Holistic Approaches to Optimal Wellbeing of Ageing Wild Animals

Publication Type:
 Book Section
Year of Publication:
 2023
Authors:
 Sabrina Brando, Sarah Chapman
Publication/Journal:
 Optimal Wellbeing of Ageing Wild Animals in Human Care
Publisher:
 Springer International Publishing
Keywords:
 , , , , ,
ISBN:
 978-3-031-30659-4
Abstract:

Promoting good wellbeing in ageing animals benefits from a holistic approach considering a wide spectrum of physical and psychological aspects, through the lens of 24/7 across lifespan. A particular focus on the hours care staff is not usually at a facility is key, and professional zoos endeavour to provide animals with choice and control to meet their own needs and preferences when they want to. Ageing animals require proactive care such as screening, frequent behavioural observations, and assessing e.g., locomotion, social interaction, and feeding to detect early signs of age-related changes which could be of concern. This chapter discusses a variety of approaches for monitoring and assessment of animal wellbeing, which can support the changing needs and preferences of ageing animals in human care which are often overlooked or even disregarded and being labelled as ‘just old’. The key message is that the wellbeing of ageing animals should not be dismissed or overlooked but prioritised so that their additional needs and preferences are addressed and managed respectfully and compassionately.

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