<em>by William K. Baker Jr., Curator
In-Sync Exotics Wildlife Rescue and Educational Center;
Wylie,TX</em>

<strong>Question</strong>
We are preparing to renovate our cat exhibit. Are there any specific points we should focus on?

<strong>Comments</strong>
The best way to look at this scenario is from two different angles. One, what you are looking for in regards to the enclosure layout and features? Two, what you are looking for in regards to the night house design and function?
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Enclosure Features</strong>
• Is the facility developed for keeper, service vehicle, and heavy equipment access? In other words, will the designer provide for long-term access to the exhibit itself, otherwise the staff would have serious problems getting into the exhibit area for landscaping and repairs?
• Is the landscaping just an accent or has it taken over the perimeter of the area to the point of no return. It’s important to have the capability to observe your cats for behavioral cues during the introduction process or what might be leading indicators of veterinary health issues.
• Does the exhibit area have adequate security to prevent public interaction with the cats? Secondary guardrails should be strong enough to prevent trespass and distant from primary containment caging. Also, holly bushes, palmettos, and cactus do a great job of keeping the public where they belong.
• Has any thought been given to night security? Night lighting should provide adequate light should the need arise. If the exhibit is expansive there should be enough security lights to enable the staff to see the entire yard at a glance, especially in an after-hours emergency or natural disaster situation.
• Architects often have trouble understanding drainage flow patterns surrounding an exhibit. All too often the exhibit is flooded from the public areas during heavy rains. Always direct water flow away from the exhibit into storm drains and if at all possible, put the exhibit on slightly higher ground.

<strong>Night house Features</strong>
• The first item that should be noted is whether or not the entry has double containment. This “airlock system” is often times the only thing between the cat and freedom. Also, do the doors swing inward and close backwards? There is nothing more embarrassing than having the animal out of primary containment, pushing the outer doors open, and then going for a walk. Also, is the view window historically up at the top of the door? You know what I’m talking about. There’s this little 5”x5” window that is six feet off the ground and you are supposed to see the keeper corridor and what’s waiting at the door. Consider replacing this type of window with a 6”x36” vertical rectangular window, (reinforced tempered glass or Lexan®) so that you can really see what is on the other side of the door.
• Are the internal corridors laid out so that you can effectively see end to end? Architects often put in corridors at right angles. A good night house doesn’t have blind spots. If blind spots exist in your holding areas, have they been retrofitted with mirrors so you can see the cat before he can see you?
• Do the floor, corridor, and exhibit drains really work? Masonry contractors are notorious for deciding on their own what type of slope and brush finish your floors get. Don’t forget drain size. I can’t count how many night houses I have seen that have 1” lines instead of 3” or 6” lines to handle water volume.
• Is the guillotine door system an afterthought? Does it stick if you look at it wrong? The best design I have seen to date is produced by Corners Limited. They utilize stainless steel doors in a corrosion- free frame. The door actually rides on two coated rails that keep the fall and lift even. The cable rides inside a conduit that is connected by internal pulleys that prevents the cable from binding or jumping. Also, as a side note, don’t forget to make sure that the conduit or cable system you are using is routed where keepers can visually inspect it.
• Ventilation. Is your night house a sauna? Ventilator fans can reduce ambient heat. Don’t forget air conditioning, heat, and circulating fans. In high humidity areas think about adding an in-line dehumidifier to your air conditioner. If you are uncomfortable, chances are the cats are too.
• With many of the current developments in operant conditioning and desensitization work, there are a few items you may want to include in the development process……..
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