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Stalter L, Terry M, Riley A, Leeds A. Home is where the home range is: Identifying territoriality and exhibit preferences in an ex-situ group of all-male Nile crocodiles (Crocodylus niloticus). PLoS One 2024; 19:e0297687. [PMID: 38271386 PMCID: PMC10810454 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0297687] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2023] [Accepted: 01/10/2024] [Indexed: 01/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Here, the presence or absence of territoriality was evaluated in an all-male Nile crocodile (Crocodylus niloticus) group living in an ex-situ environment. Location data for each crocodile within the exhibit were collected three times per day over a two-year period, including two warm seasons and two cold seasons. A geographic information system (GIS) was used to create seasonal home ranges and core areas for each crocodile, to quantify the overlap of these home ranges and core areas to assess potential territoriality, and to calculate exhibit preferences of the group. Core area overlap was significantly lower than home range overlap, suggesting the crocodiles established territories within their exhibit. This pattern of behavior was similar across seasons, though it moderately intensified during the cold season. The crocodiles appeared to be more territorial in water, as overlap was most concentrated on the central beach, the only feature utilized more than expected based in its availability in the exhibit. These findings highlight the behavioral complexity of Nile crocodiles in human care, specifically the ability of Nile crocodiles to adapt to ex-situ environments similar to their wild counterparts by forming territories despite spatial constraints. Identifying the presence of territorial behavior is important for the care and welfare of ex-situ animals, as territorial animals have specific requirements that may result in increased agonism when unmet. It can also provide valuable context to aid in mitigation strategies, for example, when undesirable levels of agonism do occur. The findings here provide an example of how methodology from the wildlife ecology field can be adapted to ex-situ settings using a GIS and contributes to the current understanding of crocodilian behavior in human care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Stalter
- Animals, Science and Environment, Disney’s Animal Kingdom, Lake Buena Vista, FL, United States of America
| | - Megan Terry
- Animals, Science and Environment, Disney’s Animal Kingdom, Lake Buena Vista, FL, United States of America
| | - Alex Riley
- Animals, Science and Environment, Disney’s Animal Kingdom, Lake Buena Vista, FL, United States of America
| | - Austin Leeds
- Animals, Science and Environment, Disney’s Animal Kingdom, Lake Buena Vista, FL, United States of America
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2
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Ritzler CP, Lukas KE, Bernstein-Kurtycz LM, Koester DC. The Effects of Choice-Based Design and Management on the Behavior and Space Use of Zoo-Housed Amur Tigers ( Panthera tigris altaica). J APPL ANIM WELF SCI 2023; 26:256-269. [PMID: 34353192 DOI: 10.1080/10888705.2021.1958684] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Choice-based design allows animals in human care opportunities to move at will between multiple interconnected spaces. Some evidence suggests providing environmental choice confers benefits to animals, but there is a dearth of research in this area with large carnivores. To understand the effects of this design strategy on large felids, behavioral and space use data were collected on three Amur tigers housed in a new habitat at Cleveland Metroparks Zoo. Data were collected in two conditions: 1) restricted to a single habitat, and 2) access to two habitats. With choice, tigers were less frequently inactive (p = 0.003), and locomoted more frequently (p = 0.009). They also showed different preferences in space use with choice, and a strong preference for overhead runways between habitats (E* = 0.83, E* = 0.78). These results add to what is known about environmental impacts on zoo animal behavior and suggest this design and management strategy may be effective in conferring positive welfare benefits to tigers and other large carnivores.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charles P Ritzler
- Conservation & Science Department, Cleveland Metroparks Zoo, Cleveland, OH, USA
- Department of Biology, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Kristen E Lukas
- Conservation & Science Department, Cleveland Metroparks Zoo, Cleveland, OH, USA
- Department of Biology, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Laura M Bernstein-Kurtycz
- Conservation & Science Department, Cleveland Metroparks Zoo, Cleveland, OH, USA
- Department of Biology, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Diana C Koester
- Conservation & Science Department, Cleveland Metroparks Zoo, Cleveland, OH, USA
- Department of Biology, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA
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3
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Krebs BL, Chudeau KR, Eschmann CL, Tu CW, Pacheco E, Watters JV. Space, time, and context drive anticipatory behavior: Considerations for understanding the behavior of animals in human care. Front Vet Sci 2022; 9:972217. [PMID: 36148468 PMCID: PMC9485936 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2022.972217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2022] [Accepted: 08/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Animal-based measures reflecting the welfare state of individuals are critical for ensuring the well-being of animals under human care. Anticipatory behavior is one potential animal-based measure that has gained traction in recent years, as it is theorized to relate to animals' reward sensitivity. It is of particular interest as an assessment for animals living under human care, as the predictability of the captive environment lends itself to the development of this class of behaviors. Animals are likely to exhibit anticipation in locations related to the anticipated event, often in temporally predictable time frames, and before specific contexts they experience in their day-to-day management. In this sense and under certain circumstances, anticipatory behaviors are likely to drive observed behavioral or space use patterns of animals under human care. Drawing conclusions from such data without identifying anticipation may result in misleading conclusions. Here we discuss how space, time, and context are related to patterns of anticipatory behaviors in animals under human care, how unidentified anticipation may alter conclusions regarding animal behavior or welfare under certain circumstances.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bethany L. Krebs
- Animal Wellness Department, San Francisco Zoological Society, San Francisco, CA, United States
- *Correspondence: Bethany L. Krebs
| | - Karli R. Chudeau
- Animal Science Department, University of California, Davis, CA, United States
| | - Caitlin L. Eschmann
- Animal Wellness Department, San Francisco Zoological Society, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Celina W. Tu
- Animal Science Department, University of California, Davis, CA, United States
| | - Eridia Pacheco
- Animal Science Department, University of California, Davis, CA, United States
| | - Jason V. Watters
- Animal Wellness Department, San Francisco Zoological Society, San Francisco, CA, United States
- Animal Science Department, University of California, Davis, CA, United States
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Do Birds of a Feather Always Flock Together? Assessing Differences in Group and Individual Zoo Enclosure Usage by Comparing Commonly Available Methods. JOURNAL OF ZOOLOGICAL AND BOTANICAL GARDENS 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/jzbg3010007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Data on zoo enclosure usage provide meaningful evaluation of husbandry and welfare but for social species, group-level data may not capture individual occupancy preferences. Determining zone occupancy using group data may give an inaccurate assessment of enclosure suitability for each individual. We compared three formulae (traditional and modified Spread of Participation Index and Electivity Index) to determine how estimations of space usage compare between individuals and their group overall. Two flamingo flocks at two zoos were sampled with enclosures separated into discrete zones. Counts of where each bird in the flock was located at each minute of sampling were compared against the number of minutes that randomly selected individual flamingos spent in each zone. Overall, there was little difference in preferred zone occupancy when flock data were compared to individual data. Group data suggested that flamingos were more consistent in their enclosure usage, with individual data showing wider overall usage of enclosures. Individual Electivity Index (EI) values suggested zone underuse whereas group EI suggested zone overuse. As a proxy for welfare measurement, we recommend both group-level and individual monitoring of space use to provide a complete picture of how individuals within a social group occupy their space and choose where to be.
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Behavior and Habitat Use Remain Diverse and Variable in Modern Zoological Exhibits over the Long-Term: Case Studies in 5 Species of Ursidae. JOURNAL OF ZOOLOGICAL AND BOTANICAL GARDENS 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/jzbg2040049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Long-term evaluations of whether modern zoological exhibits help to maintain variation in the behavior of zoo animals are lacking despite the hope that animals avoid falling into monotonous patterns of behavior or boredom. This study evaluated changes in behavior and habitat use over multi-year periods in nine individuals of five bear species at two zoological facilities. Behavioral data gathered over months to years were analyzed graphically for trends in the direction of change. The habitat use dynamics were assessed graphically by looking for trends in the entropy values over time. We found that the activity budgets remained diverse and were dynamic over time, more so in younger compared to older bears. Changes in behavior suggesting positive welfare were observed, while changes that may reflect declining welfare seemed more likely to be due to age or seasonality. The observed behavioral changes suggest that the bears did not become bored with their habitats; there was likely one to several hours of daily variation in behavior, and stereotypy was rare. The diversity in the habitat use decreased over time as the animals settled into patterns of use reflecting preferences for certain areas of their habitats.
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Lauderdale LK, Shorter KA, Zhang D, Gabaldon J, Mellen JD, Walsh MT, Granger DA, Miller LJ. Habitat characteristics and animal management factors associated with habitat use by bottlenose dolphins in zoological environments. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0252010. [PMID: 34460833 PMCID: PMC8404980 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0252010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2020] [Accepted: 05/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The way an animal uses its habitat can serve as an indicator of habitat appropriateness for the species and individuals. Bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus and Tursiops aduncus) in accredited zoos and aquariums experience a range of habitat types and management programs that provide opportunities for dolphins to engage in species-appropriate behaviors and potentially influence their individual and group welfare. Data in the present study were collected as part of a larger study titled "Towards understanding the welfare of cetaceans in zoos and aquariums" (colloquially called the Cetacean Welfare Study). Non-invasive bio-logging devices (Movement Tags) recorded the diving behavior and vertical habitat movements of 60 bottlenose dolphins at 31 zoos and aquariums that were accredited by the Alliance for Marine Mammal Parks and Aquariums and/or the Association of Zoos & Aquariums. Bottlenose dolphins wore a Movement Tag one day per week for two five-week data collection periods. Demographic variables, environmental enrichment programs, training programs, and habitat characteristics were associated with habitat usage. Longer dive durations and use of the bottom third of the habitat were associated with higher enrichment program index values. Dolphins receiving new enrichment on a monthly/weekly schedule also used the bottom third of the habitat more often than those receiving new enrichment on a yearly/year+ schedule. Dolphins that were managed in a group that was split into smaller subgroups during the day and were reunited into one group at night spent less time in the top third of the habitat than those who remained in a single group with consistent members at all times. Dolphins that were managed as subgroups with rotating members but were never united as one group spent less time in the bottom third of the habitat than those who remained in a single group with consistent members at all times. Taken together, the results suggested that management practices, such as enrichment and training programs, played a greater role in how dolphins interacted with their environment relative to the physical characteristics of the habitat.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa K. Lauderdale
- Conservation Science and Animal Welfare Research, Chicago Zoological Society–Brookfield Zoo, Brookfield, IL, United States of America
| | - K. Alex Shorter
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States of America
| | - Ding Zhang
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States of America
| | - Joaquin Gabaldon
- Robotics Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States of America
| | - Jill D. Mellen
- Biology Department, Portland State University, Portland, OR, United States of America
| | - Michael T. Walsh
- Department of Comparative, Diagnostic & Population Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States of America
| | - Douglas A. Granger
- Institute for Interdisciplinary Salivary Bioscience Research, University of California, Irvine, CA, United States of America
| | - Lance J. Miller
- Conservation Science and Animal Welfare Research, Chicago Zoological Society–Brookfield Zoo, Brookfield, IL, United States of America
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Lauderdale LK, Mellen JD, Walsh MT, Granger DA, Miller LJ. Towards understanding the welfare of cetaceans in accredited zoos and aquariums. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0255506. [PMID: 34460850 PMCID: PMC8404978 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0255506] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Cetaceans are long-lived, social species that are valued as ambassadors inspiring the public to engage in conservation action. Under professional care, they are critical partners with the scientific community to understanding the biology, behavior, physiology, health, and welfare requirements of this taxonomic group. The Cetacean Welfare Study was a highly collaborative research effort among zoos and aquariums accredited by the Alliance for Marine Mammal Parks and Aquariums and/or the Association of Zoos & Aquariums that provided important empirical and comparative information on the care and management of cetaceans. The goal was to identify factors that were related to the welfare of bottlenose dolphins and to develop reference intervals and values for common and novel indicators of health and welfare for common bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus), Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops aduncus), beluga whales (Delphinapterus leucas), and Pacific white-sided dolphins (Lagenorhynchus obliquidens). Data were collected from cetaceans at 43 accredited zoos and aquariums in seven countries in 2018 and 2019. This overview presents a summary of findings from the initial research articles that resulted from the study titled "Towards understanding the welfare of cetaceans in zoos and aquariums." With multiple related objectives, animal-based metrics were used to advance frameworks of clinical care and target key conditions that were associated with good welfare of cetaceans in zoo and aquarium environments. As a result of this collaboration, species-specific reference intervals and values for blood variables and fecal hormone metabolites were developed and are freely available in an iOS application called ZooPhysioTrak. The results suggested that environmental enrichment programs and social management factors were more strongly related to behaviors likely indicative of positive welfare than habitat characteristics for common and Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins. These findings can be widely applied to optimize care and future science-based welfare practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa K. Lauderdale
- Conservation Science and Animal Welfare Research, Chicago Zoological Society – Brookfield Zoo, Brookfield, Illinois, United States of America
| | - Jill D. Mellen
- Biology Department, Portland State University, Portland, Oregon, United States of America
| | - Michael T. Walsh
- Department of Comparative, Diagnostic & Population Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, United States of America
| | - Douglas A. Granger
- Institute for Interdisciplinary Salivary Bioscience Research, University of California, Irvine, California, United States of America
| | - Lance J. Miller
- Conservation Science and Animal Welfare Research, Chicago Zoological Society – Brookfield Zoo, Brookfield, Illinois, United States of America
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8
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Lauderdale LK, Walsh MT, Mellen JD, Granger DA, Miller LJ. Environmental enrichment, training, and habitat characteristics of common bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) and Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops aduncus). PLoS One 2021; 16:e0253688. [PMID: 34460831 PMCID: PMC8404999 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0253688] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2020] [Accepted: 06/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
In recent decades, animal welfare science has evolved to utilize a multidisciplinary approach to assess the welfare of animals in accredited zoos and aquariums. Science-based animal welfare assessments have become an essential component of management programs and widespread application is expected by animal care professionals. Management practices for bottlenose dolphins in accredited facilities incorporate several programs that potentially impact animal welfare including environmental enrichment and animal training. Additionally, habitat characteristics, such as the dimensions of the habitat, have been proposed to affect welfare. While accredited facilities are required to meet high standards of care, habitat characteristics and management practices are not standardized across locations. Knowledge and subsequent application of these practices and habitat characteristics can enhance our understanding of factors associated with positive welfare. As part of a larger study of dolphin welfare titled "Towards understanding the welfare of cetaceans in zoos and aquariums" (colloquially called the Cetacean Welfare Study), survey data were collected from 86 bottlenose dolphins in 40 habitats at 38 facilities in seven countries. The major aims of this paper are to provide general descriptive information regarding dolphin management in accredited zoos and aquariums and to provide supplemental context to the other research published from the Cetacean Welfare Study data set. This paper provides a review of current habitat characteristics and management practices at those 38 accredited zoos and aquariums. These data enabled the identification and quantification of how cetacean management practices differed between participating facilities accredited by the Alliance for Marine Mammal Parks and Aquariums and the Association of Zoos & Aquariums. Variables were selected based on their potential association with welfare including the physical habitat, environmental enrichment, and training programs. The variables were also used for subsequent research in this collection of related papers to investigate important connections between potential indicators of welfare and habitat characteristics, environmental enrichment, and training programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa K. Lauderdale
- Conservation Science and Animal Welfare Research, Chicago Zoological Society – Brookfield Zoo, Brookfield, Illinois, United States of America
| | - Michael T. Walsh
- Department of Comparative, Diagnostic & Population Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, United States of America
| | - Jill D. Mellen
- Biology Department, Portland State University, Portland, Oregon, United States of America
| | - Douglas A. Granger
- Institute for Interdisciplinary Salivary Bioscience Research, University of California, Irvine, California, United States of America
| | - Lance J. Miller
- Conservation Science and Animal Welfare Research, Chicago Zoological Society – Brookfield Zoo, Brookfield, Illinois, United States of America
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9
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Conducting Behavioural Research in the Zoo: A Guide to Ten Important Methods, Concepts and Theories. JOURNAL OF ZOOLOGICAL AND BOTANICAL GARDENS 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/jzbg2030031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Behavioural research in zoos is commonplace and is used in the diagnosis and treatment of potential husbandry and management challenges. Robust methods that allow valid data collection and analysis constitute an evidence-based approach to animal care. Understanding behaviour is essential to improving animal management, and behavioural research is therefore popular, with a wide choice of behavioural methodologies and theories available. This review outlines ten methodological approaches, concepts or theories essential to zoo science that are based around behavioural observation. This list is not exhaustive but aims to define and describe key areas of consideration when planning and implementing a zoo-based behavioural project. We discuss the application of well-established methods (the construction of ethograms, use of time–activity patterns and measurement of space/enclosure use) as well as evaluating newer or less-widely applied analytical techniques, such as behavioural diversity indices, social networks analysis and Qualitative Behavioural Assessment. We also consider the importance of fundamental research methods, the application of pure science to understand and interpret zoo animal behaviour (with a review of a Tinbergian approach) and consideration of meta-analyses. The integration of observational techniques into experiments that aim to identify the cause and effect of behavioural performance is then explored, and we examine the assimilation of behavioural methods used in studies of environmental enrichment. By systematically studying animal behaviour, we can attempt to understand the welfare of individual animals in captivity, and here we present an example of our reviewed approaches to this area of zoo science. Combining multiple methodologies can lead to a greater understanding of behaviour and welfare, creating robust research, progressing husbandry and advancing conservation strategies. Collaborations between zoological collections and academic researchers (e.g., in Higher Education Institutions) can further refine and enhance the validity of research and husbandry practice alike.
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10
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Rose P, Badman-King A, Hurn S, Rice T. Visitor presence and a changing soundscape, alongside environmental parameters, can predict enclosure usage in captive flamingos. Zoo Biol 2021; 40:363-375. [PMID: 33969913 DOI: 10.1002/zoo.21615] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2020] [Revised: 03/12/2021] [Accepted: 04/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
The sound environment of a zoo animal is a complex milieu of animal and human-generated sounds; coming from the species itself, other species, visitors, keepers and other zoo-users. Research determining how different components of the sound environment affect animal behaviour is surprisingly lacking but could have real-world impacts for animal welfare and zoo enclosure design. The current study investigated the effects of the sound environment on two flocks of flamingos housed in open-air enclosures at British zoos. Measures of how each flock used its enclosure (as a response variable) and environmental variables (Inband Power and Peak Frequency were recorded as characteristics of the sound environment, as well as temperature, humidity and cloud cover, and finally visitor presence-all as potential predictor variables) were made over a 2-month period. Assessment of space use by zoo animals is often used as a measure of the appropriateness of an exhibit and to understand welfare. Given that flamingo activity is influenced by weather and that the sound environment of the zoo is likely to be influenced by the number and the presence of visitors, it was assumed that these predictor variables would influence where the flamingos were located at different times of the day. As expected, there was a complicated relationship between enclosure use and Inband Power (average spectral density, a measure of sound energy) in both flocks; visitors generated salient sound but other visitor characteristics such as their physical presence may have impacted the movement of the birds around their enclosures. Results show a complex picture where environmental conditions influence flamingo enclosure usage as well as visitor presence and sounds around/in the enclosure. Findings are not consistent between the two flocks, with one flock demonstrating distinct temporal change to enclosure zone occupancy and the other responsive to humidity and cloud cover variation. We believe enclosure use can provide a valuable indication of how birds react to their soundscape; however, our findings suggest more work is needed to unpick the components of captive sound environments, and their relative effects on how animals use their space.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul Rose
- Centre for Research in Animal Behaviour, College of Life and Environmental Science, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK.,Department of Sociology Philosophy and Anthropology, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
| | - Alexander Badman-King
- Exeter Anthrozoology as Symbiotic Ethics, Department of Sociology, Philosophy and Anthropology, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
| | - Samantha Hurn
- Exeter Anthrozoology as Symbiotic Ethics, Department of Sociology, Philosophy and Anthropology, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
| | - Tom Rice
- Department of Sociology Philosophy and Anthropology, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
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11
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Rose PE, Scales JS, Brereton JE. Why the "Visitor Effect" Is Complicated. Unraveling Individual Animal, Visitor Number, and Climatic Influences on Behavior, Space Use and Interactions With Keepers-A Case Study on Captive Hornbills. Front Vet Sci 2020; 7:236. [PMID: 32411742 PMCID: PMC7199352 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2020.00236] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2020] [Accepted: 04/07/2020] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
A “visitor effect” on zoo-housed species has been documented since the 1970s, with research focused on mammals (specifically primates). To broaden our understanding of the “visitor effect” in a non-mammal, we conducted a case study on a pair of hornbills, recording behavior and aviary use alongside of visitor and keeper presence. Temperature and humidity were significant predictors of visitor number, and temperature was a better predictor of hornbill exhibit use than visitor presence. Behavior was significantly affected by the presence of keepers and individual variation in behavior was noted too. Visitor number mediated any interest in a keeper by birds: high visitor number decreased a bird's interest in its keeper. Whilst only a case study on a pair of birds, our research shows that any “visitor effect” is heavily influenced by other environmental variables and that different categories of human (i.e., visitor, keeper) affect how zoo animals utilize their environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul E Rose
- Department of Psychology, University of Exeter, Exeter, United Kingdom.,WWT Slimbridge, Gloucester, United Kingdom.,Sparsholt College, Winchester, United Kingdom
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12
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de Vere AJ. Visitor effects on a zoo population of California sea lions (Zalophus californianus) and harbor seals (Phoca vitulina). Zoo Biol 2018; 37:162-170. [PMID: 29671895 DOI: 10.1002/zoo.21411] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2017] [Revised: 03/24/2018] [Accepted: 04/04/2018] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
The effects of visitor presence on zoo and aquarium animals have become increasingly well studied, using measures such as behavioral responses and exhibit usage. Many taxa remain underrepresented in this literature; this is the case for marine mammals, despite widespread public concern for their welfare in managed care settings. The current study therefore used behavioral activity budgets and exhibit usage to assess the responses of California sea lions (Zalophus californianus) and harbor seals (Phoca vitulina) to visitors at the Seal Cove exhibit at Six Flags Discovery Kingdom, Vallejo CA. Data was collected via focal follow video recordings over the summer season of 2016, and analyzed using MANCOVAs, discriminant analyses, and modified Spread of Participation Indices. The sea lions showed no significant changes in behavior when visitors were present, but did show greater preference for the water bordering visitor viewing areas during these times. Two sea lions gave birth during the study period, and showed greater preference for land areas both adjacent to and out of sight of visitors when nursing compared to while pregnant. In contrast, the harbor seals showed significant behavioral changes in the presence of visitors, including increased vigilance and feeding. This was associated with increased preferential use of water areas adjacent to the visitor viewing area. Visitors were able to purchase fish to throw to the animals, which likely contributed to the differences observed. Overall, this study found little evidence for negative visitor impacts on two pinniped species in a zoo setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amber J de Vere
- Marine Mammal Behavior and Cognition Laboratory, University of Southern Mississippi, Hattiesburg, Mississippi
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