate weights can be recorded regularly. Alternatively, body condition scoring can be used to monitor weight fluctuations (see fig 3). A body condition score between 4 and 6 is ideal (AZA, 2012); variations from this should be recorded and the feeding regime should be altered accordingly.
Body condition scoring chart. Ranges from 1 (severely underweight) to 9 (severely overweight). Ideal score is between 4-6 (AZA, 2012).
Lions should be regularly observed to ensure that the feeding regime is appropriate. Wild lions in the Serengeti weigh on average 120kg (female) and 170kg (male) (Schaller, 1972). Lions may be trained to sit on scales within the enclosure, so that accurate weights can be recorded regularly. Alternatively, body condition scoring can be used to monitor weight fluctuations (see fig 3). A body condition score between 4 and 6 is ideal (AZA, 2012); variations from this should be recorded and the feeding regime should be altered accordingly.
Body condition scoring chart. Ranges from 1 (severely underweight) to 9 (severely overweight). Ideal score is between 4-6 (AZA, 2012).
Fecal samples should be regularly tested to ensure good digestibility of a new feeding regime. Samples may also be scored on consistency, colour and moistness.
The behaviour of lions should be monitored before, during and after implementation of a new feeding regime. Close attention should be paid to any abnormal or stereotypic behaviours which may be indicators of stress or ill-health.
All keepers and members of staff involved in food preparation should be fully informed and trained regarding the diet regime. A feeding schedule should be constructed and strictly adhered to. Substitutions should not be made to the diet unless the nutritional content has been fully assessed and supplemented accordingly.
The behaviour of lions should be monitored before, during and after implementation of a new feeding regime. Close attention should be paid to any abnormal or stereotypic behaviours which may be indicators of stress or ill-health.
All keepers and members of staff involved in food preparation should be fully informed and trained regarding the diet regime. A feeding schedule should be constructed and strictly adhered to. Substitutions should not be made to the diet unless the nutritional content has been fully assessed and supplemented accordingly.