Widespread Behavioral Responses by Mammals and Fish to Zoo Visitors Highlight Differences between Individual Animals

Abstract

The impact that humans have on zoo animals can vary based on the species of animal, exhibit design, and individual differences in behavioral responses. We independently analyzed data from 10 never-published studies that examined the impact of zoo visitors on zoo animal behavior. Of the 16 species studied, 90.9% of the mammal species and 60.0% of the fish species demonstrated a change in at least one behavior based on zoo visitor abundance or visitor behavior (e.g., noise, solicitation of interactions from zoo animals). In addition, behavioral changes associated with zoo visitors were present in animals housed in exhibits where there was direct contact with zoo visitors, as well as in exhibits where there was indirect contact and no direct contact. Individuals often varied in their behavioral responses, and some individuals appeared to seek out interactions with visitors. Our findings demonstrate that short-term research projects can provide valuable insight into individual animal-level and species-level responses to visitor abundance and visitor behavior in the zoo setting. We recommend that behavioral assessments focus on the analysis of behaviors of individual animals whenever possible, and we recommend that exhibits provide areas that allow for animals to retreat from the public view.

The Impact of COVID-19 Zoo Closures on Behavioural and Physiological Parameters of Welfare in Primates

“…The range in visitor number and the potential impact this may have on the animals' behaviour and welfare spurred research into this area, with the results outlining the complex and multifaceted nature of this topic [10]. The impacts of zoo visitors can vary between facilities, between enclosures within facilities [11], and even between individual animals [12][13][14]. There are many factors which can impact the valence of the experience of visitors near to animal enclosures, including zoo visitor behaviour, enclosure design, presence or absence of enrichment, past experiences of individuals, and individual rearing history [10,[15][16][17].…”

Effects of Visitor Presence and Crowd Size on Zoo-Housed Red Kangaroos (Macropus Rufus) During and After a COVID-19 Closure

“…To date, studies of visitor effects have found evidence for all of these effects, with varying and sometimes conflicting results. An independent analysis by Boyle et al (2020) determined that, out of 16 different species, 90% of mammals and 60% of fish had at least one behavioral change associated with visitor abundance or behavior. Visitor presence and density have been associated with increased levels of abnormal behavior or aggression across several species, including mandrills (Mandrillus sphinx), Diana monkeys (Cercopithecus diana), lion-tailed macaques (Macaca silenus), jaguars (Panthera onca), black-capped capuchins (Sapajus apella), and western lowland gorillas (Gorilla gorilla gorilla) (Chamove et al, 1988;Mallapur et al, 2005;Sellinger & Ha, 2005;Sherwen, Harvey, et al, 2015;Stoinski et al, 2012;Wells, 2005).…”

“…Visitor effects should also be considered on an individual basis, as different individuals can have varying behavioral responses to the same environmental stimuli (Boyle et al, 2020;Hashmi & Sullivan, 2020;Kelly et al, 2015;Stoinski et al, 2012). Zoos have largely been moving towards a welfare assessment model that emphasizes the importance of individual-based monitoring and care (Kagan et al, 2015).…”

Signs and Docents in Zoo Visitor Education: Using Affinitive Chimpanzee (Pan troglodytes) Behaviors

“…Whereas in the past, zoos' goals may have been mutually exclusive, the advent of environmental enrichment, interactive visitor interpretive programs, and naturalistic exhibits have made the fulfillment of these goals possible. Education can serve as a means of unifying zoo goals; educated and engaged visitors can perhaps contribute to animal welfare by following instructions on how to engage in species-specific behavior that can decrease stress on animal residents (Birke, 2002;Boyle et al, 2020;Lee, 2015;Rabb, 2004).…”