3. Maintenance
Clean filter
every week or
when clogged,
and replace
water volume. There should
be some sort of
The water should be land area such as
deep enough for the Thoroughly clean the tank at least a rock near the
turtles to freely swim once a week; set turtle aside in safe top of the tank.
and to allow them habitat; Scrub the tank and
submerge themselves furnishings; rinse thoroughly with Always keep
completely under water; add clean substrate; use a water at a warm
water. water filtration system. temperature.
4. Diet
Ouachita maps will eat dead fish,
worms, and vegetables.
Males are more carnivorous while
females are more herbivorous.
Adult turtles feed about 2 to 3 times a
week while newborns can eat every day.
A calcium and vitamin/mineral
supplement should be added to food.
5. Safe Public Viewing
The turtles should be
kept in a thick glass
tank to prevent cracks
or damage to the
habitat.
The turtles should only Approach very slowly and
be handled by a trained quietly as these turtles are
employee to ensure the extremely wary.
reptile’s safety while being
viewed.
6. Medical treatment
Vitamin
supplements, diet
changes, warm
water temperature,
and daily cleanings
for both the reptile
and tank can treat
health issues.
If these methods do not work, an exotic animal
veterinarian should be contacted.
7. Handicap Accessibility
Blind: Headphones should be available in order to
allow those who cannot read the information on the map
turtle to still learn about them through an audio
presentation.
Hearing Impaired: Separate
information plaques written in
brail.
Elderly and Wheelchair Impaired: Ramps
and metal support rails will ensure safety.
8. Weather Protection
Like many
other turtles,
Map Turtles
protect
themselves from
severe weather
by pulling their
legs, head, neck,
and tail inside
their shell.
10. Maintenance
The area should be kept at a Have many feeding stations
temperature of 66-78 degrees Fahrenheit. full and available.
A heating system should be
utilized in the winter.
Keep noises from mechanical
equipment minimal.
Supply an area of thick
bedding for each Okapi made
of wood shavings or another
absorbent material for to rest
and use as a latrine.
11. Diet
Zoo Diet: Alfalfa hay, foliage, grain
pellets, fruits, vegetables, carrots,
onions, apples, and greens.
Wild Diet: Okapi mainly eat mature
leaves
No more than 25% , by weight, of Provide salt blocks
their total diet should consist of on a regular basis.
produce.
Forage and water should be Adults can eat 40-65
available at all times. pounds of food each day.
12. Medical Treatment
Vaccines can help treat Neonatal examinations
conditions such as should take place 24 to 96
Rotavirus, Coronavirus, hours after birth.
and E. Coli
Isolation (in some cases) may
Routine testing for parasites be required for a fast recovery.
13. Safe Public Viewing
To ensure public safety, the
Okapi should be kept in an area
enclosed with a fence of wood
or strong wire at least 6 feet
high to prevent it from
escaping.
If there are rocks in the
space, they should have
rounded corners.
The area should be
flat or gently sloping.
Each Okapi should have
their own individual space of
at least 15 feet.
14. Handicap Accessibility
Hearing Impaired: An information
plaque written in brail will be available.
Elderly and Wheelchair Handicap: Ramps
built in front of exhibit along with metal
support bars.
Blind: Headphones available
for handicap to listen to a
recorded message with Okapi
facts.
15. Weather Protection
In case of severe
weather (and at
night), an Okapi habitat
should have individual
stalls of at least 300 sq.
feet and be equipped
with food and water.
