Behavioral and Physical Development of Captive–Born Eastern Black Rhinoceros (Diceros bicornis michaeli) Calves
The birth of two eastern black rhinoceros (Diceros bicornis michaeli) calves (0.2) at the Blank Park Zoo in Des Moines, IA offered an opportunity to collect normative data for the first six months of calf development. Both calves successfully stood within 76 minutes of birth. Nursing first occurred at approximately 130 minutes. First defecation occurred […]
Stall architecture influences horses’ behaviour and the prevalence and type of stereotypies
Despite the spatial and social restrictions it causes, single stall housing still prevails in sport and riding school horses, leading to the emergence of abnormal behaviours such as stereotypic or abnormal repetitive behaviours (SB/ARB). In the present study, we investigated the impact of the type (visual/tactile) and amount of social information that could be exchanged […]
Behavioral monitoring in zoos and aquariums: a tool for guiding husbandry and directing research
Abstract 10.1002/zoo.20207.abs Behavioral monitoring is the scientific collection of animal behavior data to understand normal patterns of behavior and changes in these patterns. This tool is underutilized in the zoo industry although it can be an effective indicator of many potential problems that compromise zoo animal well-being. We suggest that a behavioral monitoring program should […]
Similarities and differences in activities and agonistic behavior of male Eastern grey kangaroos (Macropus giganteus) in captivity and the wild
Abstract 10.1002/1098-2361(2000)19:63.3.CO;2-C The behavior of free-ranging and captive Eastern grey kangaroos Macropus giganteus, was observed by the same observers, with similar methods and under similar vegetational/climatic conditions in a 4.2-ha enclosure at Neuwied Zoo, Germany and at Grampians National Park, Victoria, Australia. Data were collected from a zoo group of 56 animals and a free-ranging […]
Influence of housing on weanling horse behavior and subsequent welfare
Weaning foals marks a stressful event in horses’ lives. Limited research exists regarding different housing methods post-weaning and the long-term implications on horse behavior and welfare. The purpose of this study was to monitor behavior and physiological stress markers in horses weaned individually in solid partition box stalls versus horses weaned in small groups and […]
Use of space and activity budgets in relation to age and social status in a captive herd of American bison, Bison bison
Abstract 10.1002/zoo.1430120407.abs A stable herd of 11 captive American bison (Bison bison) of known ages and social rank was studied between June 18 and August 6, 1979 at the Jardin zoologique du Québec, Charlesbourg, Quebec. During the 8-week study, the first author collected scan data of predefined behaviors and locations on all individuals of the […]
Behavioural deprivation: a central problem in animal welfare
A key issue in animal welfare is whether keeping animals in conditions where they cannot or do not perform behaviour typical of more naturally-kept members of their species causes them to suffer. Various measures have been used to resolve this issue. The cost an animal is prepared to pay for the opportunity to perform different […]
The effects of cage volume and cage shape on the condition and behaviour of captive European starlings (Sturnus vulgaris)
Cage size is widely recognised as an important determinant of captive animal welfare, but in contrast, cage shape has received far less attention. Husbandry recommendations for flying birds state that cages should be long in shape because this allows greater potential for flight. However, so far no studies have investigated the impact of cage shape […]
The 24-h time budget of a takh harem stallion Equus ferus przewalskii: pre- and post-reintroduction
Focal animal sampling was used to determine the 24-h time budget of a takh harem stallion (Equus ferus przewalskii) during the 2 weeks prior to, and the two weeks following, reintroduction into the Hustain Nuruu Steppe Reserve, Mongolia. Both before and after release, the stallion spent approximately 47% of his time grazing, 6% standing, and […]
Motivation for hay: Effects of a pelleted diet on behavior and physiology of horses
The natural diet of free-ranging horses is grass, which is typically high in fiber and calorically dilute, however diets for high performance domestic horses are often low in fiber and calorically dense. The aim of the study was to determine the motivation of horses for hay when fed a low roughage diet. Their motivation could […]