Cee4life (Conservation and Environmental Education 4 Life) Proposal

Cee4life proposes to create a project to assist with cultivation and enrichment for the tigers and other animals located at the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation facility, Khao Prathab Chang, located at Chom Bueng, Chom Bueng, Ratchaburi 70150 Thailand.

Cee4life proposes the following assistance for the Khao Prathab Chang enclosures:

Revegetation of the enclosures to include grass and small plants (no larger than 2 foot in height) that are nontoxic to any animal.

That an initial 6 enclosures used to test the cultivation techniques. Each enclosure will additionally have wooden scratching posts for enrichment and

for claw health. That materials used for these enclosures will be sourced from within Thailand, and if

certain materials (such as the water holding granules) cannot be sourced then Cee4life will transport them from Australia or from the closest available source.

That Cee4life will initially provide 6 – 10 volunteers to aid with the cultivation of these enclosures and those volunteers can also be used to aid Khao Prathab Chang staff in any other tasks that are needed, such as feeding of the animals, water changing, cleaning of enclosures, physical aid with any new animals entering the facility etc. (If successful, Cee4life can supply unlimited volunteers to aid with Khao Prathab Chang and any other DNP facilities that may need assistance.)

That Cee4life will assess the implementation of a sprinkler system for the enclosures and will endeavour to source materials from within Thailand for this system if applicable

That any foreign volunteers will have personal insurance and the correct Visa’s prior to coming to Thailand

Cee4life will encourage Thai volunteers to participate in this project and attempt to recruit volunteer from within Thailand.

That Cee4life will provided weekly reports to the DNP and Mr Banpot of Khao Prathab Chang on the progress being made.

One item which Cee4life has noticed and would like to help with is the pulley system that is currently being used for the tiger enclosures to open the inner yard gate. Although this system is working well, we have noticed that the tigers are causing injuries to themselves due to the way the hooks are being secured to the fence. The hook point section is currently secured facing inwards towards the tiger’s enclosures. As the tigers rubs up and down on these fences they seem to be scratching themselves on this causing wounds.

Below are attached 2 photographs to show examples of this.

This photograph is of the hooks facing inwards when the gates are closed and secured. The hook point faces inwards into the enclosures and the tigers are cutting themselves

on this when rubbing along the fences.

In this photograph the cleaner has already secured the tigers in its den, and the hook is released and facing outwards from the enclosure.

Cee4life will be able to aid in these hooks to prevent the tigers scratching themselves anymore.

There are four options that could be suitable, as follows:

Lengthen the steel cable so the hook is attached to the outside of the cage at the bottom of lower steel railing, which will then be out of reach of the tigers

Change the hook to a lock so the tigers only rub against smooth edges Develop a lever system for this gate

Method of cultivation of enclosuresAt this point, the enclosures of Khao Prathab Chang have a lower substrate of dirt and a top layer of fine gravel on the top.

Soil preparation

In order for grasses to flourish in the enclosures, the upper layer of the gravel will have to be removed, however without wasting the gravel, the gravel can then be used in a variety of ways such as, on the outside areas of the enclosures which will encourage the water dispersal. The gravel can also be used for making a walking track in this area for the keepers which also will aid in suppression of noxious weed growth, and even further use of the gravel to stabilise other areas within Khao Prathab Chang that are subjected to erosion.

The lower dirt beneath the gravel can then be cultivated and mixed with a new enriched dirt substrate and water saving mulch which is made from organic material and contains a soil wetting agent. Its particle size ensures good moisture penetration and retention. Mulch can help reduce evaporation from the soil which then improves plant growth and survival during dry times. Mulching also improves the quality of soil by adding organic matter and encouraging earthworms and beneficial soil micro-organisms, while smothering weeds. In addition, water holding crystals can be mixed into the substrate as well which reduces water wastage, increase the time between watering’s and promote improved plant survival during dry times. The crystals are effective for up to 5 years, then biodegrade harmlessly. The crystals absorb water then release it back to plants when they require it.

Grass

The grass seed to be placed can be either Couche grass which is a fine-leafed grass that thrives in warm and dry conditions and is extremely hard-wearing, or Kikuyu grass which is a hard-wearing broad leaf grass with vigorous runners. As it is slow to establish, we have blended it with a companion grass for fast establishment. Once established Kikuyu is a vigorous grower and will replace the companion grass.

Another faster option are the turf grasses used in many of the Thai golf courses.

Studies conducted by The Asian Turf Grass Centre concluded that the best grasses for high use and water retention are as follows:

Hybrud Bermuda grass Seashore paspalum Zoysia matrella

Turf grasses are ideal for fast use, water retention and maintenance. Ideally the Zoysia matrella grasses would be perfect for the tiger enclosures at Khao Prathab Chang in combination with the water retention mulch and crystals mentioned above.

Additionally Enrichment

If the concrete circle as seen in this picture on the right, could be replaced with a smaller wooden scratching pole/structure similar to the enclosures of the Indochinese tigers (as seen in the below photograph) it would provide enrichment and aid in claw health, as well as a resting area on the top. It was observed that the tigers did not use the circular cement structure within their current enclosures. By adding a scratching/resting structure, the tigers would have more variety of enrichment, while not overcrowding the enclosure.

Water/sprinkler system

The water system as seen in the enclosures of the three Indochinese tigers would also be easily established within the new enclosures which are currently holding the Tiger Temple Tigers.

One recommendation would be to also add 2 – 3 above ground water tanks for storage of water in heavy heat times and for the sprinkler usage. With the correct filtration added to the tanks the water would also be free from insect larvae.

The aim and outcome of this projectThe aim of this project in Khao Prathab Chang is to work united together to provide enrichment, comfort and a natural surrounding for the tigers and any other animals that we may be able to assist.

Below are two photographs of what the before grasses and enrichment are in place and the after results.

Before grasses and enrichment are implemented

After grasses have been added

This would be a most wonderful project of the DNP and Khao Prathab Chang facility and especially for the tigers.

Tools

The following tools would be needed to carry out this work.

4 Wheel barrows 4 steel rakes Turf impacting too (wooden plank) – if available, over wise I am sure it can be

sourced 4 hammers 4 large spades 80 meters of piping for sprinkler system 4 large trowels Utilisation of a truck to bring in dirt to Khao Prathab Chang which we maybe could

source from on site or locally in Thailand, and Any other equipment that may be needed we will endeavour to find.

AccommodationAll volunteers for this project will live in the accommodation provided by the Khao Prathab Chang facility and will provide their own food and drinking water. Cee4life wishes to not impact any of the staff within Khao Prathab Chang and all staff will behaviour with respect to all staff of DNP and Khao Prathab Chang.

If additional bedding is needed, Cee4life volunteers will provide those items.

Additional InformationAny volunteer that Cee4life recruits for this work will be stringently assessed for the following:

No criminal records Carnivore and/or prior animal experience Occupational Health and Safety First Aid Be able to work as a team member Strict knowledge of the Thai law A briefing of the Khao Prathab Chang facility If staff within DNP or Khao Prathab Chang require the aid of volunteers for other

duties, the volunteers will be able to assist if necessary.

Working hours will be between 8.30am in the morning to 4.30 pm in the afternoon, with breaks in between for food and water intake, there could also be times to work outside these hours. Five days a week on a rotation basis weekly.

Not photographs to be taken unless approved by the DNP Resumes will be submitted and subjected to assessment of qualifications, including

references to be given, which will be checked. Cee4life is open to on the job education and training of personal who have not yet

attained experience or qualifications, and who are willing to learn and work Cee4life will not tolerate any bad behaviour. Anyone disobeying these rules will be

immediately discharged from their duties. Qualified or tradespersons who meet all above criteria. Unqualified tradespersons who are willing to learn and who meet all above criteria. Each volunteer will attain their own insurance prior to commencement of any work. Each volunteer will have valid identification or passport in which photocopies will be

taken. No alcohol or other substances will be tolerated on the Khao Prathab Chang

premises. Smoking will only be tolerated in the designated areas. Each volunteer will sign a written agreement of all of the above.

Conservation and Environmental Education 4 Life (Cee4life) is a professional organisation that works with numerous governments and organisations in the Asia and SE Asia areas of the world. We understand the need for people entering Thailand to be respectful to all Thai law, culture and traditions. Cee4life will not tolerate any volunteer behaving in a negative manner towards the Thai Government law, culture and traditions. The approximate start date for this project is in June, with the exact dates yet to be confirmed by all relevant parties.