Wild Neighbours: The Safety and Security of Ontario's Wildlife in Captivity Facilities

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The Killman Zoo Location

Caledonia, Ontario

Animal Species

This private zoo houses a varied collection of animals, including several bird species, domesticated livestock, ungulates, primates, an American black bear and numerous big cats, including tigers, lions, cougars and jaguars.

Primary Barriers

The big cat enclosures are constructed of either chain-link fence or deer fence on wooden support structures. Several are covered, but the lion, cougar and jaguar enclosures are not (see Figures 7.17 and 7.18).

FIGURE 7.17 Lion enclosure without roof constructed from deer fence

FIGURE 7.18 Cougar enclosure with roof

Many of the smaller, roofed big cat enclosures have sliding doors that allow the cats access to a larger uncovered area. While this provides more room for the cats, the fences in these open-topped yards appear to be about 12 ft (3.65 m) high and some of the struts supporting the overhangs are broken, resulting in areas of sagging (see Figure 7.19). In addition, there are gaps at the bottom of the fencing in some enclosures (see Figure 7.20), as well as areas that do not appear to be adequately secure.

FIGURE 7.19

FIGURE 7.20

WILD NEIGHBOURS

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