Housing and welfare in zoos

Question 1

When did large3 carnivores and large primates stop getting kept in barren cages?

Answer 1

1960s

Question 2

When did Whipsnade park open?

Answer 2

1931

Question 3

Functions of the modern zoo

Answer 3

Entertain the public
educate the public
raise money for maintenance of collection
scientific research
species conservation

Question 4

Different types of zoos

Answer 4

Big zoos
safari parks
specialist collections
small zoos
petting or city zoos

Question 5

Zoos and the law

Answer 5

A zoo licence is required if the zoo is open to the public for 7 or more days a year

Question 6

What do zoo inspection checks involve

Answer 6

Animal welfare, preventative and veterinary medicine

Perimeter fencing

Staff safety

Escape prevention

Health and safety for visitors

Toilets, staff facilities

Question 7

Where do zoos get their animals from?

Answer 7

Relinquished pets (parrots, snakes etc.)

Breed their own- can lead to inbreeding issues

Exchange with other zoos

Captive bred individuals from zoos or private collections

Customs seizures - illegally imported

Question 8

Combining species

Answer 8

Recent biome development to simulate tropical environments

Can be great for reptiles, amphibians, and birds if got right

Question 9

Ways to stimulate animals to show more normal behaviour

Answer 9

make feeding unpredictable, or involving foraging/hiding etc.

stimulating the search for mates using recordings, scent markings, and controlled meetings

manage proximity to humans carefully

nocturnal houses, one way glass, cameras etc.

Question 10

Possible conflicts between visitors and animals at zoo

Answer 10

Visitors cant see the animals
visitors disturb breeding behaviour
visitors behave irresponsibly

Question 11

Training zoo animals

Answer 11

E.g. elephants to have feet trimmed

increases safety and ease

Question 12

Research in zoos

Answer 12

all zoos must undertake conservations and research

must be approved by an ethics research panel

never take samples just for research but can when the opportunity arises e.g. taking blood samples

Question 13

Indicators of poor welfare in zoos

Answer 13

failure to thrive

failure to behave normally - stereotypic behaviours observed

behavioural indicators of distress: hiding, OCD, self trauma, injuries

potentially failure to breed

high morbidity and mortality rates

Question 14

Ethics in zoos

Answer 14

must undertake ethics reviews on a regular basis

committee should consist of the vet/vet nurse, owner/manager, keeper, and a lay person not linked to the zoo