Supporting Geriatric Zoo Animal Welfare Through Nutrition

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

Aging wild animals undergo many physiological changes that are not visible to their keepers. Changes in their digestive system render them less efficient at absorbing nutrients, changes in their brain reduce mental acuity and inflammation builds up throughout the body, especially the joints. Eventually symptoms will be observed such as muscle loss, decreased activity and longer reaction times, thereby impacting their welfare and eventually their quality of life. Some of these changes may be prevented or delayed by meaningful changes to the diet when an animal reaches 70% of their life span in captivity. Protein, vitamins and omega-3 fatty acids have shown high potential in the maintenance and improvement of the welfare and quality of life of geriatric wild animals.

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