Evaluating physiological stress in Sumatran tigers (Panthera tigris ssp. sumatrae) managed in Australian zoos.
Glucocorticoid quantification using non-invasive methods provides a powerful tool for assessing the health and welfare of wildlife in zoo-based programmes. In this study, we provide baseline data on faecal-based glucocorticoid (cortisol) monitoring of Sumatran tigers (Panthera tigris ssp. sumatrae) managed at the Melbourne Zoo in Victoria, Australia. We sampled five tigers daily for 60 days. Faecal cortisol metabolites (FCMs) in tiger faecal extracts were quantified using enzyme immunoassays that were successfully validated using parallelism and accuracy recovery checks. Two female tigers had significantly higher mean FCM levels than the two males and another female, suggesting that females may have higher FCM levels. A significant elevation was noted in the FCM levels for one female 2 days after she was darted and anaesthetized; however, the FCM levels returned to baseline levels within 3 days after the event. Comparative analysis of FCM levels of tigers sampled at Melbourne Zoo with tigers sampled earlier at two other Australian Zoos (Dreamworld Themepark and Australia Zoo) showed that FCM levels varied between zoos. Differences in the enclosure characteristics, timing of sampling, size and composition of groupings and training procedures could all contribute to this variation. Overall, we recommend the use of non-invasive sampling for the assessment of adrenocortical activity of felids managed in zoos in Australia and internationally in order to improve the welfare of these charismatic big cats.
Environmental Futures Research Institute, School of Environment, Griffith University, Gold Coast campus, Queensland 4222, Australia.
Tempe
T
Parnell
Environmental Futures Research Institute, School of Environment, Griffith University, Gold Coast campus, Queensland 4222, Australia.
Edward J
EJ
Narayan
Wildlife Conservation and Science, Zoos Victoria, PO Box 74, Parkville, Victoria 3052, Australia.
Michael J L
MJ
Magrath
Wildlife Conservation and Science, Zoos Victoria, PO Box 74, Parkville, Victoria 3052, Australia.
Sheila
S
Roe
Australia Zoo, Steve Irwin Way, Beerwah, Queensland 4519, Australia.
Giles
G
Clark
Dreamworld, Parkway Coomera, Queensland 4209, Australia.
Vere
V
Nicolson
Dreamworld, Parkway Coomera, Queensland 4209, Australia.
Patrick
P
Martin-Vegue
Dreamworld, Parkway Coomera, Queensland 4209, Australia.
Al
A
Mucci
Environmental Futures Research Institute, School of Environment, Griffith University, Gold Coast campus, Queensland 4222, Australia.
Jean-Marc
JM
Hero
Australia; faecal cortisol metabolites; stress; tigers; welfare; zoos