Designing a Zoo Exhibit

You said: Develop a regulated, scientifically-formulated diet and feeding schedule

That's what many zoos do. They use commercial feline food, which has been designed by biologists and nutrionists to give the tiger all the nutrients it needs. It's easy and inexpensive, and it will not contaminate the exhibit with unhealthy bacteria and parasites, which can make the tiger ill.

A diet of relying entirely on commercial feline food can cause healthy teeth (left) to develop tooth and gum problems (right)	Some zoos feed animal carcasses to their tigers. Tigers which gnaw on caracasses, bone and all, have fewer gum and teeth problems. Carcasses can also make zoo tigers happier and more active. However, they also may contain bacteria or parasites which could contaminate the exhibit's dirt floor and make the tiger ill.
Other zoos feed their tigers on a mix of commercial food and animal carcasses. No matter which diet is used, all zoos give their tigers a cow's kneebone (called a knucklebone) once a week to avoid dental problems.
Photo: Thomas Cajacob	Where you feed the tiger is as important as when you feed the tiger. If you feed the tiger in the exhibit, you cannot examine it or monitor its diet. Sick tigers rarely show any symptoms except a poor appetite, so it is very important to watch carefully how much a tiger eats at night. After three days without eating, a medical exam is necessary.

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