The outside of the keepers’ enclosure is locked with a security coded, alarmed door to prevent visitors or unauthorised personnel from entering (SSSMZP, 2012). A ‘staff only’ sign will also be clearly visible. From this door there will be a double-door system which is in place in case of animal escape as well as for hygiene purposes as there will be a footbath which will contain ‘safe4’ which is a disinfectant that is safe for animals and is DEFRA approved (SSSMZP, 2012). However, felids seem to be susceptible to poisoning when incorrectly using phenolic disinfectants, therefore care must be taken and labels must be read thoroughly (Hosey et al: 2009: Hinshaw et al, 1996). Appropriate risk assessments need to be carried out on the use of chemical agents (Control of Substances of Hazardous to Health Regulations: COSHH, 2002).

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Inside the keeper’s area there will be a hose on a hose reel, the reel will minimize any health risks including trips and slips. It is important to report any injuries or dangerous occurrences according to the RIDDOR, 2013. Power hosing has been proven to spray faecal material over a wide area and therefore care must be taken to minimize risk (SSSMZP, 2012) The sink and preparation are is made of stainless steel which is corrosion resistant and easy to clean and disinfect. Due to the risk of toxoplasmosis, the storage  of feed and preparation methods and disposal methods are of the upmost importance (Animal by-product Regulations, 2005).

 

There will be both antibacterial soap and hand sanitizing gel available for good hygiene practice. Alcohol-based hand hygiene gels must have a concentration of 60-80% are mostly effective, however some bacteria such as such as spores, therefore removal of physical dirt is also important (DEFRA, 2012). These washing facilities are a legal requirement and staff are encouraged to use good hygiene practices and use personal protective equipment (PPE) when necessary. The Zoo Expert Committee Handbook (2012) gives a detailed protocol for hand-washing to reduce the risk of disease spread. Appropriate signage must also be used as seen below:

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 The bin provided in this keeper area is for general waste and a separate bin is provided for hazardous waste for the disposal of faeces and medical equipment such as used needles (SSSMZP, 2012). The local authority must be aware of this disposal and it must also be approved. Faeces is removed frequently for hygiene reasons as well as the prevention of spread of disease including end0-parasites including toxoplasmosis.

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The drains within the indoor facilities are both located at the same end, the floor will be sloped downwards towards these drains to allow for sufficient drainage. The floors will be glossed concrete which is easily cleaned.

Between the keepers’ area and the off-exhibit cheetah’s will be galvanized mesh, allowing training to take place. Training should take placed in off-show areas and training methods should be based on positive reinforcement methods. Small cubes of meat can be used on the end of a stick, minimizing contact with the category 1 hazardous animal. Training assists keepers in improving animal welfare standards as well as increasing public and keeper safety.

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The door between the keeper’s area and enclosure is hinged towards the keeper’s area. If the door was faced the other way there is the risk of the animal crushing the keeper if they were to exit and the animal was not held in the on-exhibit area adequately.

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The crush cage will have sliding doors at either end allowing the keepers to have a double door system. This will allow keepers to safely secure the cheetah in the on-exhibit side of the enclosure whilst cleaning the off-exhibit area and vice versa.