Digestive Disorder Management of a Hand Reared Royal Bengal Tiger Cub in Chattogram Zoo: Case Report

Abstract

The study was planned to know the treatment of cubs during gastrointestinal problem and develops insight into how to nurse abandoned cubs at the zoo. On 14th, November 2020 a Royal Bengal Tiger cub (Joe Biden) was born in Chattogram Zoo, Foy’s Lake, Chattogram, Bangladesh. His mother abandoned him and his siblings, and only Joe survived when he was taken care of by the zoo authority. Firstly, Joe was provided a commercial baby feed named “Cerelac.” After that, he showed some clinical signs of a digestive problem (anorexia, diarrhea with fresh blood, weight loss). To identify the causal agent- nasal, oral, and anal swab samples were collected, and different laboratory examinations were done. Results gave information about the presence of Escherichia coli, which does not lead to any confirmatory diagnosis as it is a general commensal bacteria present in GIT. Within this time, the cub was treated with anti-diarrhoeal drugs and probiotics. Through more study, the feedings were also altered from “Cerelac” to Goat milk. Finally, after four days of supportive treatment and feeding adjustment, Joe was recovered from the digestive issues. Since cured, the feces was normal, and gradually he gained weight. The meat was provided to Joe at the age of 12 weeks, and now he is a healthy tiger who is being re-introduced in a cage. The study helped to know more about abandoned or orphaned Tiger cub management and treatment in the zoo, which also visualized the concentration we should provide in captive breeding of big cats.