Enrichment and animal age, not biological variables, predict positive welfare indicators in zoo-housed carnivores
The development of evidence-based zoo animal welfare science and the use of the ‘five domains’ have inspired zoos to increase animal welfare, particularly recognising positive welfare states. We tested whether natural biology (number of habitats, latitudinal range, sociality, body weight) or husbandry variables (mean age of group, group size and presence of extra enrichment) predict […]
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 […]
Enrichment with classical music enhances affiliative behaviours in bottlenose dolphin
Environmental enrichment is a crucial element for the promotion of welfare of animals kept under human care. While a large variety of environmental enrichments has been proposed and studied for terrestrial animals, including a growing area represented by acoustical enrichment such as music, the same is not true for marine mammals. The purpose of this […]
Overlooked and Under-Studied: A Review of Evidence-Based Enrichment in Varanidae
Enrichment has become a key aspect of captive husbandry practices as a means of improving animal welfare by increasing environmental stimuli. However, the enrichment methods that are most effective varies both between and within species, and thus evaluation underpins successful enrichment programs. Enrichment methods are typically based upon previously reported successes and those primarily with […]
What is the evidence for the effectiveness of husbandry and management interventions for the conservation and welfare of captive animals? A systematic map protocol
Biodiversity is being lost at an alarming rate, much greater than natural background extinction. This crisis has highlighted the potential role of zoos, aquariums, and other captive facilities to mitigate the loss of biodiversity, although their ability to do so is sometimes questioned. Amongst other factors, zoos and aquariums have experienced challenges in sustaining viable […]
Choice, Control and Computers: Empowering Wildlife in Human Care
The purpose of this perspective paper and technology overview is to encourage collaboration between designers and animal carers in zoological institutions, sanctuaries, research facilities, and in soft-release scenarios for the benefit of all stakeholders, including animals, carers, managers, researchers, and visitors. We discuss the evolution of animal-centered technology (ACT), including more recent animal-centered computing to […]
Monitoring glucocorticoid metabolite concentrations as a proxy of environmental stress across important life-history stages in captive african penguins
Due to considerable global decline in wildlife population numbers and species diversity, because of various anthropogenic activities, conservationists increasingly rely on captive and managed populations as important reservoirs to ensure the survival of endangered and vulnerable species. However, very few of these facilities implement robust, non-invasive monitoring techniques to confirm the effectiveness of their management […]
Total Eclipse of the Zoo: Animal Behavior during a Total Solar Eclipse
The infrequency of a total solar eclipse renders the event novel to those animals that experience its effects and, consequently, may induce anomalous behavioral responses. However, historical information on the responses of animals to eclipses is scant and often conflicting. In this study, we qualitatively document the responses of 17 vertebrate taxa (including mammals, birds, […]
Hematology and Plasma Biochemistry Value Differences Between Acclimated and Recently Captive Female Southern Stingrays, Dasyatis americana
Southern stingrays are used for interaction and education in captive and wild settings therefore it is important to monitor their health conditions. Diagnostic tools that are useful for assessing health in other animals include hematology and plasma biochemistry profiles. Certain reference intervals have been established in this species; however, interpretation of intervals in stingrays under […]
Spatial considerations for captive snakes
Captive environments for snakes commonly involve small enclosures with dimensions that prevent occupants from adopting straight line body postures. In particular, the commercial, hobby, and pet sectors routinely utilize small vivaria and racking systems, although zoos and other facilities also commonly maintain at least some snakes under broadly similar conditions. Captive snakes may be the […]