Latitudinal and zoo specific zeitgebers influence circadian and circannual rhythmicity of behavior in captive giant pandas (Ailuropoda melanoleuca)
Introduction The circadian clock influences many aspects of animal welfare including metabolism, breeding, and behavior. In most species, circadian clocks are internal clocks regulated by external environmental cues called zeitgebers. The most common zeitgebers are light/dark cycles, food, and temperature. However, within captive environments, animals can be housed at latitudes with different light/dark cycles than […]
Understanding Circadian and Circannual Behavioral Cycles of Captive Giant Pandas (Ailuropoda melanoleuca) Can Help to Promote Good Welfare
Circadian and circannual cycles of behavior regulate many aspects of welfare including metabolism, breeding, and behavioral interactions. In this study, we aim to demonstrate how systematically determining circadian and circannual cycles can provide insight into animals’ needs and be part of an evidence-based approach to welfare assessment. We measured and analyzed the observational behavioral data […]
Fecal glucocorticoid analysis as a health monitoring tool for endangered African penguins (Spheniscus demersus)
African penguins (Spheniscus demersus) are an endangered species, with approximately 70,000 mature adults remaining in the wild. Population loss is linked to a combination of environmental and anthropogenic stressors. The aim of the study was to validate a commercially available enzyme immunoassay (EIA) to assess adrenal activity and measure the response to stressors in the […]
Behavioral management of chimpanzees in biomedical research facilities: The state of the science
The current status of the behavioral management of chimpanzees housed in US research facilities is examined, and recent advances are described. Behavioral management includes the application of environmental enrichment, animal training, and environmental design for improving animal welfare. Authors surveyed the six major chimpanzee holding facilities and found that the vast majority of chimpanzees are […]
The welfare of non-human primates used in research: Report of the Scientific Committee on Animal Health and Animal Welfare
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Serum testosterone in captive male rhinoceros: Effects of season, age, stress, and sociosexual environment
All rhinoceros species are in some degree of endangerment. Understanding the reproductive physiology of rhinoceros species will help in management decisions with both free-ranging and captive populations. In mammalian species studied, testosterone plays a key role in spermatogenesis and libido. Testosterone concentrations, depending on the species, may vary according to age, season, social status, stress […]
Captive breeding of the barndoor skate (Dipturus laevis) at the Montreal Biodome, with comparison notes on two other captive-bred skate species
Abstract 10.1002/zoo.20170.abs In 1997, the Montreal Biodome obtained five barndoor skates (Dipturus laevis) from the waters off Boston, Massachusetts. Six years later, those specimens began reproducing, and the first egg case was collected in November 2003. Since then, 73 hatchlings have been born and raised. Egg cases were observed year round, and annual fecundity was […]
Lens-anomalies and other ophthalmic findings in a group of closely-related angola lions (Panthera leo bleyenberghi)
Abstract 10.1002/zoo.20094.abs After the diagnosis of bilateral, immature, nuclear, and posterior cortical cataracts in one Angola lioness, and because of the possible implications of the cataracts for a breeding program, complete ophthalmic examinations on a group of related adult Angola lions and their offspring were carried out. Five adult lions, ranging in age from 1.5–5.5 […]
Reproductive status of endemic felid species in Latin American zoos and implications for ex situ conservation
Abstract 10.1002/zoo.10093.abs Reproductive evaluations were conducted on 185 male cats representing eight endemic Latin American species that were maintained in 44 zoos and private facilities in 12 Latin American countries. Reproductive assessments (testicular measures, ejaculate quality, and blood testosterone/cortisol concentration) were used to establish normative values for large- and small-sized cats in Latin American collections. […]
Reproductive inefficiency in male black-footed ferrets (Mustela nigripes)
Abstract 10.1002/1098-2361(2000)19:63.3.CO;2-M The black-footed ferret (Mustela nigripes), once considered extinct, has benefited from captive breeding and subsequent reintroduction into native habitat. A high proportion of females (>90%) exhibit estrus in captivity during the spring breeding season. However, many males considered to be prime-breeding age (1–3 years old) fail to sire offspring. Breeding records in 1995 […]