Immobilization of wild ocelots with tiletamine and zolazepam in southern Texas

Telazol was used to immobilize nine wild ocelots (Leopardus pardalis) captured in box-traps in southern Texas (USA) between May 1997 and April 1998. Mean (+/- SD) intramuscular dosage rate of 5.05 (+/- 0.76) mg/kg produced an induction time of 3.7 +/- 1.8 min. Duration of cataleptic anesthesia was 67.4 +/- 19.8 min and ocelots stood 50.0 +/- 30.7 min after emergence from cataleptic anesthesia. Ocelots recovered to their preinjection condition 129.7 +/- 28.8 min after first standing and 250.8 +/- 55.1 min after initial injection. We observed no adverse reactions to Telazol aside from minor loss of thermoregulatory control. Telazol administered at 5 mg/kg was an effective and safe immobilizing agent for wild ocelots.