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Confronting Back-of-House Traditions: Primates as a Case Study. JOURNAL OF ZOOLOGICAL AND BOTANICAL GARDENS 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/jzbg3030029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
This review commentary focuses on traditional management practices and facility design with suggested improvements in non-public primate management areas, often called “back-of-house”, (henceforth BOH) in zoos, sanctuaries, and research facilities. Progress has been made toward improving animal quality of life in larger, more naturalistic, and enriched indoor and outdoor display areas. However, the quality of life in BOH areas has improved little in comparison. Basic management, regulatory, structural, and spatial BOH environments are lagging, especially in the developing world, and animals may be confined in less enriching spaces for substantial periods of the 24 h day. We reviewed traditional management policy and practice, as well as newer training, enrichment, and welfare policies and actions, and suggested alternatives for structural environments and spatial environments. The suggestions included using more animal-friendly construction materials and animal–computer interaction, providing greater control of the ambient environment and choice of access to multiple areas by the animals themselves, and designing for optimal animal wellbeing at all times, including when caregivers are no longer present. Case studies focused on primates were included. We concluded by suggesting a new, integrated design model based not upon rote standards and old models but building on empirical foundations while embracing empathy and innovation.
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Survey on the Past Decade of Technology in Animal Enrichment: A Scoping Review. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12141792. [PMID: 35883339 PMCID: PMC9311579 DOI: 10.3390/ani12141792] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2022] [Revised: 06/04/2022] [Accepted: 06/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Enrichment is important for supporting the well-being of captive animals. Enrichment increase animal quality of life through encouraging natural behaviours. As enrichment is shifting to a more centered role in animal care, technology is becoming increasingly accessible and is becoming embedded in animal enrichment in creative ways. This review explores the trends in technology usage in animal enrichment studies. Through pulling the past decade of technology enrichment work together, we discuss gaps such as needing to include a larger variety of species (extending passed mammals), ensuring enrichment designs focus primarily on the senses an animal uses to interact with the world rather than human senses, and encouraging similar study designs across animal contexts to allow for streamlined comparisons. Abstract Environmental enrichment is adding complexity to an environment that has a positive impact on a captive animal as a necessity of care. Computing technology is being rapidly weaved throughout the space in both enrichment devices as well as evaluating enrichment outcomes. In this article, we present a scoping review of 102 captive animal enrichment studies and propose a contextual lens for exploring current practices. We discuss the importance of directed growth in species inclusion, transitioning beyond anthro-centric designs, and utilizing shared methodologies.
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Wild S, Alarcón‐Nieto G, Chimento M, Aplin LM. Manipulating actions: a selective two‐option device for cognitive experiments in wild animals. J Anim Ecol 2022. [PMID: 35672881 DOI: 10.1111/1365-2656.13756] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2022] [Accepted: 05/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Advances in biologging technologies have significantly improved our ability to track individual animals' behaviour in their natural environment. Beyond observations, automation of data collection has revolutionized cognitive experiments in the wild. For example, radio-frequency identification (RFID) antennae embedded in 'puzzle box' devices have allowed for large-scale cognitive experiments where individuals tagged with passive integrated transponder (PIT) tags interact with puzzle boxes to gain a food reward, with devices logging both the identity and solving action of visitors. Here, we extended the scope of wild cognitive experiments by developing a fully automated selective two-option foraging device to specifically control which actions lead to a food reward and which remain unrewarded. Selective devices were based on a sliding-door foraging puzzle, and built using commercially available low-cost electronics. We tested it on two free-ranging PIT-tagged subpopulations of great tits Parus major as a proof of concept. We conducted a diffusion experiment where birds learned from trained demonstrators to get a food reward by sliding the door either to the left or right. We then restricted access of knowledgeable birds to their less preferred side and calculated the latency until birds produced solutions as a measure of behavioural flexibility. A total of 22 of 23 knowledgeable birds produced at least one solution on their less preferred side after being restricted, with higher-frequency solvers being faster at doing so. In addition, 18 of the 23 birds reached their solving rate from prior to the restriction on their less preferred side, with birds with stronger prior side preference taking longer to do so. We therefore introduce and successfully test a new selective two-option puzzle box, providing detailed instructions and freely available software that allows reproducibility. It extends the functionality of existing systems by allowing fine-scale manipulations of individuals' actions and opens a large range of possibilities to study cognitive processes in wild animal populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sonja Wild
- Centre for the Advanced Study of Collective Behaviour University of Konstanz; Universitätsstrasse 10 Konstanz Germany
- Cognitive and Cultural Ecology Research Group Max Planck Institute of Animal Behavior; Am Obstberg 1 Germany
| | - Gustavo Alarcón‐Nieto
- Cognitive and Cultural Ecology Research Group Max Planck Institute of Animal Behavior; Am Obstberg 1 Germany
| | - Michael Chimento
- Centre for the Advanced Study of Collective Behaviour University of Konstanz; Universitätsstrasse 10 Konstanz Germany
- Cognitive and Cultural Ecology Research Group Max Planck Institute of Animal Behavior; Am Obstberg 1 Germany
| | - Lucy M. Aplin
- Centre for the Advanced Study of Collective Behaviour University of Konstanz; Universitätsstrasse 10 Konstanz Germany
- Cognitive and Cultural Ecology Research Group Max Planck Institute of Animal Behavior; Am Obstberg 1 Germany
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Watson SJ, Hoy JM, Edwards MC, Murray PJ. First use of a microchip-automated nest box in situ by a brush-tailed phascogale (Phascogale tapoatafa). AUSTRALIAN MAMMALOGY 2022. [DOI: 10.1071/am20046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Microchip-automated devices have the potential to provide individual free-living animals with safe nesting areas and act as a method of targeted food delivery, while excluding competitors and predators. Wildlife have been successfully trained to use such devices in captivity but never in the wild. Bringing animals into captivity may not always be feasible or appropriate due to the high cost, likely increased stress on the animals, and potential biosecurity risk. Therefore to demonstrate proof of concept that wildlife could be trained in situ to use commercially available microchip-automated devices, a brush-tailed phascogale in the wild was exposed to a microchip-automated door attached to a nest box. The phascogale was successfully trained within 15 days to use the microchip-automated door.
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Watson SJ, Hoy JM, Edwards MC, Murray PJ. In Situ
Training of Brushtail Possums to use Microchip‐automated Doors. WILDLIFE SOC B 2021. [DOI: 10.1002/wsb.1217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Shania J. Watson
- The University of Queensland, Gatton Campus Gatton QLD 4343 Australia
| | - Julia M. Hoy
- Hidden Vale Wildlife Centre The University of Queensland Grandchester QLD 4340 Australia
| | - Megan C. Edwards
- The University of Queensland, Gatton Campus Gatton QLD 4343 Australia
| | - Peter J. Murray
- The University of Queensland, Gatton Campus Gatton QLD 4343 Australia
- University of Southern Queensland Toowoomba Campus QLD 4350 Australia
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Use of Interactive Technology in Captive Great Ape Management. JOURNAL OF ZOOLOGICAL AND BOTANICAL GARDENS 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/jzbg2020021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The conservation status of great apes (chimpanzees Pan troglodytes, gorillas Gorilla sp., orangutans Pongo sp., and bonobos Pan paniscus) is grave and zoological institutions are vital for maintaining numbers of these species and educating the public about their importance. Technology provides tools that can assist zoos in meeting these objectives. However, the extant research on technology use in zoos is potentially constrained by small sample sizes and there is no framework detailing the methodologies necessary for the successful incorporation of technology into great ape management. Therefore, this study aimed to determine current technology use in the management of captive great apes and whether technology-directed behaviour differs between ape genera. Primary carers of great apes in zoos were surveyed using a 43-question, online questionnaire. The purpose of integrating interactive technology into captive ape management was primarily for enrichment (53% of respondents), followed by research (20% of respondents). However, only 25% of respondents had apes directly engaged with technology. There were no differences in technology-directed behaviours between ape genera. By identifying differences in practice, this research marks the initial stage in developing a best practice framework for using technology.
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Choice, Control and Computers: Empowering Wildlife in Human Care. MULTIMODAL TECHNOLOGIES AND INTERACTION 2020. [DOI: 10.3390/mti4040092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The purpose of this perspective paper and technology overview is to encourage collaboration between designers and animal carers in zoological institutions, sanctuaries, research facilities, and in soft-release scenarios for the benefit of all stakeholders, including animals, carers, managers, researchers, and visitors. We discuss the evolution of animal-centered technology (ACT), including more recent animal-centered computing to increase animal wellbeing by providing increased opportunities for choice and control for animals to gain greater self-regulation and independence. We believe this will increase animal welfare and relative freedom, while potentially improving conservation outcomes. Concurrent with the benefits to the animals, this technology may benefit human carers by increasing workplace efficiency and improving research data collection using automated animal monitoring systems. These benefits are balanced against cultural resistance to change, the imposition of greater staff training, a potential reduction in valuable animal-carer interaction, and the financial costs for technology design, acquisition, obsolescence, and maintenance. Successful applications will be discussed to demonstrate how animal-centered technology has evolved and, in some cases, to suggest future opportunities. We suggest that creative uses of animal-centered technology, based upon solid animal welfare science, has the potential for greatly increasing managed animal welfare, eventually growing from individual animal enrichment features to facility-wide integrated animal movement systems and transitions to wildlife release and rewilding strategies.
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Edwards MC, Hoy JM, FitzGibbon SI, Murray PJ. Bandicoot bunkers: training wild-caught northern brown bandicoots (Isoodon macrourus) to use microchip-automated safe refuge. WILDLIFE RESEARCH 2020. [DOI: 10.1071/wr19151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
ContextSoft-release involving supplementary feeding or shelter is commonly used in wildlife reintroduction and rehabilitation projects. However, competition for nestboxes and supplementary feed, as well as predation at feed stations or nestboxes, can reduce the benefits of soft-release. The use of microchip-automated technology can potentially alleviate these concerns, by providing targeted supplementation to only the intended, microchipped animals.
AimsWe aimed to train wild-caught northern brown bandicoots, Isoodon macrourus, to use microchip-automated doors to access safe refuge.
MethodsBandicoots were trapped from the wild and brought to the Hidden Vale Wildlife Centre, where eight were trained to use the doors in a six-stage process, and then six were trained in a three-stage process, using a peanut butter reward.
Key resultsBandicoots learned to use the doors in as few as 3 days. The duration of visits to the door generally increased during training, although the number of visits decreased.
ConclusionsThe bandicoots successfully learned to use the microchip-automated doors, which shows that this technology has great potential with wildlife, particularly given the short training times required.
ImplicationsThe use of these microchip-automated doors with wildlife has many potential applications, including supplementary feeding stations, nestboxes, monitoring in the wild, as well as enrichment for wild animals in captivity.
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Alba AC, Breeding S, Valuska AJ, Sky C, Dunn M, Schutz PJ, Leighty KA, Ferrie GM. Use of passive radio frequency identification technologies to monitor nest usage in the northern carmine bee-eater (Merops n. nubicus). Zoo Biol 2019; 38:498-507. [PMID: 31517405 DOI: 10.1002/zoo.21514] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2019] [Revised: 07/27/2019] [Accepted: 08/29/2019] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
The use of radio frequency identification (RFID) technology is common in animal-monitoring applications in the wild and in zoological and agricultural settings. RFID is used to track animals and to collect information about movements and other behaviors, as well as to automate or improve husbandry. Disney's Animal Kingdom® uses passive RFID technology to monitor nest usage by a breeding colony of northern carmine bee-eaters. We implemented RFID technologies in various equipment configurations, initially deploying low-frequency (LF) 125 kHz RFID and later changing to high-frequency (HF) 13.56 MHz RFID technology, to monitor breeding behavior in the flock. We installed antennas connected to RFID readers at the entrances of nest tunnels to detect RFID transponders attached to leg bands as birds entered and exited tunnels. Both LF-RFID and HF-RFID systems allowed the characterization of nest visitation, including the timing of nest activity, breeding pair formation, identification of egg-laying females, participation by nonresidents, and detection of nest disruptions. However, we collected a substantially larger volume of data using the increased bandwidth and polling speed inherent with HF-RFID, which permitted tag capture of multiple birds simultaneously and resulted in fewer missed nest visits in comparison to LF-RFID. Herein, we describe the evolution of the RFID setups used to monitor nest usage for more than 7 years, the types of data that can be gained using RFID at nests, and how we used these data to gain insights into carmine bee-eater breeding behavior and improve husbandry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew C Alba
- Animals, Science and Environment, Disney's Animal Kingdom®, Lake Buena Vista, Florida, USA
| | - Shawnlei Breeding
- Animals, Science and Environment, Disney's Animal Kingdom®, Lake Buena Vista, Florida, USA
| | - Annie J Valuska
- Animals, Science and Environment, Disney's Animal Kingdom®, Lake Buena Vista, Florida, USA
| | - Christy Sky
- Animals, Science and Environment, Disney's Animal Kingdom®, Lake Buena Vista, Florida, USA
| | - Megan Dunn
- Animals, Science and Environment, Disney's Animal Kingdom®, Lake Buena Vista, Florida, USA
| | - Paul J Schutz
- Animals, Science and Environment, Disney's Animal Kingdom®, Lake Buena Vista, Florida, USA
| | - Katherine A Leighty
- Animals, Science and Environment, Disney's Animal Kingdom®, Lake Buena Vista, Florida, USA
| | - Gina M Ferrie
- Animals, Science and Environment, Disney's Animal Kingdom®, Lake Buena Vista, Florida, USA
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Purohit DC, Mandyam AD, Terranova MJ, Mandyam CD. Voluntary wheel running during adolescence distinctly alters running output in adulthood in male and female rats. Behav Brain Res 2019; 377:112235. [PMID: 31521739 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2019.112235] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2019] [Revised: 08/29/2019] [Accepted: 09/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Adult female rats show greater running output compared with age-matched male rats, and the midbrain dopaminergic system may account for behavioral differences in running output. However, it is unknown if the lower running output in adult males can be regulated by wheel running experience during adolescence, and whether wheel running experience during adolescence will diminish the sex differences in running output during adulthood. We therefore determined and compared the exercise output in adult male and female rats that either had initiated voluntary wheel running only during adulthood or during adolescence. Our results demonstrate that running output in adult males were significantly higher when running was initiated during adolescence, and this higher running output was not significantly different from females. Running output did not differ during adulthood in females when wheel running was initiated during adolescence or during adulthood. Higher running output in females was associated with reduced expression of tyrosine hydroxylase and hyperactivation of calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (CaMKII) in the dorsal striatum. Notably, running during adolescence-induced higher exercise output in adult males was associated with hyperactivation of CaMKII in the dorsal striatum, indicating a mechanistic role for CaMKII in running output. Together, the present results indicate sexually dimorphic adaptive biochemical changes in the dorsal striatum in rats that had escalated running activity, and highlight the importance of including sex as a biological variable in exploring neuroplasticity changes that predict enhanced exercise output in a voluntary physical activity paradigm.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Atulya D Mandyam
- Department of Anesthesiology, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92161, USA
| | | | - Chitra D Mandyam
- VA San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, CA, 92161, USA; Department of Anesthesiology, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92161, USA.
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L Kalafut K, Kinley R. Using radio frequency identification for behavioral monitoring in little blue penguins. J APPL ANIM WELF SCI 2019; 23:62-73. [PMID: 30724589 DOI: 10.1080/10888705.2019.1571922] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
A common goal of captive animal institutions is to create environments that allow for the most naturalistic behavior from their animals. Behavioral data is often used as a measure of how an animal is thriving in its current environment. Obtaining this data can be very difficult and time-consuming. New technological advances, such as radio frequency identification (RFID) technology, may allow for data collection to be automated. RFID tags placed on the wingband of 16 little blue penguins housed at the Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden, as well as 8 antennae placed in their habitat, continuously recorded individual penguin swimming behavior. The continuous data collected via the RFID system reveals individual patterns of swimming behavior among indoor and outdoor pool areas, as well as relationships between swimming and water temperature, and temporal factors. Additionally, the effectiveness of an enrichment item meant to increase swimming time is evaluated using the RFID system. The presence of the RFID system allows for continuous, reliable data collection that can provide valuable insight regarding the quantifiable relationship between little blue behavior, environment, and overall health.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Rickey Kinley
- Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden, Cincinnati OH, USA
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12
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Edwards MC, Hoy JM, FitzGibbon S, Murray PJ. Training a wild-born marsupial to use microchip-automated devices: the brush-tailed phascogale (Phascogale tapoatafa) as proof of concept. AUSTRALIAN MAMMALOGY 2019. [DOI: 10.1071/am18017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Microchip-automated feeders and doors allow individualised access to supplementary food and shelter during soft-release of wildlife. A wild-caught brush-tailed phascogale was used to test whether a wild animal could be trained to use microchip-automated devices. The phascogale was trained to use each device in less than a month.
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13
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Muns SJ, Hoy JM, Murray PJ. Microchips for macropods: First use of a microchip-automated door by a bridled nailtail wallaby (Onychogalea fraenata). Zoo Biol 2018; 37:274-278. [PMID: 29923213 DOI: 10.1002/zoo.21419] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2018] [Revised: 05/17/2018] [Accepted: 05/25/2018] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Commercially available microchip-automated devices for companion animals also have potential application with captive wildlife. To explore this potential, a captive bridled nailtail wallaby was trained to use a SureFlap Microchip Pet Door. Throughout the 62 day study the wallaby's interactions with the door increased in frequency and intensity, culminating in the repeated use of the microchip-automated door. This was the first record of any captive macropod being trained to use a microchip-automated device and demonstrates proof-of-concept that captive macropods can successfully utilize commercially available microchip-automated devices. Further research is recommended to develop methodology and evaluation techniques for training captive macropods while also exploring intra- and inter-species variations in responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabrina J Muns
- School of Agriculture and Food Sciences, The University of Queensland, Gatton, Queensland, Australia
| | - Julia M Hoy
- Hidden Vale Wildlife Centre, The University of Queensland, Grandchester, Queensland, Australia
| | - Peter J Murray
- School of Agriculture and Food Sciences, The University of Queensland, Gatton, Queensland, Australia
- Hidden Vale Wildlife Centre, The University of Queensland, Grandchester, Queensland, Australia
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Suselbeek L, Jansen PA, Prins HHT, Steele MA. Tracking rodent-dispersed large seeds with Passive Integrated Transponder (PIT) tags. Methods Ecol Evol 2013. [DOI: 10.1111/2041-210x.12027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- L. Suselbeek
- Department of Environmental Sciences; Wageningen University; P.O. Box 47 6700 AA Wageningen the Netherlands
| | - P. A. Jansen
- Department of Environmental Sciences; Wageningen University; P.O. Box 47 6700 AA Wageningen the Netherlands
- Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute (STRI); Apartado 0843-03092 Balboa Panama
| | - H. H. T. Prins
- Department of Environmental Sciences; Wageningen University; P.O. Box 47 6700 AA Wageningen the Netherlands
| | - M. A. Steele
- Department of Biology; Wilkes University; 84 West South St Wilkes-Barre PA 18766 USA
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