Tulsa Zoo Inspection Lists Safety Concerns, Need For Repairs

By Emory Bryan and NewsOn6.com

TULSA, OK -- In February, the Association of Zoos & Aquariums (AZA) Accreditation Inspection team conducted a review of the Tulsa Zoo after the loss of two Tulsa Zoo giraffes. The study concludes that there are numerous problems that should be addressed at the Zoo, including the need for a second full-time veterinarian.

The AZA report and another report from the Tulsa Community Foundation both concluded the zoo has a lot of problems, but doesn't have the money for improvements.

"Most of the facilities were built about the same time as our rec centers, and as time goes on, we're looking at models that were built in the 50s and 60s, and they need repair," said Lucy Dolman, Tulsa Parks Director.

"We're doing everything we can with insufficient funding to just maintain what we have.  And sometimes lack of attention to details has occurred, by just trying to keep the structure standing," she said.

A separate outside management review of the Zoo's facilities found a $12 million backlog in basic maintenance. That review found it needs at least 40 more employees.

The City has moved forward with a plan to privatize zoo management by July 1.

The accreditation inspection revealed 11 major concerns and 17 lesser concerns. The report repeated that the Zoo doesn't have enough staff to properly operate it, and in two cases, has inadequate security for animals - which could escape into the zoo.

Overall, however, the report finds the "animal collection well cared for and healthy."

Read The AZA Inspection Report

The report also notes that the Zoo failed to correct some of the violations in a timely matter, including repairs to the giraffe barn where 9-year-old Amira died of hypothermia in January.

Giraffe Barn Problems

Though problems with insulation in the Zoo's giraffe barn were identified in a USDA inspection in November 2008, the facility still has not been repaired to the inspection team's satisfaction.

Though barn doors were replaced, the new doors were only a half-inch plastic – a material with a "suspect" ability to insulate against outdoor temperatures. There were also "unacceptable" gaps between the door and where the door meets the block wall to close off the opening.

"The staff has stuffed straw into the gaps to prevent air flow around the doors," the report notes. "This was done after the death of the giraffe in the barn."

There was also inadequate air circulation in the barn to move warm air from the ceiling to the floor.

5/7/2010 Related Story: City Of Tulsa Moving Forward With Privatizing Of The Tulsa Zoo

Though the zoo had temperature protocol instructions in place at the time of the animal's death, "it is questionable that these protocols were followed or apparent to staff prior to the giraffe's death. The building temperature at floor level must have been below the guideline for this species' minimum temperature that would require supplemental heat."

Safety Concerns

The AZA's report notes safety concerns with several animal enclosures. The tiger holding has "one lock securing the keeper access door into the outdoor holding with no secondary containment to prevent escape into the zoo."

One section of the bear holding has non-functional lighting, requiring staff to use flashlights to service the area.

Animal Injuries

"There were a few cases of animal injury which could be directly attributed to problems with facility maintenance," the report notes. "In one example, a cheetah's paw was injured by a shift door which broke and fell onto the animal's leg. A male lion has dermatitis which is suspected to be related to the constantly wet conditions of the holding den.

"This den (and others in the same area) shows evidence of long term leakage from the landscape beds above the enclosures. This is an animal welfare issue, and repairs to the dens should be undertaken immediately."

Veterinary Care

Although there are concerns about the Zoo's facilities disrepair, the inspection notes that veterinarian Dr. Kay Backues responded appropriately to the injury of the first giraffe and the hypothermia of the second. The report calls the hospital facility and veterinary care administered to the giraffes "outstanding."

A review of the animal mortality rates at the Tulsa Zoo for the past few years "were consistent with what might be expected in modern, accredited zoos," the report states. "The team found no pattern that would indicate insufficient veterinary care.

The report does note, however, that veterinary staffing levels are inadequate and that the size of the zoo warrants a second full-time vet.

Other concerns:

• City support is not adequate to meet the staffing and maintenance needs of the zoo.
• Extensive use of extension cords constitutes a fire hazard.
• Rotting wood and rusting metal in caging/exhibits in need of repair and/or replacement.
• Zoo has not fully resolved the USA violations from previous inspections.
• Chemicals stores above food or food prep area.

Improvements Noted:

The report ends with some of the achievements of the Tulsa Zoo which impressed the inspection team.

• Veterinary hospital and program are outstanding with respect to the care administered to the two female giraffes.
• Commitment of keeper and curatorial staff is commendable.
• Commendable commitment by Tulsa Zoo Friends in providing financial support.
• Animal collection appears well cared for and healthy.

Read Tulsa Zoo Governance report.