Grossi felini in cattività. Indagine sulla situazione in Italia: aspetti gestionali e di conservazione

We present the results of a survey in 11 Italian bodies hosting large felids, with the aim of highlighting their conditions in relation to management problems, particularly with regards to welfare and conservation issues. Tigers are the most represented species (79 individuals), followed by lions (51 individuals) and leopards (25 individuals). Both an internal and an external area were present in all the visited situations; the surface area available to the animals showed a great variation among different situation, but it was almost always in agreement with the suggested values for these species. The amount of feed offered to the animals was usually higher than the recommended values, the percentage of red meat was higher than that of white meat and usually no mineral or vitamin supplement was added to the diets. In most cases, vaccinations are performed only at birth; animals are treated against external parasites at seasonal changes. Haematological and faecal analysis are scarce. Matings are not always performed in a rational way. In some cases, this important event is neglected, as animals of both sexes are kept in one group all year round, and therefore matings between related individuals are common. This survey points out how the situation in most Italian zoos is still far from the standards at which the new legislation is aiming. However, efforts are been made in order to improve the situation and to solve the problems. To this aim, a strict collaboration among zoos, associations and research institutes, also at an international level, is strongly required in order to safeguard animal welfare and to improve conservation strategies for endangered species.