Monitoring adrenal activity through noninvasive fecal hormone sampling is rapidly gaining popularity as a tool to assess zoo animal welfare. However, few studies have sought to investigate the interrelationships between behavior, adrenal activity, and environment, and ask whether both behavioral and adrenal monitoring strategies are required to assess welfare sufficiently. We present the findings of a 9-month study of a small group (one male, two females) of Western lowland gorillas, Gorilla gorilla gorilla. First, we examined the effect of environmental variables on gorilla behavior. Second, we examined the effect of environmental variables on the concentration of fecal glucocorticoid metabolites (FGC) and the relationship between behavior and FGC. Environmental variables had similar effects on all three gorillas. Negative vigilance of visitors (NVV; staring, posturing, and charging at visitors) significantly increased in all subjects as environmental noise levels increased, and food-related behavior significantly decreased in all subjects as crowd size increased. Exhibit modifications had a number of positive effects on behavior. Notably, when privacy screens were used, NVV significantly decreased in two subjects. We found no significant effects of environmental variables on FGC. However, we did find significant relationships between behavior and FGC in one female. Specifically, her NVV was significantly higher one day before, and on the same day as, raised FGC. Also, hair plucking significantly increased in the two days following raised FGC. Overall, this study demonstrates how concurrent noninvasive fecal and behavioral monitoring can be used for gorilla welfare assessment.

Background The long-term success of ex-situ conservation programmes depends on species-appropriate husbandry and enrichment practices complemented by an accurate welfare assessment protocol. Zoos and conservation breeding programmes should employ a bottom-up approach to account for intraspecific variations in measures of animal welfare. We studied 35 (14:21) captive Asiatic lions in Sakkarbaug Zoological Garden, Junagadh, India to understand the implications of individual variations on welfare measures. We categorized the subjects based on personality traits (bold or shy), rearing history (wild-rescued or captive-raised), sex, and social-grouping. We explored the association of these categorical variables on welfare indices such as behavioural diversity, latency to approach novel objects, enclosure usage and aberrant repetitive behaviours. Further, we assessed the inter-relationships between different behavioural measures of welfare. Results Our results show that intraspecific variations based on rearing-history and personality traits are significantly associated with the welfare states of captive Asiatic lions. Asiatic lions with bold personality traits (M = 0.50, SD = 0.12, N = 21) and those raised in captivity (M = 0.47, SD = 0.12, N = 16) used enclosure space more homogenously compared to shy (M = 0.71, SD = 0.15, N = 14) and wild-rescued (M = 0.67, SD = 0.15, N = 19) animals. Behaviour diversity was significantly higher in captive-raised (M = 1.26, SD = 0.3, N = 16) and bold (M = 1.23, SD = 0.26, N = 21) subjects compared to wild-rescued (M = 0.83, SD = 0.35, N = 19) and shy (M = 0.73, SD = 0.34, N = 14) individuals. Aberrant repetitive behaviours (stereotypy) were significantly lower in bold (M = 7.01, SD = 4, N = 21) and captive-raised (M = 7.74, SD = 5.3) individuals compared to wild-rescued (M = 13.12, SD = 6.25, N = 19) and shy (M = 16.13, SD = 5.4, N = 16) lions. Sex and social-grouping of subjects did not show significant associations with behavioural welfare indices. Interestingly, behaviour diversity was reliably predicted by the enclosure usage patterns and aberrant repetitive behaviours displayed by subjects. Discussion Our findings underline the importance of individual-centric, behaviour-based, and multi-dimensional welfare assessment approaches in ex-situ conservation programmes. The results suggest that behavioural welfare indices complemented with individual variations can explain inter-individual differences in behavioural welfare measure outcomes of Asiatic lions. These findings also provide zoo managers with a non-invasive tool to reliably assess and improve husbandry practices for Asiatic lions. Understanding the unique welfare requirement of individuals in captivity will be crucial for the survival of the species.

Historically, behaviour of zoo housed species during hours of limited staff and visitor presence has been poorly studied, largely due to the lack of appropriate technology. Advances in digital monitoring equipment and facility design by European elephant holders has given researchers scope to accurately evaluate behaviour for this species over 24 hrs. Various behavioural indicators of welfare have now been identified for zoo housed elephants; however the relationship between resting behaviour and welfare experience has been an area highlighted to require additional research. Lying rest is a potential positive welfare indicator for this species, with studies suggesting that engagement in lying rest can be used to monitor both psychological and physiological wellbeing. Throughout this work we aim to give insights into the behaviour of individual Asian elephants at ZSL Whipsnade Zoo, specifically between the hours of 16:00 and 10:00. In addition to presenting the activity budgets of our study individuals during these times, we explore individual engagement in resting behaviour. Furthermore, we evaluate the social associations of our study group during rest. We provide evidence that unrelated individuals can form strong associations with conspecifics when resting and show that life history is a factor to consider when evaluating social compatibility between group members. Finally, we demonstrate the positive role that calves and juvenile individuals can play in facilitating meaningful associations between group members during rest. Our study highlights the importance of evaluating behaviour during understudied time periods in order to obtain a holistic view of individual welfare, further emphasising the importance of adopting an evidence-based approach to management for this species in zoos.

In June 2017, the Secretary of State's Standards of Modern Zoo Practice (SSSMZP) were updated with an appendix relating specifically to elephants (Appendix 8.8: Elephants). This update was published to bring elephant management standards in line with recognized advancing best practice. All zoos in the UK holding elephants are inspected against the new appendix, in accordance with the Zoo Licensing Act 1981, by dedicated Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra)‐appointed inspectors. Achieving the standards set out within the new appendix will require financial investment and careful planning from all the zoos holding elephants within the UK. At the time of writing, the annual cost of keeping a breeding group of elephants at ZSL Whipsnade Zoo, UK, was calculated from data collected over the last 10 years and the financial investment required to achieve SSSMZP compliance was estimated. The commercial benefit that elephants bring to ZSL Whipsnade Zoo was also quantified using feedback from visitor surveys. The cost of keeping a breeding herd of elephants at ZSL Whipsnade Zoo was estimated at £593 021–£641 863 per year, excluding indirect staffing costs, ground rent and contributions made by the Zoological Society of London (ZSL) to field‐conservation projects. Costs for achieving SSSMZP compliance will be considerably greater with substantial capital investment required. The commercial benefit was found to be extensive; with predicted significant increased visitor dwell time and secondary spend in the presence of elephants. Using ZSL Whipsnade Zoo as an example, this paper aims to consider holistically the financial costs when planning and implementing an optimum, welfare‐centred, sustainable future for elephants in zoos.

Over the last two decades, criticisms were raised regarding the welfare experienced by elephants in European and North American zoos. Concerns regarding the welfare of zoo-housed elephants in the UK and Europe were consolidated in the publication of several key reports, and media interest peaked. Throughout this study we aim to outline the behavioural measures of welfare observed in the current group of Asian elephants (Elephas maximus) at Zoological Society of London (ZSL) Whipsnade Zoo, using key welfare indicators for this species and comparing them to previous published work. Following the instigation of a species-specific research programme, empirical behavioural data were available to quantify any developments in care and welfare. The collection of behavioural information revealed that individuals in our study group engage in low levels of stereotypic behaviour, have formed and maintain strong associations with one another and display a high proportion of engagement in lying rest. We outline that by applying simple, low-cost methods of behavioural data collection and analysis, it is possible to collect evidence that allows us to evaluate individual level welfare. This facilitates the adoption of an evidence-based approach to zoo management as well as demonstrating compliance with updated legislation for this species.

Background The long-term success of ex-situ conservation programmes depends on husbandry and enrichment practices complemented by a robust welfare assessment protocol. Most zoos and conservation programmes continue to employ a bottom-up approach to measure animal welfare that often fails to account for intraspecific variations. Despite accepting animal sentience, we are yet to address individuality and its role in governing animal welfare in captive conditions. We explored the role of individuality (personality traits, and life history) on behaviour-based welfare indices of 35 (14:21) captive Asiatic lions in Sakkarbaug Zoological Garden, Junagadh, India. We categorized the subjects based on personality traits (bold or shy), life history (wild-rescued or captive-raised) and gender, and compared welfare indices in the form of behavioural diversity, latency to novel objects, enclosure usage patterns and aberrant repetitive behaviours between the groups. Further, we assessed the inter-relationships between different behavioural measures of welfare. Results Our results show that intraspecific variations based on life history and personality traits consistently predict the welfare states of captive lions. Asiatic lions with bold traits (M=0.5, SD=0.12, n=21) and captive-raised life history (M=0.47, SD=0.12, n=16) used enclosure space more homogenously compared to shy (M=0.71, SD=0.15, n=14) and wild-rescued (M=0.67, SD=0.15, n=19) animals. Behaviour diversity was significantly higher in captive-raised (M=1.26, SD=0.3, n=16) and bold (M=1.23, SD=0.26, n=21) subjects compared to wild-rescued (M=0.83, SD=0.35, n=19) and shy (M=0.73, SD=0.34, n=14) individuals. On the other hand, aberrant repetitive behaviours (stereotypy) were significantly lower in bold (M=7.01, SD=3.9, n=21) and captive-raised (M = 7.74, SD = 5.3) individuals compared to wild-rescued (M=13.12, SD=6.25, n=19) and shy (M=16.13, SD=5.4, n=16) lions. Behaviour diversity was reliably predicted by the enclosure usage patterns and aberrant repetitive behaviours displayed by subjects. The enclosure usage pattern of subjects was predicted by their latency to novel objects, behaviour diversity, and age. Discussion Our findings underline the importance of individual-centric, behaviour-based, and multi-dimensional welfare assessment tools in ex-situ conservation programmes. The results suggest that behavioural welfare indices complemented with personality can help improve welfare of Asiatic lions and highlight the critical need to address intraspecific variation in behavioural welfare measures in captive animals.

Background The long-term success of ex-situ conservation programmes depends on husbandry and enrichment practices complemented by a robust welfare assessment protocol. Most zoos and conservation programmes continue to employ a bottom-up approach to measure animal welfare that often fails to account for intraspecific variations. Despite accepting animal sentience, we are yet to address individuality and its role in governing animal welfare in captive conditions. We explored the role of individuality (personality traits, and life history) on behaviour-based welfare indices of 35 (14:21) captive Asiatic lions in Sakkarbaug Zoological Garden, Junagadh, India. We categorized the subjects based on personality traits (bold or shy), life history (wild-rescued or captive-raised) and gender, and compared welfare indices in the form of behavioural diversity, latency to novel objects, enclosure usage patterns and aberrant repetitive behaviours between the groups. Further, we assessed the inter-relationships between different behavioural measures of welfare. Results Our results show that intraspecific variations based on life history and personality traits consistently predict the welfare states of captive lions. Asiatic lions with bold traits (M=0.5, SD=0.12, n=21) and captive-raised life history (M=0.47, SD=0.12, n=16) used enclosure space more homogenously compared to shy (M=0.71, SD=0.15, n=14) and wild-rescued (M=0.67, SD=0.15, n=19) animals. Behaviour diversity was significantly higher in captive-raised (M=1.26, SD=0.3, n=16) and bold (M=1.23, SD=0.26, n=21) subjects compared to wild-rescued (M=0.83, SD=0.35, n=19) and shy (M=0.73, SD=0.34, n=14) individuals. On the other hand, aberrant repetitive behaviours (stereotypy) were significantly lower in bold (M=7.01, SD=3.9, n=21) and captive-raised (M = 7.74, SD = 5.3) individuals compared to wild-rescued (M=13.12, SD=6.25, n=19) and shy (M=16.13, SD=5.4, n=16) lions. Behaviour diversity was reliably predicted by the enclosure usage patterns and aberrant repetitive behaviours displayed by subjects. The enclosure usage pattern of subjects was predicted by their latency to novel objects, behaviour diversity, and age. Discussion Our findings underline the importance of individual-centric, behaviour-based, and multi-dimensional welfare assessment tools in ex-situ conservation programmes. The results suggest that behavioural welfare indices complemented with personality can help improve welfare of Asiatic lions and highlight the critical need to address intraspecific variation in behavioural welfare measures in captive animals.

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