Accommodation requirements

• Animals should be provided with appropriate space that is suitable for the species, the space should be suitable for adequate exercise
• enough space is required because

  • prevents build up of parasites and pathogens
  • avoid animals in groups being unduly dominated by individuals
  • avoid risk of persistent conflict between different species in mixed exhibits
• what are the factors that should be considered in terms of proximity to other animals?

  • not appropriate enough space to avoid conflict
  • predator / prey proximity
  • provisions must be made for offspring, to ensure all animals have enough space
• Exposure to the public:

  • visitors can increase abnormal animal behaviours
  • risk of disease
  • risk of injury
• The presence of people that are unfamiliar with the animals, as well as their movements, sounds and smell, all can elicit a stress response in the animals and may negatively affect welfare
• What is a fixture?

  part of an enclosure that is not easily removed
• What is a fitting?

  free standing and easily removed items
• What are barriers?

  something that prevents or blocks movement from one area to another?
• What are some examples of barriers?

  windows, rocks, moats, electric fencing, windows, acrylic
• What are secondary barriers?


  these areas provide temporary animal containment, should the animals escape from primary barriers and to keep people from contacting animals