Modern zoos: Saving wildlife, boosting science & educating the world!
Latest Updates
Olfactory Enrichment in California Sea Lions (Zalophus californianus): An Effective Tool for Captive Welfare? (Samuelson et al., 2017)
How do captive sea lions respond to olfactory enrichment? A study from 2017 investigated behavioural responses of captive California sea lions to natural and non-natural scents, and found a reduction in stereotypical behaviour and an increase in enclosure use.
The use of Qualitative Behavioural Assessment to zoo welfare measurement and animal husbandry change. (Rose & Riley, 2019)
Recent study out in JZAR investigated how Qualitative Behavioural Assessment is and can be used to evaluate enrichment techniques, detect the need for husbandry changes and measure animal welfare in zoo animals.
Effects of assembly and operation of an amusement ride on the behaviour of a pair of captive Amur tigers (Panthera tigris altaica) (Harley et al., 2019)
Zoo Science in Action! New study out in JZAR looked into the effects of an amusement ride on the behaviour of two zoo Amur tigers:
➡️Tigers spent more time off-show during the assembly of the ride;
➡️Auditory stimuli showed no significant effects;
➡️Visual stimuli had a stronger effect, highlighting importance of off-show access & visual barriers.