No dog’s life for old animals in Singapore Zoo
singapore — Kima the cheetah lies unconscious on an operating table while blood samples are taken and a monitor beeps in the background, being treated not for the results of a savage attack, but for the ravages of old age.
As with humans, animal populations in developed countries are living longer, putting a strain on healthcare resources, with experts warning animal enclosures in Asia are ill-equipped to handle the burden.
“Few zoos are adequately prepared for this,” said Dave Neale, Welfare Director of Animals Asia, adding that the region was well behind the West in addressing the problem. Singapore Zoo is one of the few in Asia to tackle the issue: It has introduced a senior animals’ programme, where the elderly get a specialised diet, regular visits from an in-house vet and individually tailored exercise regimes.
The scheme began this year and about 100 animals have been signed up. Participants are required to have reached about 80 per cent of their natural lifespan before they are deemed eligible.
At 18, Kima is well into her twilight years. Cheetahs in captivity usually live to age 10-15, and around six in the wild, according to the Big Cat Rescue charity.
Keepers had reported the creature had problems catching treats thrown to her and an examination confirmed she needed surgery for cataracts. Among the elderly patients is polar bear Inuka who, at 26, is a senior citizen by arctic standards, > The zoo is well-maintained but aged animals age suffer from arthritis to cataracts and hearing loss. > Under a key programme the elderly get a specialised diet, regular visits from vet and individually tailored exercise regimes. and suffers from arthritis and impaired hearing. His days start with an examination by his keeper and a vet, who check on his gait, teeth and response to commands.
Earlier this year, specialists were drafted in to perform cataract surgery on Jojo, a 60-year-old orangutan, > About 100 animals have been signed up under the scheme. > Animals who have reached about 80 per cent of their natural lifespan are deemed eligible. > Asian zoos still have a lot of catching up to do in terms of animal care, say experts. who was already blind in one eye and hearing impaired.
The team recently had to put down a white tiger who was suffering from skin cancer and joint degeneration. “As a person you feel sad but we have to make the best decision for the animal,” Ponichamy added. —
Facility boasts of a special care programme