Effects of rearing methods on feather-damaging behavior and corticosterone metabolite excretion in the peach-faced lovebird (Agapornis roseicollis Vieillot)
Hand-reared birds are more likely to develop behavioral disorders such as feather-damaging behavior (FDB) than parent-reared birds; this may adversely affect the human–animal bond and lead to poor animal welfare. Therefore, it is important to determine the effects of rearing methods on FDB to improve the welfare of companion birds. We determined the effects of […]
The effect of early environment on neophobia in orange-winged Amazon parrots (Amazona amazonica)
Early experience is often a significant factor in shaping animals’ later behavior. Early maternal separation is associated with negative behavioral outcomes, such as increased fearfulness in rats, while higher levels of maternal grooming during the neonatal period are associated with decreased fearfulness and increased exploratory behavior. This finding may have implications for the welfare of […]
Hand-rearing Hoofstock: a Team Approach
There are many reasons for hand-rearing neonatal hoofstock in captivity. From 1989 until 1992 the Fort Worth Zoo had no male springbok (Antidorcas marsupialis) or dama gazelles (Gazella dama). In 1993, when males were added to these herds, offspring began to be produced. Calves were rejected by first time mothers who had also been hand-reared, […]
Factors influencing the formation and maintenance of all-male gorilla groups in captivity
The social housing of males is of particular importance for captive managers of polygynous species. In this work, we highlight nine areas we believe are important to the successful formation and maintenance of all-male gorilla groups. Although more data are still needed to complete our understanding of these groups, the general picture that emerges is […]
Integration of Hand-Reared Gorillas Into Breeding Groups
Many zoo-born gorillas must still be hand-reared and sooner or later be associated with conspecifics in a breeding group. In this study the introduction and integration of 5 hand-reared infants at 3 zoos was observed for 2 to 4 years. Results showed that introductions proceed more smoothly if infants are first introduced to a calm […]
Enhancing captive breeding in giant pandas (Ailuropoda melanoleuca): maintaining lactation when cubs are rejected, and understanding variation in milk collection and associated factors
Abstract 10.1002/zoo.20232.abs From 1997 to 2002, a female giant panda (Ailuropoda melanoleuca) was artificially stimulated and lactation was maintained, after her neonates were removed due to the female’s inability to provide maternal care. Milk samples were collected and the amount of milk collected was quantified. The lactation curve of this animal was estimated based on […]
Captive breeding and rearing of critically endangered Mauritius fodies Foudia rubra for reintroduction
Abstract 10.1002/zoo.20182.abs In-situ captive rearing of endangered passerines for reintroduction has rarely been used as a conservation tool. Nests of Mauritius fodies threatened with predation by introduced mammalian predators were harvested from the wild, and chicks were reared to independence for release onto an offshore, predator-free island. The daily probability of the survival was higher […]
Behavioral profiles of the captive juvenile whooping crane as an indicator of post-release survival
Abstract 10.1002/zoo.20075.abs Predation by bobcats (Lynx rufus) is the major cause of mortality in captive-reared whooping cranes (Grus americana) released into the wild to establish a nonmigratory flock in Florida. This study investigated whether rearing methods (parent-rearing, hand-rearing, or hand-rearing with exercise) of cranes, and behaviors observed in birds either before or shortly after release […]
Hand-rearing and rehabilitation of orphaned wild giant otters, Pteronura brasiliensis, on the Rupununi river, Guyana, South America
From 1985–2003, 34 orphaned giant otters, Pteronura brasiliensis, (22 males, 12 females) were hand raised for eventual return to the wild at The Karanambu Cattle Company Limited Ranch (Karanambu), on the Rupununi River, Guyana, South America. The orphans ranged in age from 2 weeks to 9 months old; most were 8–10-week-old cubs. Feeding, housing, exercising, […]
Management and husbandry of duikers at the Los Angeles Zoo
Abstract 10.1002/zoo.10020.abs The Los Angeles Zoo has maintained and managed six different species of forest duikers since 1975. Over the years we have achieved relative success with the majority of these species. The maintenance and breeding of duikers has proved to be difficult at best. The major problems that we have experienced concern diet, stress-related […]