standardization of records keeping in indian zoos - Central Zoo ...

3. PART II - MARKING OF ANIMALS FOR IDENTIFICATION
Many people ask the question: why mark animals? The following reasons are
submitted.
It is now generally recognized that zoos have an important part to play, both in
the conservation of rare animals and in scientific research. But their work in these
fields will be of little value unless their animals can be identified individually and
with certainty, and unless accurate records are kept. The breeding of animals in
captivity over many generations, longevity surveys, work on animal biology and
reproduction on animal behavior and on animal pathology, all depended on the
certain, permanent identification of the individual animal, both during life and at postmortem
examination. General animal management in zoos is also greatly aided by
being able to distinguish with certainty between individuals of the same species. It is
true that with certain species and in zoos where the animal keepers are particularly
observant and devoted to their charges, it may be possible to identify some animals
visually, without using marking techniques. Even so, those zoos which now use
marking devices report that the incidence of human error in animal identification is
such that they consider the use of marking techniques essential for correct animal
identification.
Zoos are now recognized as having important responsibilities as regards wild animal
conservation. Not only are they repositories of wild living animals, but in the future it
may well be through zoos that some areas are replenished with wild animals bred in
zoos. However, if breeding is to be carried out scientifically over many generations,
then precise information in the breeding and bloodlines of captive animals is essential.
Apart from conservation, it is important for every zoo to know the age and source of
individual animals, and to be able to identify them through the life of the individual.
Without certain identification, it is impossible to establish precise information on
longevity, on breeding, on behavior, on disease and on many other important subjects.
The ideal identification system is;
1. Permanent, resistant to loss or tearing
2. Easy to read from a distance to make it unnecessary to handle an animal to
establish its identity
3. Easy to apply, and
4. Gives all of the information we desire at a glance.
5. Allow the animal to be as free of pain and / or stress as possible.
6. Be cost effective
36