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Environmental Husbandry Manual Click here for CONTENTS Page No part of this publication may be reproduced without the prior written permission of the author - For contact details see about the author |
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Individual Methods for
Enclosure Design
Raised Shelf in Indoor Houses
The methods outlined in this section relate to features of enclosure construction and layout which may be used to enhance the living conditions of animals, including the use of shelter areas, vegetation, viewing platforms and climbing structures.
Raised Shelf in Indoor Houses |
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| Method | A platform or shelf to lie on is provided in the indoor, off-exhibit areas of the cat enclosures. | |
| Species | Cats. | |
| Purpose | Allow the animals to choose a raised resting place indoors. | |
| Pro | -- | |
| Con | -- | |
| Improvements | -- | |
| Comments | The display areas of enclosures are not the only areas used by animals. If an indoor den is provided, it must be equipped to suit the needs of the animal. At Edinburgh Zoo, the carnivores have access to inside dens, but are not locked in at night. If they were, they could spend up to 70% of their life indoors, so the indoor area would have to be at least as good as the public display area. | |
| Frequency of Use | Constant. | |
| Ratings | Usefulness | 10 |
| Convenience | 10 | |
| Value For Money | 10 | |
| Range of Users | 10 | |
| Contributed By | Carnivore Section | |