Wild Animal Behaviour And Welfare

Question 1

key behavioral features that are important to consider for the welfare of zoo animals include:

Answer 1

Natural behaviors: Zoo animals should be able to engage in natural behaviors that are typical of their species, such as foraging, socializing, and exploring their environment.

Enrichment: Providing appropriate environmental enrichment can help to stimulate animals’ natural behaviors and prevent boredom and stress. Enrichment can include toys, puzzles, or other activities that encourage natural behaviors.

Social behavior: Many animals in zoos are social and need opportunities to interact with others of their species. Appropriate social grouping and opportunities for social interaction can help to promote welfare.

Space and movement: Animals need space to move around and engage in natural behaviors. Inadequate space can lead to stress and reduced welfare.
Health and veterinary care: Zoos have a responsibility to provide appropriate veterinary care to ensure the health and welfare of their animals.

Environmental factors: The environment in which animals are housed can have a significant impact on their welfare. Factors such as temperature, lighting, and noise levels should be carefully managed to ensure that they are appropriate for the species.

Question 2

What is a zoo

Answer 2

A zoo is a facility where live animals are kept for public exhibition and educational purposes.
(Zoo licensing act 1981)

Question 3

Zoo animals are intended to be undomesticated why?

Answer 3

Maintain their genetic conservation value
Represent their species

Question 4

Common welfare issues In zoos

Answer 4

Obesity
Abnormal behaviour
Chronic stress
Failure to breed
Aggression
Boredom
Dental issues
Certain diseases
Fear of humans

Question 5

What are specialists

Answer 5

specialists are species that have specific and often complex needs in terms of their habitat, diet, social grouping, and other aspects of their care.
Requires pristine habitat
Narrow diet
Neophobic
More reliant on instinct
Adapt less

Giant pandas, koalas, crossbills

Question 6

What are generalists

Answer 6

species that are able to adapt to a wide range of conditions and environments, and have more flexible dietary and social needs than specialist species. Generalist species are often easier to care for in captivity because they are able to tolerate a wider range of conditions, and may require less specialized knowledge and expertise on the part of zoo staff.

(Brown rats, chimpanzees, crows)

Question 7

Zoo issues

Answer 7

Group size may be wrong
Mixed species exhibits
Proximity to exhibits containing other species
Visitor effect