Bobcat's physical requires training and patience
A routine physical was anything but for Willowbrook Wildlife Center's resident wild bobcat.
After the bobcat resisted efforts to sedate him for physicals in 2013 and 2014, Willowbrook staff underwent cutting-edge animal training that has resulted in positive outcomes for both the animal and his trainers.
"Trying to trick or force an animal of his size, intelligence and strength into what we want is bound to fail and be potentially dangerous for everyone involved," Willowbrook staff veterinarian Jennifer Nevis said. "And it's just not the kind of relationship anyone here wants with a wild animal."
As a result of the animal's resistance, Willowbrook wildlife keeper Michael Wittman received training in positive reinforcement at Chicago's Shedd Aquarium and has been working with the bobcat daily in preparation for the exam.
"Communication between trainers and having a solid step-by-step training plan is critical when dealing with any animal, especially one as sensitive as a feline that comes from the wild," Wittman said.
"Every session should be enriching for both human and animal. Through positive reinforcement techniques, we always aim to build upon his behaviors and husbandry care."
Before undergoing training, the bobcat was shy and hid a lot from the public.
"Now he's outgoing and looks forward to the keepers coming to see him," Nevis said. "The public can now view him easily and he's not living frightened all the time. Training has been a great experience for him and the staff."
After months of working with the animal, Willowbrook staff members were able to sedate the bobcat using a blow dart to conduct the exam.
"This experience provides a fantastic teaching moment not only for the bobcat, but also our Willowbrook staff in our ongoing effort to be good stewards of the center's resident wildlife," said Joe Cantore, forest district president.
Nevis and Willowbrook wildlife keeper Alicia Seghi gave the bobcat vaccines, took a blood sample and X-rays, weighed him, examined his teeth, checked his fur for bald patches or fleas, felt for lumps, bumps and scabs, and palpated all bones and joints.
The bobcat's physical revealed a broken canine tooth and a lump, which they biopsied. Other than that, he appeared healthy.
The bobcat's exam was the last of about 90 physicals that Willowbrook staff performed on the resident native wildlife, which includes raccoons, foxes, opossums, a bald eagle, owls, turtles, frogs, toads, groundhogs, turkey vultures and sandhill cranes.
And that doesn't include the physicals they perform on the more than 9,000 wild animals brought to the center annually for treatment.
The bobcat came to Willowbrook 10 years ago after he was found injured on the side of the road in southern Illinois. He suffered head trauma and some partial retinal detachment and was deemed unable to be released as a result.
"The bobcat and other animals in Willowbrook's outdoor exhibit area provide visitors with a rare look at native wildlife in DuPage County," said Forest Preserve District Commissioner Tim Whelan, District 4.