Utilizing vocalizations to gain insight into the affective states of non-human mammals
This review discusses how welfare scientists can examine vocalizations to gain insight into the affective states of individual animals. In recent years, researchers working in professionally managed settings have recognized the value of monitoring the types, rates, and acoustic structures of calls, which may reflect various aspects of welfare. Fortunately, recent technological advances in the […]
Assessing Giraffe Welfare During Seasonal Habitat Changes in Northern US Zoos
Although there has been an increase in research studying the impact of housing on zoo animal welfare, there is still a lack of literature regarding the impact of seasonal housing differences on animal welfare. In northern American zoos, animals native to warmer climates inhabit an outdoor habitat during the summer and an indoor habitat during […]
Abnormal swimming is associated with inner ear damage and improves with meclizine treatment and increased habitat complexity: A case study in Urobatis jamaicensis
At the Seas with Nemo and Friends® exhibit (Lake Buena Vista, Florida, USA), a yellow stingray Urobatis jamaicensis was diagnosed with a Mycobacterium chelonae infection of the inner ear. The animal was moved to an isolated environment for treatment. One element of therapy included meclizine which was administered in an attempt to reduce the occurrence […]
Comparison of Animal Welfare Assessment Tools and Methodologies: Need for an Effective Approach for Captive Elephants in Asia
Welfare is a fundamental aspect of animal management and conservation. In light of growing public awareness and welfare concerns about captive elephants, there is an urgent need for comprehensive, globally coordinated efforts for Asian elephants (Elephas maximus) that participate in religious, logging, or tourist activities in range countries where the majority reside, and where welfare issues have […]
Agonistic interactions and social behaviors in the Saharan Dorcas gazelle (Gazella dorcas neglecta): Using social network analysis to evaluate relationships and social structure in captive male groups
Social interactions, including agonistic behavior, are very important for the management and welfare of individuals forming groups in captivity. One of the main concerns for the stability and durability of adult male groups is a noticeable level of intraspecific aggression. This study comprises a Social Network Analysis to illustrate social structure in different groups of […]
Impact of diet and environmental enrichment management in stereotyped behaviours: a case study in tayra Eira barbara
Holistic approaches have been implemented to minimize stress expressed as stereotypies associated with low welfare conditions, which can arise from a range of factors such as frustration, adaptation attempts and neurological problems. Such behaviour was identified in a tayra housed in the facilities of the Santa Cruz Zoo (San Antonio de Tequendama, Colombia), for which […]
Interrupted Lives: Welfare Considerations in Wildlife Rehabilitation
Each year in the United States, thousands of sick, injured, or displaced wild animals are presented to individuals or organizations who have either a federal or state permit that allows them to care for these animals with the goal of releasing them back to the wild. The purpose of this review is to demonstrate the […]
Automatic detection of stereotypical behaviors of captive wild animals based on surveillance videos of zoos and animal reserves
The timely detection of the depressive and stereotypical behaviors often observed in captive wild animals and the subsequent intervention can contribute to improving their living environment in enclosures, which is crucial for safeguarding animal welfare, enhancing animal husbandry practices, regulating human–animal relationships. Several studies have analyzed factors that influence animal stereotypical behaviors and identified preventive […]
Home is where the home range is: Identifying territoriality and exhibit preferences in an ex-situ group of all-male Nile crocodiles (Crocodylus niloticus)
Here, the presence or absence of territoriality was evaluated in an all-male Nile crocodile (Crocodylus niloticus) group living in an ex-situ environment. Location data for each crocodile within the exhibit were collected three times per day over a two-year period, including two warm seasons and two cold seasons. A geographic information system (GIS) was used […]
A retrospective study on the prevalence of main clinical findings in brown bears (Ursus arctos) rescued from substandard husbandry conditions
Brown bears (Ursus arctos) are kept under varied captive conditions, some of which may greatly compromise their welfare. Four Paws is an NGO that rescues some of these bears kept in substandard conditions and houses them in species-appropriate sanctuaries, where preventive and reactive veterinary care is provided. This retrospective study aims to provide an overview […]