308 ANNUAL REPORT SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION, 1941 



that most closely approximate the conditions and foods they would 

 obtain in their natural state, and that he give the animals a sufficient 

 variety so that they may select those that are best adapted and 

 thereby show the captor the foods and conditions preferred. 



Newly acquired animals are usually much worried, fretted, and 

 tired from a trip, and often have not had water or proper food 

 en route. The first step in their care is, therefore, to provide them 

 with clean, fairly roomy quarters, proper food, water for drinking 

 and bathing, and fine sand or dust for cleaning themselves, if they 

 use that method. Birds that require grit have usually not received 

 it on their trip. A small amount should be given immediately. 

 They will take too much if given a large quantity. 



Let them be quiet and undisturbed so they may rest. If they are 

 just received from the wild and are to be placed in a collection with, 

 or in close proximity to, other animals, it is an excellent plan to 

 exercise some quarantine precautions, such as maintaining them in 

 quarters well isolated from the main collection, and, at the same 

 time, treating them with insect powders and sulfur to remove ex- 

 ternal parasites, doctoring serious injuries, and taking any other 

 safety measures that may appear necessary. Some animal custodians 

 also follow the practice of giving some medical treatment to elimi- 

 nate internal parasites, or to at least make observations of feces to 

 determine whether or not such parasites do exist. 



The shipping crates or cages in which the animals are received 

 should be burned or cleaned and sterilized thoroughly to prevent 

 introduction of parasites or disease. 



Too often animals are displayed in the hot sun without an oppor- 

 tunity to get into the shade, often without water, and in other 

 instances they are exposed to bleak winds without shelter, and with- 

 out straw, leaves, or bedding to insulate themselves from cement, 

 iron, or board jfloors. Such treatment is inhumane, to say the least. 



Almost all animals have some sort of a home in the wild. In 

 some instances it is a burrow deep enough so that there is almost 

 no change in temperature in it throughout the year. In others, it 

 is a nest made of fibrous material that is good insulation from 

 changes in temperature. Wild animals are free to move about and 

 choose for themselves the locations and conditions most to their 

 liking. This is not possible for captives, so it behooves the captor 

 to heed their needs closely, for they cannot talk our language to tell 

 us of their wishes and sufferings. 



Sunlight is essential to the welfare of many animals, but like other 

 good things, it can be overdone. It is important that cages be placed 

 so that the animals can choose whether to be in the sun or in the 

 shade. Even a comparatively short period in the direct rays of the 



