Impacts of Installing New Habitat Structures on Mammal Welfare

Michigan summers are well-known for their heat and humidity. Just like people, animals may seek comfort in shaded areas during periods of high heat. A selection of habitats at the Detroit Zoo are slated to be renovated with added structures that may provide shade in the summers, heat and shelter in the winter and/or climbing opportunities. For less cold tolerant species like eland (Tragelaphus oryx), these structures may allow the animals to spend more time in their outdoor habitats in colder months. For great apes like gorillas (Gorilla gorilla gorilla) and chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes), structures that supply both shade and climbing opportunities may offer healthy behavioral opportunities while also improving guest visibility of the animals. In preparation for the installation of these structures, we conducted baseline observations of the animals with special attention to their behavior, space use and time spent in shaded areas. As structures are gradually completed and installed in habitats, we are continuing observations to assess how animals utilize the new structures and resulting improvements to animal welfare.