Behavioral analysis of a captive male Bornean orangutan (Pongo pygmaeus) when exposed to environmental changes
Understanding the species-specific behavioral needs of Bornean orangutans (Pongo pygmaeus) has led zoological gardens to focus on creating more natural and stimulating facilities. Studies have documented enhanced welfare through various methods, including environmental enrichment like mixed-species habitats, which could improve animal welfare. This study aimed to evaluate the behavioral adaption following the transfer to a […]
The Effect of environmental enrichment on Salvator merianae (Squamata: Teiidae) under captivity conditions
Environmental enrichment seeks to improve the quality of care for animals in captivity through the constant generation of new sources of stimuli to simulate a complexand changing environment. Salvator merianae is a species of large lizard whose native distribution covers the subtropical and humid zones of southeastern South America. The study was carried out in […]
Behavioural Impact of Captive Management Changes in Three Species of Testudinidae
Reptile behaviour and welfare are understudied in comparison with mammals. In this study, behavioural data on three species (Astrochelys radiata, Stigmochelys pardalis, Aldabrachelys gigantea) of tortoises were recorded before and after an environmental change which was anticipated to be positive in nature. The environmental changes differed for each population, but included a substantial increase in […]
Behavioural patterns in zoo-housed Humboldt penguins (Spheniscus humboldti) revealed using long-term keeper-collected data: validation of approaches and improved husbandry
Given the increasing obligation to elevate animal welfare beyond minimum expectations, zoos need robust mechanisms to monitor physical activity and species-appropriate behaviours. This is not without challenge as animal behaviour can vary seasonally or be influenced by external factors such as weather and visitors. In theory, keepers who work with animals year-round are ideally situated […]
Orangulas: effect of scheduled visual enrichment on behavioral and endocrine aspects of a captive orangutan (Pongo pygmaeus): effect of scheduled visual enrichment on behavioral and endocrine aspects of a captive orangutan
Captivity may have adverse effects on captive great apes, who would spend much more of their time engaged in foraging and other activities in the wild. Enrichment interventions have the potential to alleviate the adverse effects of captivity by introducing novel stimuli. In orangutans, interactive digital enrichment has proven effective at engaging users out of […]
Wild boar behaviour during live-trap capture in a corral-style trap: implications for animal welfare
Wildlife traps are used in many countries without evaluation of their effect on animal welfare. Trap-capture of wild animals should minimise negative effects on animal welfare, irrespective of whether the animals are trapped for hunting, research, or management purposes. Live-trap capture of wild boar (Sus scrofa) followed by killing inside the trap by gunshot is […]
Study on Daily Activity Pattern of Captive Lion (Panthera leo) in Siantar Zoo, North Sumatra, Indonesia
The present study investigated diurnal or daily activity patterns of an individual captive lion (Panthera leo) in Siantar Zoo, North Sumatra, Indonesia. Behavioral observations of 70 hours in 10-days observation were analyzed descriptively for common Felidae behaviors identified using a standardized Felidae ethogram. The methodology used was focal animal sampling with continuous sampling of data […]
Orangulas: effect of scheduled visual enrichment on behavioral and endocrine aspects of a captive orangutan (Pongo pygmaeus)
Captivity may have adverse effects on captive great apes, who would spend much more of their time engaged in foraging and other activities in the wild. Enrichment interventions have the potential to alleviate the adverse effects of captivity by introducing novel stimuli. In orangutans, interactive digital enrichment has proven effective at engaging users out of […]
Investigating individual and social behaviour of the Northern bald ibis (Geronticus eremita): behavioural variety and welfare
The Northern bald ibis (Geronticus eremita) (NBI) is one of the most threatened birds in the world. Intense conservation efforts have been undertaken and several research projects on the species are being done in Morocco and in Europe. Observing animal behaviour has been proved to be an efficient and non-invasive technique to assess the animal […]
Social interaction analysis in captive orcas (Orcinus orca)
The management of socially complex species in captivity is challenging. Research on their social behavior improves our understanding of interactions in captive animals and captive-group management. We conducted a detailed analysis of social relationships shown by the orcas kept at Loro Parque zoo and their tendency to reconcile after aggressive episodes. Affiliative interactions were the […]