Facility Design for Ageing Wild Animals
Publication Type: |
Book Section |
Year of Publication: |
2023 |
Authors: |
Jon C. Coe |
Publication/Journal: |
Optimal Wellbeing of Ageing Wild Animals in Human Care |
Publisher: |
Springer International Publishing |
Keywords: |
aging, disabled, facility design, geriatric, habitat design, personalization, welfare, wellbeing |
ISBN: |
978-3-031-30659-4 |
Abstract:
The blending of science with empathy through multidisciplinary design of animal facilities and features can contribute to the wellbeing of disabled and elderly animals in zoos, sanctuaries and research facilities and may prevent or slow some common degenerative conditions. The importance of designed features benefiting both animals and animal carers is emphasized. Subjects include the integration of management and facility planning, a model design and animal codesign process, features that may delay the onset of health problems and general recommendations including flexible spaces, suitable surfaces, horizontal and vertical circulation, animal rotation and aquatic/aerobic exercise. Animal–computer interaction (ACI) opportunities are touched on, including animal control of ambient conditions and round-the-clock personalized access to food, enriching opportunities and alternative spaces, which are all automatically monitored for research and medical observation.