An investigation into the Behavior, Sociality and Enclosure Use of Group-Housed Lions and Tigers
It is common practice in zoological collections to house lions (Panthera leo) in prides, yet other felid species are typically housed in pairs or singly. This study investigated the effects of group-housing on a pride of 21 lions, and 10 tigers (Panthera tigris) at the Fasano Zoo, Italy. Both species were housed in large, safari-style […]
Behavioral interactions and glucocorticoid production of Somali wild ass (Equus africanus somaliensis) mothers and foals
Somali wild ass (Equus africanus somaliensis) are the most endangered species of wild equid, and little is known about their reproductive biology. Here, we describe social interactions and glucocorticoid production of five pairs of Somali wild ass females and their foals, which were born within a two-month period at the Saint Louis Zoo. Behavioral data […]
Monitoring the social behavior of a bachelor mandrill (Mandrillus sphinx) dyad participating in touchscreen-mediated cognitive testing
Cognitive testing of Primates in zoos is becoming increasingly common. Cognition experiments are generally thought to be beneficial as they provide participants with an opportunity to engage in species-specific cognitive functioning, perhaps more so than with traditional forms of environmental enrichment. However, testing may increase competition and aggression between conspecifics if it has monopolizable features […]
Vocalizations and other behavioral responses of male cheetahs (Acinonyx jubatus) during experimental separation and reunion trials
Abstract 10.1002/(SICI)1098-2361(1998)17:13.3.CO;2-8 In this study we assessed the extent of psychological attachment between male cheetahs living in same sex pairs in zoos by recording the behavior and vocalizations of two male coalitions (siblings and nonsiblings) during four experimental separations and reunions of each coalition. Both coalitions showed higher vocalization rates and walking rates during separations […]
The effects of temporary cover on the behavior of socially housed stumptailed macaques (Macaca arctoides)
Abstract 10.1002/zoo.1430100605.abs To examine the effects of the provision of temporary cover on the behavior of stumptailed macaques (Macaca arctoides), a single group of 26 animals was observed during 25 testing periods over 7.5 months. During each testing period, the group was observed under two conditions. In the Cover condition, two solid temporary walls 9.6 […]
Bottlenose dolphins engaging in more social affiliative behaviour judge ambiguous cues more optimistically
Cognitive bias tests measure variation in emotional appraisal and are validated methods to assess animals’ affective states. However, the link between social behaviours and cognitive bias has not yet been investigated. Bottlenose dolphins are a gregarious species for whom welfare research is increasing in importance, and thus are a good model to test such an […]