The nocturnal behavior of a stable group of female, African elephants (Loxodonta africana africana) was studied to: (1) examine their behavior as a function of hour of night; (2) qualitatively compare the elephants' activity budgets to those reported in a previous study; and (3) document the presence of aggressive and stereotypic behaviors that might necessitate a change in their management. The elephants were systematically observed at least five times per week for 10 weeks between 17:00 and 08:00. Instantaneous focal samples of behavior, location, and proximity were taken every minute on a rotating basis, and all observed occurrences of social behavior were recorded. The hour of night affected elephant activity: significant relationships were found between hour of night and percent of time they spent feeding, lying, and standing. The overall activity budgets of the elephants were similar to the activity budgets reported in a previous study, although differences were evident in lying, stereotypic, and social behaviors. These differences might be a function of age. Affiliative behaviors accounted for 57% of the elephants' social behaviors, and agonistic behaviors among the elephants occurred infrequently and caused no injuries. Additionally, the elephants used all areas to which they had access. These findings provide compelling evidence that unrestricted social access during the night is the appropriate management strategy for these elephants. The results from the present study also highlight the importance of replicating existing studies and using multiple behavioral measures to make decisions regarding the welfare and

which presented an opportunity to evaluate the new giant panda exhibit. The present study documents the reactions of staff and visitors to Zoo Atlanta's Giant Panda Conservation Center by a post-occupancy evaluation (POE). Confidential interviews were conducted with 23 staff, and 145 zoo visitors completed questionnaires. Staff and visitors were asked to assign quality ratings to specific areas of the exhibit, and complete a series of open-ended questions. The findings suggest that staff and visitors evaluated Zoo Atlanta's giant panda exhibit favorably. On a five-point scale, the exhibit received mean ratings of 3.64 from the staff and 4.50 from the visitors. With a few exceptions, most areas of the exhibit met or exceeded staff expectations. Staff and visitors identified a number of strengths and weaknesses of the exhibit. Staff most frequently recommended changes to the pandas' space and the ability to address husbandry issues, while a large number of visitors did not suggest any changes, or did not respond to the question. Visitors that did respond to the question most often recommended that the zoo display additional pandas and modify the pandas' space. There were no significant differences in visitors' ratings of the different areas of the enclosure, or in their overall impressions of the exhibit, as a function of the pandas' location. The results are examined in terms of general implications for zoo exhibit design, construction, and evaluation, and in light of the goals of Grant sponsor: Zoo Atlanta.