By Lara Kraft | VP, Co-Executive Director, Chairwoman
Today, I'm reaching out to discuss the topic of animal healthcare with you and address a pressing issue: cancer in captive wildlife. We will examine its impact on our animals and the measures we take to help prevent it.
Providing high standards of care for over 140 wild animals across 30 different species is no small feat, and it takes a dedicated team of professionals and volunteers working tirelessly to deliver top-notch healthcare. Our commitment to these incredible creatures goes beyond basic veterinary care; it involves understanding the unique needs of each animal, including specialized diets tailored to their requirements. With fresh, quality food delivered weekly from US Foods, we ensure that our residents receive the nutrition they need to thrive and approach their diet as a form of preventative medicine. It’s a common joke among staff at the sanctuary that the animals eat better than we do, but it’s accurate!
Like humans, animals require basic necessities such as food, water, and shelter. But at Keepers of the Wild, we go well beyond those basic needs. Every habitat is thoughtfully designed to offer space to exercise, the ability to hide, den boxes, natural vegetation, shade, enrichment features like hammocks and pools, daily activities to keep the animals mentally and physically fit are researched and implemented, diets are carefully curated to include species-specific vitamins and minerals, meat is weighed and cut per the requirements of each carnivore, and every habitat is cleaned daily. And that's to start.
Our approach to animal care goes beyond simply tidying their spaces or providing suitable shelter for the present moment; it encompasses a broader perspective focused on the long-term welfare of our sanctuary's animals—what measures can we take to ensure they lead fulfilling and healthy lives for as long as possible?
Hercules is a handsome, expressive, 18-year-old Bengal tiger who has been a beloved member of the sanctuary since 2008, when he arrived as a young cub under one year of age. Previously, Hercules served as a working cat for photo opportunities before being entrusted to Keepers of the Wild by his former owner.
Recently, there were noticeable changes in Hercules' behavior that led us to keep a close watch on him. Soon after, we observed a small growth forming on his side near the belly, which quickly developed into an open wound because he continued to lick it. While we were concerned about his well-being, we didn’t want to overreact (sometimes benign fatty growths form in older animals that are harmless), so we promptly coordinated with Dr. Angone from Kingman Animal Hospital, our trusted veterinarian for over twenty years.
Hercules was prescribed antibiotics and pain relief medication along with a silver honey treatment aimed at keeping the area clean while discouraging him from licking it. After a thorough examination by Dr. Angone, it was sadly concluded that Hercules likely has cancer and would need surgery for both a biopsy and the removal of the growth. He also required comprehensive lab tests to assess any other potential health issues.
Research indicates that cancer is a significant cause of death among wild animals in captivity, with studies showing that between 20% to 50% of certain species may develop cancerous conditions during their lives. Potential factors contributing to this high incidence include the stress of confinement, reduced genetic diversity, unethical breeding practices, poor diet, and exposure to environmental pollutants. Notably, even with excellent preventative care, species such as big cats and elephants are among those more frequently diagnosed with cancer in captivity. Understanding these statistics is crucial for improving animal care and conservation efforts in captivity.
Wild animals, such as tigers and various big cat species, possess a remarkable ability to conceal ailments, injuries, and suffering as a natural means of survival. Demonstrating vulnerability in their environment can render them easy prey for both predators and members of their own species. Instances have been recorded of wolves and similar animals eliminating sick or injured individuals within their packs, driven by an instinctual need to safeguard the fittest for sustaining genetic excellence in future generations. As a result, all 140+ animals in our care require constant daily observation, veterinary supervision, detailed preventive healthcare plans that span everything from vaccinations to diet and enrichment, and precise record-keeping to ensure optimal health. Due to these high standards of care, Keepers of the Wild has consistently maintained its accreditation and licensing for 30 years.
Choosing to sedate an older tiger like Hercules and proceed with surgery is not taken lightly; sedation in animals and its reversal are particularly sensitive processes that often present significant risks during medical interventions because anesthetics affect respiratory function. The fact that Hercules is older further heightens these dangers, so weighing the risks and benefits of proceeding with surgery was crucial.
Together, our team of caretakers and Dr. Angone’s medical team, coordinated a successful surgery at our onsite Santiago Animal Clinic to remove the growth and perform biopsies, ensuring that we could tackle any potential medical concerns head-on. We are thrilled to share that not only was the growth successfully removed, but Hercules also had a hygroma near his elbow drained during the procedure, significantly improving his comfort.
Shere Khan, a 10-year-old male Bengal tiger, also required medical attention for a growth similar to Hercules', and painful calluses on his paws that hindered his graceful stride. Thanks to the skilled hands of Dr. Angone and her dedicated team, the growth was successfully removed, and Shere Khan's callouses were tenderly filed down, restoring his comfort and vitality.
Hercules' and Shere Khan's caretakers and medical team did an outstanding job of providing necessary medical attention to the animals. Hercules and Shere Khan are both on the mend and on the path to a swift recovery as we await the results of their lab tests. We remain hopeful about their health and the promising future that lies ahead for them.
Special thanks to Dr. Angone and Kingman Animal Hospital for saving not one, but two beautiful lives this week. Keepers of the Wild is fortunate to have such a skilled and loving medical team provide care to our sanctuary animals for over two decades!
We are profoundly grateful for the compassionate support of our sanctuary community, which contributed to Hercules’ medical care fund. We continue to seek contributions to ensure that both these majestic cats receive the care they deserve. Read on to see exactly how your support makes a profound difference in the lives of rescued captive animals.
Together, we can nurture the lives of Hercules and Shere Khan with love and hope. Thank you for being their champions!
With a wild heart,
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By Lara Kraft | VP, Co-Executive Director, Chairwoman
By Lara Kraft | VP, Co-Executive Director, Chairwoman
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