Behavioral Welfare Research for the Management of Sanctuary Chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes)

Fultz, Amy; Lewis, Rachel; Kelly, Linda; Garbarino, J R

doi:10.3390/ani13162595

Cited by 1 publication

(1 citation statement)

References 98 publications

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“…The tool is continuously updated across iOS, Android, and Windows platforms. ZooMonitor has been adopted by over 200 institutions ( 72 ) and used in pygmy hippos ( Choeropsis liberiensis ) ( 73 ), penguins (Spheniscidae) ( 74 , 75 ), chimpanzees ( Pan troglodytes ) ( 76 ), Madagascar giant hognose snakes ( Leioheterodon madagascariensis ) ( 77 ), tigers ( Panthera tigris ) ( 78 ), elephants ( 79 ), Japanese macaques ( Macaca fuscata ) ( 80 ), and others.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Comparison of animal welfare assessment tools and methodologies: need for an effective approach for captive elephants in Asia

Ghimire,

Brown,

Thitaram

et al. 2024

Front. Vet. Sci.

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Welfare is a fundamental aspect of animal management and conservation. In light of growing public awareness and welfare concerns about captive elephants, there is an urgent need for comprehensive, globally coordinated efforts for Asian elephants (Elephas maximus) that participate in religious, logging, or tourist activities in range countries where the majority reside, and where welfare issues have been identified but not addressed. This review provides a comparative analysis of available animal assessment tools. Each offers distinct features for assessment that allow institutions to select criteria for specific needs and available resources. Most are applied to general animal welfare assessments, although some are tailored to particular species, including elephants. The tools span diverse formats, from digital to primarily paper-based assessments. Assessments operate at individual and institutional levels and across multiple welfare domains. Methodologies rely on keeper ratings or expert evaluations, incorporate numerical scoring and Likert scales for welfare grading, and encompass inputs including behaviors, health, and physiological indicators. For tourist camp elephants, one challenge is that the tools were developed in zoos, which may or may not have application to non-zoological settings. Digital tools and assessment methodologies such as keeper ratings face logistical challenges when applied across tourist venues. As with any tool, reliability, validity, and repeatability are essential and must address the unique welfare challenges of diverse captive settings. We propose that a holistic, context-specific, evidence-based, and practical tool be developed to ensure high elephant welfare standards in non-zoological facilities throughout Asia.

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