Development of an environmental enrichment programme: case study of white Bengal tiger (Panthera tigris bengalensis) and jaguar (Panthera onca) at Moscow Zoo
Zoos are urged to implement enrichment programmes that include constant feedback to increase efficacy. However, such work is time consuming for zookeepers. The goal of this case study was to establish an enrichment programme in Moscow Zoo that could be used by keepers with minimal effort. In this brief study, an enrichment programme was established […]
Using Data Collected for Production or Economic Purposes to Research Production Animal Welfare: An Epidemiological Approach
Epidemiologists use the analyses of large data sets collected for production or economic purposes to research production nonhuman animal welfare issues in the commercial setting. This approach is particularly useful if the welfare issue is rare or hard to reproduce. However, to ensure the information is accurate, it is essential to carefully validate these data. […]
Survey and interzoo studies used to address husbandry problems in some zoo vertebrates
Abstract 10.1002/zoo.1430130508.abs In addition to genetic and demographic considerations, SSP coordinators have been asked to systematically address husbandry issues. Three approaches to the study of captive management issues are typically used: (1) large numbers of individuals are housed at a single institution maintained in a situation that facilitates systematic evaluation of the captive environment, (2) […]
Behavior research in zoos: Past, present, and future
Abstract 10.1002/zoo.1430110502.abs This paper reviews the historical emphases in zoo behavioral research and the contribution of these studies to animal management and to advancement in the behavioral sciences. Some examples are provided from research conducted at the National Zoological Park and elsewhere. The potential for doing behavior studies of excellence in zoos and aquariums has […]
Formal behavioral evaluation of enrichment programs on a zookeeper’s schedule: a case study with a polar bear (Ursus Maritimus) at the Bronx Zoo
We conducted a brief study of the effectiveness of environmental enrichment for a polar bear at the Bronx Zoo with two objectives in mind. First we wanted to determine if a novel method of collecting data that easily fits into a zookeeper’s work routine would produce usable data and if so, we wanted to evaluate […]
‘There’s an app for that’: a new program for the collection of behavioural field data
Researchers have long sought an inexpensive, reliable, flexible and efficient method to collect behavioural data in the field. Techniques such as free-form notebooks, pre-prepared data sheets and audio/video recordings are inexpensive and require little training but are inefficient, requiring almost as much time to encode the data as to collect it. Conversely, current digital solutions […]
Initial outcomes of a harmonized approach to collect welfare data in sport and leisure horses
A truthful snapshot of horse welfare conditions is a prerequisite for predicting the impact of any actions intended to improve the quality of life of horses. This can be achieved when welfare information, gathered by different assessors in diverse geographical areas, is valid, comparable and collected in a harmonized way. This paper aims to present […]