Analysis of Hoof Growth Rates of the Chacoan Peccary (Catagonus wagneri)  

M. Triplett, Keeper I

Louisville Zoo, (formerly of the Phoenix Zoo)

Kentucky , USA

Michelle.Triplett@louisvilleky.gov

Historically the Chacoan Peccaries, Catagonus wagneri, (aka Tagua) have had a problem with rapid hoof growth rate at the Phoenix Zoo. Numerous immobilizations were required throughout the year to trim their hooves. A survey was created to and sent out to other institutions had to see if they had the same problem. The survey dealt with two hypotheses 1) differences in nutrition cause rapid hoof growth rate and 2) differences in exhibit size and substrate cause rapid hoof growth rate. This poster will present the results of this survey and discuss the possible reasons for the rapid growth rate at the Phoenix Zoo.

Some of the challenges of this new focus were exhibit space, training older animals and attempting to convince staff that it will work! The results have been very positive: happy visitors, enriched animals and enthusiastic staff. We discuss these in detail herewith. Future goals include the addition of a Pembroke Welsh Corgi who will be trained to herd some of the animals providing yet another attraction to the paddock. We also envisage a short animal show, with a strong conservation message, featuring a variety of species.