Abstract
Historically, the zoo-kept maned wolf (Chrysocyon brachyurus) population has suffered from poor reproductive success and a high prevalence of cystinuria, which was attributed to the feeding of a carnivore diet to these generalist omnivores. A multi-institutional survey of zoos (n=62) in Europe, North America and Australia was conducted to evaluate relationships between husbandry, feeding, reproduction and medical management. Data was collected on 169 animals, 81 females, 86 males and two of unknown sex, ranging in age from 1 month to 16 years. This study indicates that factors relevant to reproductive success include paternal parenting behaviour, restricting access to indoor enclosures, the presence of previous offspring during the breeding season and insuffi cient monitoring during the reproductive period. Health concerns most frequently reported over the past 15 years were poor body condition, cystinuria and nephritis. Diets varied considerably, with North American zoo diets typically including Mazuri® Maned Wolf Diet or commercial dog foods, and European and Australian zoo diets primarily consisting of small prey animals with varying additions of fruit and vegetables. The most notable difference between all zoo diets and the diet of free-ranging maned wolves was a lack of grasses and Solanum fruits in zoo diets. The fi ndings in this study suggest that zoo diets would mirror the diets of free-ranging animals more effectively if they contained equal proportions of animal and plant material, which could potentially also help to address poor body condition and cystinuria. To address the poor reproductive success, further research, including close monitoring during the reproductive period, is warranted.
Weber, Sonia