Adaptation of blind brown bears to a new environment and its residents: stereotypy and play as indicators
Publication Type: |
Journal Article |
Year of Publication: |
1995 |
Authors: |
Paul Koene |
Publication/Journal: |
Ursus |
Keywords: |
adaptation, animal welfare, blind brown bear, play-behavior, stereotypy, ursus-arctos |
Abstract:
Fourteen European brown bears (Ursus arctos) were confiscated in Turkey in October 1993. Three bears-1 female and 2 males-were blind and showed mainly stereotypies and behavior toward others that was passive, aggressive, or both. These blind bears were transported to the Zoo in the Netherlands and placed in an enclosure with 8 resident wolves and 7 resident bears, all with normal vision. Problems were expected concerning the adaptation to the new environment and the interactions with other animals. Three ethological studies were done in 3 phases: (1) experimental behavioral study during release, (2) behavioral description in the stable phase following release, and (3) detailed description of play behavior of blind and other bears. The blind bears had very few contacts with the electric fencing. After such a contact the bears immediately returned to the quarantine facility and stayed there for a long period. The female bear sometimes showed stereotypies during the first 6 stages of the release, but they were not observed after stage 6. Bears played much of the time in phases 2 and 3. The decrease in stereotypies and the
increase in playing behavior may reflect improved welfare of the blind bears. However, comparison between individual reactions of the bears suggested different coping styles, as is found in other species. The 2 male bears developed an active coping style with many playful interactions with other bears, whereas the female showed a more passive coping style.