Hand-Rearing South American Coati Pups (Nasua nasua) Under Zoo Conditions: A Case Series with Daily Milk Intake and Growth Records

Abstract

Hand-rearing of orphaned procyonid neonates is occasionally required in zoo and wildlife care, yet published, species-specific protocols for coatis remain limited and are often embedded within broader husbandry guidance. This case report describes assisted hand-rearing of three orphaned South American coati pups (Nasua nasua) managed at Sardar Patel Zoological Park (SPZP), India, with emphasis on milk feeding volumes and growth monitoring. Pups were stabilised with thermal support, housed in a nursery setting, and fed a milk replacer regimen with frequent feeds and daily weight checks, consistent with widely used neonatal and wildlife rehabilitation principles. Across a 45-day monitored period, body mass increased from 82–89 g at intake to 325–501 g, with average daily gains of 5.52–9.36 g/day. Maximum recorded daily milk intake ranged from 137–180 mL/day, while mean daily milk intake during recorded days ranged from 71.0–89.1 mL/day. All pups remained clinically stable during the monitored period. This report provides practical, data-anchored guidance on early coati neonate management and highlights key considerations for milk volume targets, monitoring intensity, and risk control (aspiration, hypothermia, and gastrointestinal intolerance), within the context of established procyonid husbandry guidance.