Animal Welfare in Conservation Breeding: Applications and Challenges

Greggor, Alison L.; Vicino, Greg A.; Swaisgood, Ronald R.; Fidgett, Andrea; Brenner, Deena J.; Kinney, Matthew E.; Farabaugh, Susan M.; Masuda, Bryce; Lamberski, Nadine

doi:10.3389/fvets.2018.00323

Cited by 71 publications

(61 citation statements)

References 27 publications

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“…Zoo animal welfare is one of the key components in modern zoos achieving their aims (conservation, education, research and recreation). For example, with low welfare standards, an animal’s reproductive success decreases [ 7 , 8 ]. Godinez et al [ 9 ] also found that increases in animal stereotypies decreased visitor enjoyment, reducing the zoo’s opportunities to contribute towards both in situ and ex situ conservation strategies [ 10 ].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Using Zoo Welfare Assessments to Identify Common Issues in Developing Country Zoos

Ward

Williams

Groves³

et al. 2020

Animals

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Zoo animal welfare is a high priority for many institutions worldwide, with modern zoos now ensuring that animals are housed and cared for to the highest standards. However, in countries where this knowledge is not as available or understood, standards may be lower. The aim of this research was to investigate if there were common zoo welfare concerns across developing country zoos. Wild Welfare is a charity working globally to improve welfare for zoo animals and has an independent welfare audit that is carried out before any intervention occurs. The Wild Welfare Audit, consisting of 110 questions, covering nine topics, was completed at 11 zoos in seven developing countries (Brazil, Egypt, Libya, Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia and Vietnam) following a Likert scale score (1–3). A principal component analysis was also performed to evaluate the audit questions. The results suggest that common areas of concern were animal behaviour, positive animal mental states and human health and safety. These themes were likely due to the lack knowledge and understanding that may be linked to historical and cultural differences. This research has helped to revise the welfare audit as well as inform future intervention strategies for improving developing country zoo animal welfare.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Using Zoo Welfare Assessments to Identify Common Issues in Developing Country Zoos

Ward

Williams

Groves³

et al. 2020

Animals

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“…backpack attachment) [34,51], suggesting that the calling rate could also serve as a more general indicator of welfare [52]. Thus, we see no major obstacle in trying to generalize our approach to female zebra finches and other animals, including non-vocal learners [53,54].…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 98%

Undirected singing rate as a non-invasive tool for welfare monitoring in isolated male zebra finches

et al. 2020

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Research on the songbird zebra finch (Taeniopygia guttata) has advanced our behavioral, hormonal, neuronal, and genetic understanding of vocal learning. However, little is known about the impact of typical experimental manipulations on the welfare of these birds. Here we explore whether the undirected singing rate can be used as an indicator of welfare. We tested this idea by performing a post hoc analysis of singing behavior in isolated male zebra finches subjected to interactive white noise, to surgery, or to tethering. We find that the latter two experimental manipulations transiently but reliably decreased singing rates. By contraposition, we infer that a high-sustained singing rate is suggestive of successful coping or improved welfare in these experiments. Our analysis across more than 300 days of song data suggests that a singing rate above a threshold of several hundred song motifs per day implies an absence of an acute stressor or a successful coping with stress. Because singing rate can be measured in a completely automatic fashion, its observation can help to reduce experimenter bias in welfare monitoring. Because singing rate measurements are non-invasive, we expect this study to contribute to the refinement of the current welfare monitoring tools in zebra finches.

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“…Handling and housing animals in ways that minimize stress and exposing captive-bred animals to challenges that may prepare them for wild conditions are potential tools (Fraser, 2010). Overall improvements in captive conditions that promote the development of species-appropriate behaviors and reduce stress and disease can also contribute to effective conservation breeding programs (Greggor et al, 2018). It has also been encouraged to make released animals more comfortable in their release sites, based on the natal habitat preference induction phenomenon (Stamps and Swaisgood, 2007).…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Personality in Zoo-Hatched Blanding’s Turtles Affects Behavior and Survival After Reintroduction Into the Wild

Allard¹,

Fuller²,

Torgerson-White³

et al. 2019

Front. Psychol.

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Reintroduction programs in which captive-bred or reared animals are released into natural habitats are considered a key approach for conservation; however, success rates have generally been low. Accounting for factors that enable individual animals to have a greater chance of survival can not only improve overall conservation outcomes but can also impact the welfare of the individual animals involved. One such factor may be individual personality, and personality research is a growing field. We designed a project to ascertain the presence of personality traits in Blanding’s turtles (Emydoidea blandingii), a species of special concern in the state of Michigan, and to assess potential links between traits and post-release success. As hypothesized, the Blanding’s turtles in this study displayed behavioral responses to modified open field tests indicative of distinct personality traits: exploration, boldness, and aggression. Additionally, the personality traits were correlated differently with survival and behavior patterns when the turtles were released into the Shiawassee National Wildlife Refuge. More exploratory turtles had higher survival rates, while neither boldness nor aggression was related to survival. Exploratory turtles were also more likely to travel longer distances after release. The use of muskrat dens was related to increased survival, and both bolder and more exploratory turtles made higher use of this feature. Exploratory and aggressive turtles were found basking outside of water more often, while bold turtles were more likely to be found at the water surface. Both these basking behaviors may increase the risk of predation and may be reflective of a trade-off between the risk and behaviors related to physiological health. Understanding how personality affects behavior and survival post-release can be a critical tool for improving reintroduction success. Zoo animal welfare scientists and practitioners can implement approaches that improve the welfare of individuals within the context of conservation initiatives.

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Animal Welfare in Conservation Breeding: Applications and Challenges

Cited by 71 publications

References 27 publications

Using Zoo Welfare Assessments to Identify Common Issues in Developing Country Zoos

Using Zoo Welfare Assessments to Identify Common Issues in Developing Country Zoos

Undirected singing rate as a non-invasive tool for welfare monitoring in isolated male zebra finches

Personality in Zoo-Hatched Blanding’s Turtles Affects Behavior and Survival After Reintroduction Into the Wild

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