Abstract: The recent development of potent and specifica lphar-adrenoceptoar gonistsa nd antagonists has enhanced their use in nondomestic animal immobilization and reversal. Medetomidine, a new potent alphar-agonist, in combination with the dissociative anesthetic ketamine, has been used to immobilize a variety of nondomestic mammals. Medetomidine alone induces sedation in a dose-dependent way, and complete immobilization has been achieved with high doses in semidomesticated reindeer (Rangifer tarandus) and blue foxes (Alopex lagopus). Howbver, we feel that ketamine should be added to the immobilization mixture to ensure complete immobilization and operator safety. In ketamine combinations, medetomidine doses are usually 60-100 pg/kg. The required ketamine doses are remarkably low:0.8-1.6 mglkg in most ruminants,2.5-3.0 mgUgin felids,u rsids,a nd canids,a nd 5.G-8.0m glkgi n primates,w olverines(Gulog ulo),ando therm uitelids. Clinically, the resulting immobilization is characterized by a smooth onset, good to excellent myorelaxation, and areflexia at higher doses. Determinations of hematologic, serum biochemicil, arterial blood gas,a nd acid-bases tatusp arametersi ndicate that the immobilization is physiologically sound. We have had no fatalities attributable to the immobilization mixture ( I ,240 immobilizations). The alphar-adrenoceptora ntagonist,a tipamezole,i s highly efective in reversingt he immobilization induced by medetomidine, medetomidine-ketamine combinations, or xylazine. In ruminants, the medetomidine-ketamine-induced immobilization can be rapidly and persistently reversed by administering 100-l 50 1rg/kg of alipamezole i.v. and the rest s.c., adjusting the total atipamezole dose to an atipamezole: medetomidine ratio of approximately 4-5 (w/w). Becauseth e required ketamine doses are relatively high in carnivores, we prefer to use a lower atipamezole dose (totil atipamezoie: medetomidine ratio approximately 2-3 w/w) and to administer it i.m. or s.c. Using thii regimen, reversals are calm and animals show minimal “residual ketamine effect.” Because atipamezole is a competitive antagonist, its dose should be reduced if it is administered late in the immobilization period when a large part of medetomidine has been endogenously metabolized. Xylazine-induced immobilization is rapidly reversed by I mg of atipamezole for every 8-12 mg of xylazine used.

Abstract: The authors offer insights into creating family groups of snow leopards in zoos. The programs at the Denver Zoo, Denver, Colorado, and at John Ball Zoological Gardens, Grand Rapids, Michigan, are highlighted. lgh.

Abstract: Study on the current status of large mammals species population was carried out in Khunjerab National Park, Northern Areas. The observation recorded showed that the population of Tibetan Red fox (Vulpes vulpes montana), Snow leopard (Uncia uncia), and Wolf (Canis lupus) have, though a bit, increased but are still in the rank of “Endangered”. While the population of Himalyan Ibex (Cpara ibex sibirica) is increasing more rapidly and their status is now “Common” in the Park. The limited population of Marcopolo sheep (Ovis ammon polii), Tibetan wild Ass (Equus hemionus kiang) and Brown bear (Urus arctos) is still under threat, and comes them under “Critical Endangered” category.

Abstract: The author studied livestock killed by predators in the Spiti Valley, India, to determine what species had killed yaks, horses, donkeys, and other domestic animals. Eleven of the kills examined were made by snow leopards and six by the Tibetan wolf. Wolves were involved in surplus killings, while snow leopards kill as food is needed. lgh

Abstract: The authors discuss the occurrence of salmonellosis in collections of exotic felids. Data suggest that zoo employees having contact with cat feces or raw diets have a high rate of occupational exposure to Salmonella and should exercise appropriate hygienic precautions. pcp