Rule 901:1-4-06. Family - hippopotamidae, elephantidae, rhinocerotidae, bovidae (cape buffalo only)

119.03 This rule applies exclusively to the species listed as dangerous wild animals in divisions (C)(9) to (C)(12) of section 935.01 of the Revised Code. (A) Primary enclosures: (1) Shall be constructed of steel bars, masonry block, rock wall or equivalent. (2) Vertical posts: (a) If using horizontal cables, the vertical posts shall not be more than sixteen feet apart with horizontal cables not more than twelve inches apart; or, (b) If horizontal cables are not used, the vertical posts shall not be more than twelve inches apart. If wooden posts are used they must be a minimum of twelve inches in diameter, not be treated with creosote, and utilize a secondary deterrent. (B) Family hippopotamidae (1) For one animal, the primary enclosure shall be a minimum of one thousand two hundred square feet, and be five feet high. For each additional animal, the primary enclosure shall be increased by six hundred square feet. (2) A Nile hippopotamus shall be provided with a pool of water four hundred square feet, five feet deep, and equipped with a ramp or steps. For each additional animal, the pool surface area must be increased by two hundred square feet. (3) A Pygmy hippopotamus shall be provided with a pool of water one hundred twenty square feet, five feet deep, and equipped with a ramp or steps. For each additional animal, the pool surface area shall be increased by sixty square feet. (4) Pools shall be drained and cleaned at least one time daily, or filtered using a system approved by the director. (C) Family elephantidae (1) For one female, the primary enclosure shall be a minimum of two thousand square feet. For each additional female, the primary enclosure shall be increased by one thousand square feet. (2) For one male, the primary enclosure shall be a minimum of four thousand square feet. For each additional male the primary enclosure shall be increased by two thousand square feet. (3) For one female with a calf, the primary enclosure shall be a minimum of four thousand square feet

and square feet. For each additional female, the primary enclosure shall be increased by one thousand square feet. (2) For one male, the primary enclosure shall be a minimum of four thousand square feet. For each additional male the primary enclosure shall be increased by two thousand square feet. (3) For one female with a calf, the primary enclosure shall be a minimum of four thousand square feet. For each additional animal the primary enclosure shall be increased by two thousand square feet. (4) If indoors, primary enclosures indoors shall have a twenty-five feet high ceiling, (5) Primary enclosures shall have access to a natural substrate. (6) Unless otherwise directed by a veterinarian, elephants shall not be subjected to unnecessary prolonged restraint by way of tethering. Tethering shall not prohibit normal postural movement. (7) If housed outdoors, elephants shall have available water, mud, dust, soil, or sand to allow elephants to thermo-regulation; (8) All elephant facilities shall have an elephant restraint device (ERD), or demonstrate a method of restraint that allows necessary husbandry, veterinary, and reproductive procedures to occur in a safe and efficient manner for all elephants in the facility. Use of the ERD shall not be weather dependent. (9) Permit holders possessing more than one of the animals regulated under paragraph (C) of this rule shall house them in stable pairs or groups of compatible individuals; except where single housing is justified based on social incompatibility resulting from inappropriate behavior or veterinary concerns regarding animal well-being. (D) Family rhinocerotidae For one animal, the primary enclosure shall be a minimum of one thousand five hundred square feet, and eight feet high. For each additional animal, the primary enclosure shall be increased by seven hundred fifty square feet. (E) Family bovidae; common name: cape buffalo (1) For one animal, the primary enclosure shall be a minimum of seven hundred square feet and eight feet high

mily rhinocerotidae For one animal, the primary enclosure shall be a minimum of one thousand five hundred square feet, and eight feet high. For each additional animal, the primary enclosure shall be increased by seven hundred fifty square feet. (E) Family bovidae; common name: cape buffalo (1) For one animal, the primary enclosure shall be a minimum of seven hundred square feet and eight feet high. For each additional animal the primary enclosure shall be increased by three hundred fifty square feet. (2) The animal shall have access to a water source for swimming or mud wallowing. Last updated March 11, 2026 at 7:54 AM Supplemental Information Authorized By: 935.17 Amplifies: 935.12 , 935.17 8/13/2030 7/18/2013