Increasing animal cognition research in zoos

Abstract

Animal cognition covers various mental processes including perception, learning, decision‐making and memory, and animal behavior is often used as a proxy for measuring cognition. Animal cognition/behavior research has multiple benefits; it provides fundamental knowledge of animal biology and evolution but can also have applied conservation and welfare applications. Zoos provide an excellent yet relatively untapped resource for animal cognition research, because they house a wide variety of species—many of which are under threat—and allow close observation and relatively high experimental control compared to the wild. Multi‐zoo collaboration leads to increased sample size and species representation, which in turn leads to more robust science. However, there are salient challenges associated with zoo‐based cognitive research, which are animal‐based (e.g., small sample sizes at single zoos, untrained/unhabituated subjects, side effects) and human‐based (e.g., time restrictions, safety concerns, and perceptions of animals interacting with unnatural technology or apparatus). We aim to increase the understanding and subsequent uptake of animal cognition research in zoos, by transparently outlining the main benefits and challenges. Importantly, we use our own research (1) a study on novelty responses in hornbills, and (2) a multi‐site collaboration called the “ManyBirds” Project to demonstrate how challenges may be overcome. These potential options include using “drop and go” apparatuses that require no training, close human contact or animal separation. This study is aimed at zoo animal care and research staff, as well as external researchers interested in zoo‐based studies.

Oriental pied hornbills ( Anthracoceros albirostris ) solve invisible displacement tasks in a test of Piagetian object permanence

“…However, two jays took longer due to developing fear of the experimental apparatus [ 26 ]. Hornbills on the other hand seem to be less neophobic than crows [ 62 ]. Many studies on object permanence in avian species have primarily focused on development (e.g.…”

Bottlenose dolphins are sensitive to human attentional features, including eye functionality

“…The dolphins had previously participated in other research using the same commands 36 . Zoomarine trains their dolphins to perform different behaviours for various reasons, including medical care and zoo performances, as in common in zoological settings 66 . This is done when the dolphins are young, through positive reinforcement based operant conditioning and social learning.…”

Bridging pure cognitive research and cognitive enrichment

“…Testing animal cognition outside specialist research laboratories or centers is knowingly difficult because of restricted access to animals, a lack of experimental control, problems accommodating experimental trials and animal training alongside routine husbandry, and some negative human stakeholder perceptions of cognitive research (Garcia-Pelegrin et al 2022). However, farms, zoos, and sanctuaries have literally hundreds of species that can be studied for taxonomic comparisons (Garcia-Pelegrin et al 2022). In doing so, there is a chance to make a contribution to the ex-situ conservation of highly endangered species (Garcia-Pelegrin et al 2022).…”

“…However, farms, zoos, and sanctuaries have literally hundreds of species that can be studied for taxonomic comparisons (Garcia-Pelegrin et al 2022). In doing so, there is a chance to make a contribution to the ex-situ conservation of highly endangered species (Garcia-Pelegrin et al 2022). In addition, as a final incentive, pure researchers are understandably driven to produce scientific articles to communicate their findings to peers.…”