Evidence that zoo visitors influence HPA activity in spider monkeys (Ateles geoffroyii rufiventris)
There has been conflicting evidence about the impact of visitors on zoo animals. The present study was designed to increase understanding of visitor effect by assessing the relationship between visitor numbers and activity in the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis. An enzyme-immunoassay was successfully developed and validated to quantify urinary cortisol in spider monkeys. The physiological impact […]
Familiarity may buffer the adverse effects of relocation on marmosets (Callithrix kuhlii): Preliminary evidence
Abstract 10.1002/zoo.20019.abs The relocation of exotic species is increasingly crucial for the proper management of captive populations. We investigated the effects of relocation on urinary cortisol levels and proximity behavior in four Wied’s marmosets (Callithrix kuhlii). Two of the relocated marmosets constituted a well-established pair, whereas two (the newly established pair) were introduced when they […]
Behavioral and adrenocortical responses to environmental changes in leopard cats (Felis bengalensis)
Abstract 10.1002/zoo.1430120403.abs Indicators of environmental adequacy relevant to the well-being of small felids are developed by examining, in 4 captive leopard cats, interrelationships between behavioral and adrenocortical responses to changes in housing conditions. Singly housed cats were moved from their barren home cage (Cage 1, baseline) sequentially to 2 new, barren housing situations (Cages 2 […]
Adult cortisol response to immature offspring play in captive squirrel monkeys
Variable environmental and social conditions influence hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal activity in captive animals. Socially separated and individually housed animals generally experience increased cortisol secretion compared to animals housed with conspecifics, and social companionship can buffer the stress response when exposed to challenges such as introduction to novel environments. Nevertheless, the presence of conspecifics may also be the […]
Behavioural and physiological responses of dogs entering re-homing kennels
Behaviour and urinary cortisol/creatinine ratios (C/C) were monitored in twenty-six dogs, on days 1, 2, 3, 5, 7 and 10 following their admission to a rehoming kennel. Half had been relinquished from homes, and half were either strays or returns to the shelter. Drinking and grooming increased with time, while panting and paw-lifting decreased, but […]
The use of saliva cortisol, urinary cortisol, and catecholamine measurements for a noninvasive assessment of stress responses in dogs
A problem in assessing animal welfare is that collecting data in itself may be stressful to the animals. Therefore, noninvasive methods for collecting data have to be devised and tested. A first step in investigating saliva cortisol, urinary cortisol, and urinary catecholamine as noninvasive indicators of canine well-being is the validation of these hormonal measures […]
Behavioural and hormonal indicators of enduring environmental stress in dogs
Four groups of dogs, which had been subjected to housing conditions of varying quality for years, were assumed to experience different levels of stress. The groups were compared for behavioural and hormonal parameters in order to identify measures that indicate chronic stress in the dog and which may help to identify poor welfare in this […]
Introduction of Foreign Female Asian Elephants (Elephas Maximus) into an Existing Group: Behavioural Reactions and Changes in Cortisol Levels
The present study examined the extent to which the introduction of three female Asian elephants (aged 3, 11, and 27 years) into a group of 1.4 (1 male, 4 female) elephants at Münster zoo, Germany, affects the behaviour and urinary cortisol levels of the animals involved. At Münster, only the females were monitored — the […]