A review of injuries caused by elephants in captivity: an examination of predominant factors
Injuries to people caused by elephants in zoos can be lethal. Data on incidents of injury to keepers and visitors were collated from newspaper articles, personal communications with zoo directors and keepers, and published information from the European Elephant Group. Although the data were not of consistent quality and detail across the three sources, the […]
The origins of the scientific study and classification of giraffes
Giraffes have been known for many thousands of years from rock art and Egyptian artefacts, displayed by Roman emperors at games and triumphs between 46BC and AD 274, and briefly exhibited in the zoos of the Italian City States in the 15th Century, yet they remained in the realm of mythology until, in 1764, Ryk […]
Behavioral response of 12 ungulate species in captivity to the presence of humans
Abstract 10.1002/zoo.1430080308.abs Twelve species of captive ungulates were studied to determine behavioral responses to the presence of a zookeeper within the exhibit and in front of the exhibit, with and without zoo visitors present. Significant differences in behavior occurred between species for nearly all behaviors observed. A significantly greater occurrence of vigilance and approach behavior […]
Factors influencing the well-being and longevity of captive female orangutans
I examined factors affecting the health and mortality of female orangutans in captivity and identified specific aspects of husbandry that appear to be critical to long-term survival in captivity. There are certain high-hazard events in the life of a captive female orangutan, including birth and parturition. Other than the short periods of high hazard, and […]
How Prosimian Primates Represent Tools: Experiments With Two Lemur Species (Eulemur fulvus and Lemur catta)
The authors examined how 2 lemur species (Eulemur fulvus and Lemur catta) reason about tools. Experiment 1 allowed subjects to use 1 of 2 canes to retrieve an inaccessible food reward. Lemurs learned to solve this problem as quickly as other primates. Experiment 2 then presented subjects with novel tools differing from the originals along […]
The (mis)concept of species recognition
To many, the concept of ‘species recognition’ is integral to the origin and maintenance of species. However, the heuristic value of species recognition is hampered by its reliance on the problematic concept of species. In this paper, we first discuss assumptions associated with prevailing use of the term, including the typological implications of the concept, […]
Behavioral effects of an immunocontraceptive vaccine on eastern fox squirrels
Managing pest species in urban and suburban areas is challenging, and contraception may provide a socially acceptable and effective management option for many species. The immunocontraceptive vaccine, GonaCon, effectively inhibits reproduction in many species of wildlife, but the behavioral effects are not yet well understood. Contraceptive-induced changes in behavior could raise animal welfare concerns and […]