[Official veterinary supervision of zoos--experiences in Brandenburg]

Based on the law of animal welfare and on the EU-rule about keeping of wild animals in zoological gardens 15 zoological gardens in Brandenburg were inspected by a temporary team consisting of one veterinarian from the state office of feeds and agriculture, the local authorized veterinarian and one director of the zoogardens. Data of every zoological garden at first were recorded by special lists of queries. So it was possible to estimate the keeping conditions and to realize deficiencies and the main problems. During the local inspection these data were controlled and the structure of keeping units as well as the conditions and behaviour of the animals were evaluated. Every unit was evaluated taking into consideration all points of view. If necessary proposals for improvements were made which were to enforce by the local authority. Furthermore the documentation and the economic areas were inspected. The number of kept species and animals was relatively low. Only two zoological gardens were to classify as mean ones. The majority of the fences and aviaries corresponded with the minimal demands of the today rules resp. was larger in the dimension and space. There were very nice keeping units, but also some deficiently in the structure or in the quality of the ground. By some photographs positive and negative examples are demonstrated. The feeding and also the veterinary service were on high level. The team found out that staffs of the zoogardens had a positive position to animal welfare. Step by step they improved the keeping conditions. The central inspection by a multi-professional team was estimated positively and should be repeated in certain intervals. The used lists of queries were suitable. The valid rules and guide lines should be revised in near future.