BACK TO QUEBEC CITY 2002 TITLES
Effects of transfer on
the behavior of captive tigers
D.P. Dembiec and A.J. Zanella
Michigan State University,
East Lansing, USA
Captive tigers are often transported for breeding purposes. Transportation stress has been studied on domestic animals, but little has been done to quantify behaviors associated with stress during transportation of tigers. Preliminary data on behavioral responses to transportation stress will help to assess the welfare of tigers during common managerial practices. Exotic animals are perceived as experiencing stress while being transferred. Changes in activity, the performance of stereotypies, and other responses are often associated with stress. Past experience of transfer may affect how each individual reacts. The first objective of this study was to generate data quantifying common behaviors that tigers show associated with transfer. The second objective was to compare the effects of transfer on tigers with different levels of transfer experience. Five tigers were placed individually in a small transfer cage for 30 minutes. Behavioral observations were carried out 60 minutes prior to transfer, 30 minutes during, and 60 minutes after being transferred. After the transfer period the tigers were released into their original enclosure. Two tigers were identified as having experience with this transfer method. The other three had no prior experience. Among the behaviors recorded were activity level (without stereotypies), pacing, respiration rate, and ear position, which is commonly used as an indicator of stress in cats. Results showed no differences in activity levels before and after the transfer for each tiger . Upon release, an immediate resting response was observed in all the tigers. Respiration rates increased by a factor of three in two tigers, while the others showed a slight increase. These results indicate that transferring may be an energy consuming experience. No common behavioral patterns were observed in response to transportation among tigers. Therefore, patterns should be assessed per individual before and after management procedures. Percentage of time ears were oriented back was significantly greater for naïve animals when compared to tigers habituated with transportation (mean percentage; naïve 82%, experienced 5.8%; P=0.008). Therefore, habituation methods should be used to alleviate stress associated with components of the transfer procedure.