The influence of feeding routines on the behavior of zoo-housed Sulawesi crested black macaques (Macaca nigra)
Many species thrive in captivity, yet there is still much to be assessed regarding the often-unknown stressors present that can compromise welfare. Uncovering such stressors is of paramount importance if we are to ensure the zoo environment provides the highest levels of animal welfare that will contribute to species conservation. Zoo-housed primates are subject to […]
JZAR Special Edition: Proceedings of the 12th European Zoo Nutrition Conference in Riga, Latvia, 20–22 September 2023
Appropriate zoo animal nutrition is one of the bases of good animal husbandry and welfare. Diet plays an important role in health, reproductive success, longevity, and the avoidance of suffering, whilst a suitable feeding regime should not only cover an animal’s requirements in terms of nutritional and digestive physiology, but also in terms of activity […]
The influence of feeding opportunities of six zoohoused Giraffa camelopardalis rothschild: The influence of feeding opportunities
Previous studies on captive giraffes have shown that an increase in foraging opportunities leads to reduced abnormal behaviour. This study evaluates the nocturnal behaviours of six captive giraffes, housed in Aalborg Zoo (N: 57.04°, E: 9.90°). The herd consists of one male giraffe (age 8), one male calf (age 1 ½), two femelle giraffe (age […]
Understanding behaviour to improve the welfare of an ornamental fish
Some common practices in aquaculture, ornamental trade, and fish facilities may disturb the behavioural repertoire of fish and its natural adaptive value, reducing welfare and unsettling fish production. Hence, it is necessary to understand individuals’ behaviour, as well as the factors affecting it, in order to improve their quality of life. Here, we reviewed the […]
Preference for Heights of Feeding Troughs in Mares: A Pilot Study
Preferences for the height of feeding troughs of seven mares were evaluated and, as awareness of surroundings when feeding is adaptive for horses, the relationship between preference responses and attention behaviours was also assessed. First, feeding troughs at four heights (0, 25, 50, and 75 cm) were provided for 16 days, and the amount of […]
Activity budgets and the relationship between feeding and stereotypic behaviors in Asian elephants (Elephas maximus) in a Zoo
Activity budgets were studied in eight Asian elephants (Elephas maximus) at Chester Zoo (UK) for 35 days, between January and November 1999. Recordings were made between 10:00 and 16:00 hr (with most behavior frequencies calculated between 10:00 and 14:00 hr). The elephants exhibited variation in activity depending on their age, sex, the time of day […]
Giraffe husbandry and feeding practices in Europe: Results of an EEP survey
Problems of the locomotory system (like overgrown hooves, laminitis or joint problems) have been reported from the EEP giraffe population. To evaluate relevant husbandry practices and frequency of the problem, a survey was done covering EEP institutions (response to the questionnaire from 70 institutions representing 74 individually managed groups). 40 of the 74 groups reported […]
Short-term benefits of play behavior and conflict prevention in Pan paniscus
Most theories on the function of play have focused on ultimate rather than proximate benefits. Play peaks during juvenility but, in some species, it is present in adulthood as well. In primates, social play and grooming often show a matched pattern because they bring individuals into close contact and favor social cohesion. In Pan, researchers […]
Proceedings of The Fifth Annual Symposium on Zoo Research
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Zoo Animal Feeding: A Natural History Viewpoint
In order to formulate animal feeding programs, zoos traditionally borrow knowledge and techniques, developed for domesticated animals, from livestock industry. Although livestock industry provides some of the basic components of feeding it is aimed at economic gain from animals, and the number of species it covers is extremely small. Moreover, wild animals are forced to […]