Attitude of zoo visitors to the idea of feeding live prey to zoo animals

Ings, Raymond; Waran, Natalie; Young, Robert J.

doi:10.1002/(sici)1098-2361(1997)16:4<343::aid-zoo6>3.3.co;2-6

Cited by 8 publications

(15 citation statements)

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“…In general, most surveyed visitors approved of carcass feeding regardless of the prey species. Like many surveys on live prey feeding [Ings et al, ; Lemmen et al, ; Cottle et al, ], however, we also found a hierarchy of concern among some visitors for different prey species that are fed to vultures as whole carcasses: disapproval of carcass feeding slightly increased with carcass size and taxonomic proximity to humans.…”

Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 82%

Investigating the impact of large carcass feeding on the behavior of captive Andean condors (Vultur gryphus) and its perception by zoo visitors

Gaengler

Clum

2015

Zoo Biology

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Naturalistic feeding methods, such as the provision of whole carcasses to zoo animals, are potentially controversial because zoo visitors might not approve of them. However, since several species of zoo animals feed from large carcasses in the wild, this food type could benefit their welfare in captivity compared to other less-natural food types. Scavengers in particular almost exclusively live on carcasses in nature; therefore, their welfare in captivity could significantly depend on the opportunity to express behaviors related to carcass feeding. In this study, we assessed the frequency of carcass feeding for vultures in North American zoos and investigated the effect of different food types on the behavior of zoo-housed Andean condors (Vultur gryphus). We also evaluated the opinion of North American zoo visitors about carcass feeding. Our results show that small whole carcasses (rats, rabbits) are part of the diet of vultures in most North American zoos, but large whole carcasses (ungulates) are rarely fed. Our behavioral study indicated that Andean condors appear to be more motivated to feed on more natural food types, which also seem to physically engage the birds more and occupy them longer. Most zoo visitors approved of carcass feeding for captive vultures over a range of prey animals, and the majority would also like to observe the vultures eat. Collectively, our results demonstrate that carcass feeding, particularly with larger prey, potentially enriches both zoo-housed vultures as well as the visitor experience.

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Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 82%

Investigating the impact of large carcass feeding on the behavior of captive Andean condors (Vultur gryphus) and its perception by zoo visitors

Gaengler

Clum

2015

Zoo Biology

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“…It is difficult to interpret whether zoo visitors want to see active behaviors because they are rare, and therefore more exciting, or because they represent good welfare. A survey investigating the attitudes of zoo visitors to feeding live prey illustrated that visitors felt strongly that captive animals should be given live prey because it is natural (Ings, Waran and Young 1997). However, the same respondents did not necessarily want to see this natural behavior; 62.5% thought a live rabbit should be fed to a cheetah, but only half of these respondents would want live feeding to take place on exhibit (Ings, Waran and Young 1997).…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…A survey investigating the attitudes of zoo visitors to feeding live prey illustrated that visitors felt strongly that captive animals should be given live prey because it is natural (Ings, Waran and Young 1997). However, the same respondents did not necessarily want to see this natural behavior; 62.5% thought a live rabbit should be fed to a cheetah, but only half of these respondents would want live feeding to take place on exhibit (Ings, Waran and Young 1997). In this context, it appears that the public might be judging animal welfare on the basis of what they would most like to see, rather than on what is genuinely best for the tiger.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

A preliminary assessment of how zoo visitors evaluate animal welfare according to enclosure style and the expression of behavior

2004

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A preliminary assessment of how zoo visitors evaluate animal welfare according to enclosure style and the expression of behavior Abstract Visitors to zoos make judgements about animal welfare on the basis of what they see during their visit. There has been a considerable amount of research and debate surrounding the use of enclosure style and/or animal behavior to act as indicators of animal welfare. There are assumptions, supported by some studies but contradicted by others, that naturalistic enclosures and the expression of "wild behavior" inherently promote good welfare. These assumptions also appear to be used by the public to judge the welfare of zoo-housed animals. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether visitors to Paignton Zoo Environmental Park, UK, were using these assumptions to judge the welfare of zoo-housed animals. Visitors (n=42) were shown two series of photographs (n=8 in each series), one representing different primate enclosure styles and one depicting different tiger behaviors. The visitors were asked to rank the photographs in response to a series of questions (n=4 primate enclosure; n=5 tiger behavior). The public were consistent in their assessment of enclosure styles, which confirmed they held the assumption that naturalistic enclosures are good; all respondents rated the greenest enclosure highly and thought its inhabitants would have the best welfare. The interpretation of captive tiger behavior was also consistent across respondents, but this did not clearly indicate that they thought wild behavior was good. Most respondents thought that tigers in captivity and in the wild performed similar behavior. However, they did not think that expression of wild-type behavior was indicative of good welfare in captivity.

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“…Most people believe that zoo enclosures should resemble animals' natural environments (Reade & Waran, 1996), and prefer naturalistic enclosures compared to barren ones Price, Ashmore, & McGivern, 1994;Shettel-Neuber, 1988). Yet, the public does not always consider animal welfare improvements to be important, and some people express disproval of naturalistic exhibits and other enrichment features (Ings, Waran, & Young, 1997;McPhee, Foster, Sevenich, & Saunders, 1998;Reade & Waran, 1996;ShettelNeuber, 1988;Verderber, Gardner, Islam, & Nakanishi, 1988).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Public Perceptions in Urban China toward Zoos and Their Animal Welfare

Davey

2007

Human Dimensions of Wildlife

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It is necessary to understand people's attitudes toward zoos because zoos that are perceived positively may receive more visitors and thus have more opportunities to fulfill their mission to promote environmental education and global conservation. Unfortunately, research is limited, particularly from developing countries such as China. The present study surveyed Chinese people's perceptions of the roles of zoos, animal welfare initiatives, and the well-being of captive animals. The majority of respondents held favorable attitudes toward zoos and captive animals, although some concerns were expressed about animal well-being. Zoo visitors held more positive perceptions than the general public and students; this was explained on the basis of opportunities in the zoo to experience naturalistic exhibits and to learn about ongoing welfare initiatives.

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Attitude of zoo visitors to the idea of feeding live prey to zoo animals

Cited by 8 publications

References 0 publications

Investigating the impact of large carcass feeding on the behavior of captive Andean condors (Vultur gryphus) and its perception by zoo visitors

Investigating the impact of large carcass feeding on the behavior of captive Andean condors (Vultur gryphus) and its perception by zoo visitors

A preliminary assessment of how zoo visitors evaluate animal welfare according to enclosure style and the expression of behavior

Public Perceptions in Urban China toward Zoos and Their Animal Welfare

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