Aging Gracefully: Compassion for Nonhuman Animal Elders
Many nonhuman animals (hereafter animals) grow old within zoos. Aging animals undergo innumerable bodily and mental changes, some of which lead to suffering and keep them from flourishing while others move them towards other roles, opportunities, and standing. Those who take care of aging animals are confronted with various moral considerations of what it takes […]
Facility Design for Ageing Wild Animals
The blending of science with empathy through multidisciplinary design of animal facilities and features can contribute to the wellbeing of disabled and elderly animals in zoos, sanctuaries and research facilities and may prevent or slow some common degenerative conditions. The importance of designed features benefiting both animals and animal carers is emphasized. Subjects include the […]
Euthanasia of Geriatric Zoo Animals: Decision-Making and Procedure
The majority of animals cared for by modern zoos now live longer than their wild counterparts. This increase in both mean and maximum lifespan has resulted in a greater number of individuals which can be termed aged or geriatric (henceforth geriatric) resulting in an increased number of individuals with age-related pathologies. A wide range of […]
Supporting Geriatric Zoo Animal Welfare Through Nutrition
Aging wild animals undergo many physiological changes that are not visible to their keepers. Changes in their digestive system render them less efficient at absorbing nutrients, changes in their brain reduce mental acuity and inflammation builds up throughout the body, especially the joints. Eventually symptoms will be observed such as muscle loss, decreased activity and […]
Holistic Approaches to Optimal Wellbeing of Ageing Wild Animals
Promoting good wellbeing in ageing animals benefits from a holistic approach considering a wide spectrum of physical and psychological aspects, through the lens of 24/7 across lifespan. A particular focus on the hours care staff is not usually at a facility is key, and professional zoos endeavour to provide animals with choice and control to […]
The Role of Learning and Training for Ageing Animal Care and Wellbeing
Understanding animal learning and training can greatly support animal care and good animal wellbeing through all stages of life, including when animals are ageing and often require special care. Thinking and planning for the needs and integrating the preferences of an individual animal are fundamental in short- and long-term wellbeing programmes, including animal training programmes. […]
Quality-of-Life Assessments in Zoo Animals: Not Just for the Aged and Charismatic
Zoos should aim to provide all of their animals with a good quality of life (QoL) throughout all life stages. In parallel with the evolution of QoL assessment questionnaires and tools in human and domestic animal settings, in recent times, some individual zoos and zoo industry associations have incorporated such instruments into their animal management […]
Survey of Geriatric Elephant Medical Care, Nutrition, Husbandry, and Welfare
Improvements in husbandry, veterinary care, and nutrition have led to increased longevity of animals in human care, including elephants. The goal of this study was to collect and synthesize information pertaining to geriatric elephant medicine, management, husbandry, and nutrition. An electronic survey was created and distributed to American Association of Zoo Veterinarians members through an […]
Case Studies of the Impacts of Cataract Surgery on Crested Penguin Welfare
As nonhuman animals age, geriatric individuals require additional care and veterinary support to ensure their well being. The focus on lifelong care is a relatively newer approach when providing good welfare, and few studies have examined how veterinary care impacts behavior at different ages or how best to accommodate geriatric individuals in zoos. The objectives […]
Sexual and hormonal cycles in geriatric Gorilla gorilla gorilla
As our closest living relatives, great apes likely experience behavioral and physiological patterns associated with reproductive aging and menopause that are similar to human patterns. We present results from a nationwide zoo-based study on behavioral and hormonal changes in female western gorillas. We evaluated progestogen concentrations via daily fecal sampling in 30 gorillas, 22 of […]