The Diseases
If the diet is not just right, disease can occur. We study and review zoo diets constantly to make sure they are as good as possible. This lizard's leg is broken. It was a pet, and its owner did not supply enough vitamin D and calcium to keep its bones healthy. Correction of its diet allowed the bones to heal. 







Central Control
The zoo commissary is the "central control" center for all zoo diets. This is where we prepare diets each day, store food, and check quality. A walk-in freezer holds many tons of frozen fish and meat. Fresh fruit and vegetables arrive at the loading dock daily and are distributed throughout the zoo.








Enjoy!
We all enjoy food, and so do zoo animals. Food is used as behavioral enrichment. Bored animals can develop bad habits and depression. In the wild, searching for food occupies most of an animal's time. In zoos, we recreate this experience for our animals. Feed is hidden throughout exhibits, or branches with leaves are provided to keep paws and mouths busy.