distance, the size of the animal and what makes them the most comfortable, she said.
Reptiles and cool blooded species will typically travel by truck because they lose their warmth easily and the temperature inside a truck is higher than the cargo hold of a plane, she said.
After the type of transportation is decided on, the crate and food is arranged.
Many animals are familiar with travelling and the zoo takes that into consideration when accommodating for animal’s preferences.
In general, the crates are not too big to prevent excessive movement and not too small to prevent the animals from being unable to comfortably lie down or stand, Bickert said.
She said depending on the length of travel, the animals will usually not be given water. Instead, the animals will be fed a type of food that already contains water.
Additionally, the zoo does not drug or tranquilize animals for travel.
Bickert said that drugs make travelling dangerous for the animals because some animals are unable to regulate their
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Talk of Arizona
18
January 2014