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Metrione LC, Pham NK, Price C, Duskin L, Stamper AM, Penfold LM. A novel protocol for three-dimensional mapping of sand tiger shark (Carcharias taurus) enclosure use in aquaria: Implications for management. Zoo Biol 2024; 43:354-363. [PMID: 38887923 DOI: 10.1002/zoo.21844] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2023] [Revised: 04/22/2024] [Accepted: 05/21/2024] [Indexed: 06/20/2024]
Abstract
This study investigated sand tiger shark (STS; Carcharias taurus) spatial use and exclusion in public aquarium enclosures using a novel protocol for three-dimensional mapping. Fifty-one STS were observed in 14 enclosures, and swimming pattern, depth, and location were recorded in ZooMonitor. Data were converted into quantitative, three-dimensional representations using ArcGIS® Pro v. 2.9. All observed STS except one swam in circular patterns, and 80% (n = 41) showed a directional swimming bias. Most STS (80%; n = 41) predominantly utilized the top two-thirds of the enclosures, though 83% (n = 34) of those had swimming obstructions in the bottom of the enclosure. Avoidance of obstructed areas, sections <7 m wide, as well as behavioral spatial separation, resulted in utilization of between 27% and 66% of available enclosure space. STS underutilized corners, pinch-points, and obstructed areas requiring abrupt directional changes and instead exhibited continual, unimpeded swimming patterns. In addition, this study found no relationship between directional swimming bias or use of smaller enclosure volumes and spinal deformity, a health issue affecting 26% of STS 10 years ago but now with an incidence of 6%. Using novel protocols for three-dimensional mapping and volume estimation, this study demonstrated that enclosures facilitating unimpeded, continuous swimming are most usable for STS and provides important information that will be useful for future enclosure design.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lara C Metrione
- South-East Zoo Alliance for Reproduction & Conservation, Yulee, Florida, USA
| | - Nancy Kim Pham
- South-East Zoo Alliance for Reproduction & Conservation, Yulee, Florida, USA
- Department of Social Sciences, New College of Florida, Sarasota, Florida, USA
| | - Carol Price
- North Carolina Aquariums, Morehead City, North Carolina, USA
- Department of Applied Ecology, North Carolina State University Center for Marine Sciences and Technology, Morehead City, North Carolina, USA
| | - Libbie Duskin
- Science Operations, Disney's Animals, Science, and Environment, Bay Lake, Florida, USA
| | - Andy M Stamper
- Science Operations, Disney's Animals, Science, and Environment, Bay Lake, Florida, USA
| | - Linda M Penfold
- South-East Zoo Alliance for Reproduction & Conservation, Yulee, Florida, USA
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Truax J, Vonk J, Meri E, Troxell-Smith SM. Aquarium Visitors Catch Some Rays: Rays Are More Active in the Presence of More Visitors. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:3526. [PMID: 38003144 PMCID: PMC10668762 DOI: 10.3390/ani13223526] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2023] [Revised: 10/31/2023] [Accepted: 11/13/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Humans are a constant in the lives of captive animals, but the effects of human-animal interactions vary. Research on the welfare impacts of human-animal interactions focus predominantly on mammals, whereas fish have been overlooked. To address this lack of research, we assessed the impacts of aquarium visitors on the behaviors of ten members of four elasmobranch species: an Atlantic stingray (Dasyatis sabina), four southern stingrays (Hypanus americanus), two blue-spotted maskrays (Neotrygon kuhlii), and three fiddler rays (Trygonorrhina dumerilii). The rays engaged in a significantly higher proportion of active behaviors and a lower proportion of inactive behaviors when visitor density levels were high; however, there were no significant changes for negative or social behaviors. Individual analyses indicated that all three fiddler rays and one of the southern stingrays' active behaviors differed across visitor density levels, whereas there was no association between active behavior and visitor density levels for the other rays. Further research is needed to determine whether this pattern is an adaptive or maladaptive response to visitors, but this research provides much needed initial data on activity budgets within elasmobranch species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jordyn Truax
- Department of Psychology, Oakland University, Rochester, MI 48309, USA; (J.T.); (J.V.)
| | - Jennifer Vonk
- Department of Psychology, Oakland University, Rochester, MI 48309, USA; (J.T.); (J.V.)
| | - Eness Meri
- Department of Biological Sciences, Oakland University, Rochester, MI 48309, USA;
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Puehringer-Sturmayr V, Fiby M, Bachmann S, Filz S, Grassmann I, Hoi T, Janiczek C, Frigerio D. Effects of food-based enrichment on enclosure use and behavioral patterns in captive mammalian predators: a case study from an Austrian wildlife park. PeerJ 2023; 11:e16091. [PMID: 37842040 PMCID: PMC10569183 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.16091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2023] [Accepted: 08/23/2023] [Indexed: 10/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Combining naturalistic enclosure design and animal welfare with visitor interests and education can be challenging for zoos and wildlife parks. To accomplish both purposes, different types of enrichment (food-based or non-food-based items, such as environmental, sensory, cognitive, social) can be used. The aim of the present study is to investigate the effect of food-based and olfactory enrichments on enclosure use, behavior, and visibility of captive brown bears (Ursus arctos), pine martens (Martes martes), domestic ferrets (Mustela putorius furo), and golden jackals (Canis aureus). Methods We used observational approaches to measure enclosure use, behavior, and visibility during three different experimental phases: (1) pre-enrichment (baseline, no experience with the enrichment yet), (2) during enrichment (enrichment was provided at low frequented locations in the enclosures that are easily visible to visitors), and (3) post-enrichment (enrichment was removed from the enclosures). Results We found that enrichment led to a uniform use of the enclosure and enhanced visibility in brown bears, increased activity budgets in pine martens, and observed high object interaction in both species. No effects of enrichment were detected in domestic ferrets. Golden jackals did not leave their burrows during daytime during the entire observation period; thus, observations were not possible at all. Our results suggest different effects of food-based enrichment, e.g., enclosure use, temporal activity patterns, and animal visibility. However, further studies should control for the specific role of the factors involved. Our study represents one of the first explorations of food-based enrichment in rather understudied species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Verena Puehringer-Sturmayr
- Department of Behavioral and Cognitive Biology, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Konrad Lorenz Research Center for Behavior and Cognition, University of Vienna, Gruenau im Almtal, Austria
| | | | - Stephanie Bachmann
- Konrad Lorenz Research Center for Behavior and Cognition, University of Vienna, Gruenau im Almtal, Austria
| | - Stefanie Filz
- Konrad Lorenz Research Center for Behavior and Cognition, University of Vienna, Gruenau im Almtal, Austria
| | - Isabella Grassmann
- Konrad Lorenz Research Center for Behavior and Cognition, University of Vienna, Gruenau im Almtal, Austria
| | - Theresa Hoi
- Konrad Lorenz Research Center for Behavior and Cognition, University of Vienna, Gruenau im Almtal, Austria
| | - Claudia Janiczek
- Konrad Lorenz Research Center for Behavior and Cognition, University of Vienna, Gruenau im Almtal, Austria
| | - Didone Frigerio
- Department of Behavioral and Cognitive Biology, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Konrad Lorenz Research Center for Behavior and Cognition, University of Vienna, Gruenau im Almtal, Austria
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Smith SA. Fish Welfare in Public Aquariums and Zoological Collections. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:2548. [PMID: 37627339 PMCID: PMC10451808 DOI: 10.3390/ani13162548] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2023] [Revised: 08/01/2023] [Accepted: 08/06/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
A wide variety of fish species have been displayed in public aquariums and zoological collections for over 150 years. Though the issue of pain perception in fish is still being debated, there is no disagreement that negative impacts on their welfare can significantly affect their health and wellbeing. A general description of the basic biological requirements for maintaining fish in captive environments is presented, but species-specific information and guidelines should be developed for the multitude of species being maintained. A combination of behavioral, performance, and physiological indicators can be used to assess the well-being of these animals. Ultimately, the goal for optimizing the welfare of fish should be to provide the best possible environment, husbandry, and social interactions to promote natural species-specific behaviors of the fish in captivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen A Smith
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology, Virginia Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, 205 Duck Pond Drive, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061-0442, USA
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Fuller G, Jones M, Gartland KN, Zalewski S, Heintz MR, Allard S. The Benefits of Increased Space and Habitat Complexity for the Welfare of Zoo-Housed King Penguins ( Aptenodytes patagonicus). Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:2312. [PMID: 37508094 PMCID: PMC10376525 DOI: 10.3390/ani13142312] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2023] [Revised: 07/11/2023] [Accepted: 07/12/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Zoos and aquariums accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums embrace animal welfare as a foundational principle of habitat design. Modern habitats are designed to provide animals with choices and agency over their environment, and to encourage species-appropriate behavior and space use. In 2016, the Detroit Zoological Society opened the Polk Penguin Conservation Center, a 3065.80 m2 facility that features a naturalistic design. The building was designed to optimize animal welfare by incorporating various substrates, nesting sites, and a 1234 kL pool with elements of underwater complexity. The facility houses a mixed-species group of penguins that were previously housed in a smaller habitat that opened in 1968. Between 2015 and 2022, we opportunistically monitored the behavior of ten king penguins (Aptenodytes patagonicus) as they moved back and forth between the two buildings while additional modifications were made to the new habitat. We collected 695 h of behavioral observations and 10,416 h of data from flipper-mounted time-depth recorders. We found that the king penguins spent less time engaged in aggression and more time engaged in swimming and positive social behaviors in the redesigned space. They also spent less time in proximity to other species of penguins and more time alone. These behavioral trends suggest that increased space and environmental complexity had positive welfare benefits for these penguins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Grace Fuller
- Center for Zoo and Aquarium Animal Welfare and Ethics, Detroit Zoological Society, Royal Oak, MI 48067, USA
| | - Megan Jones
- Center for Zoo and Aquarium Animal Welfare and Ethics, Detroit Zoological Society, Royal Oak, MI 48067, USA
| | - Kylen N Gartland
- Center for Zoo and Aquarium Animal Welfare and Ethics, Detroit Zoological Society, Royal Oak, MI 48067, USA
| | - Sara Zalewski
- Center for Zoo and Aquarium Animal Welfare and Ethics, Detroit Zoological Society, Royal Oak, MI 48067, USA
| | - Matthew R Heintz
- Center for Zoo and Aquarium Animal Welfare and Ethics, Detroit Zoological Society, Royal Oak, MI 48067, USA
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de Azevedo CS, Cipreste CF, Pizzutto CS, Young RJ. Review of the Effects of Enclosure Complexity and Design on the Behaviour and Physiology of Zoo Animals. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:ani13081277. [PMID: 37106840 PMCID: PMC10135285 DOI: 10.3390/ani13081277] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2023] [Revised: 04/03/2023] [Accepted: 04/04/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The complexity of the habitat refers to its physical geometry, which includes abiotic and biotic elements. Habitat complexity is important because it allows more species to coexist and, consequently, more interactions to be established among them. The complexity of the habitat links the physical structure of the enclosure to the biological interactions, which occur within its limits. Enclosure complexity should vary temporally, to be able to influence the animals in different ways, depending on the period of the day and season and throughout the year. In the present paper, we discuss how habitat complexity is important, and how it can positively influence the physical and mental states of zoo animals. We show how habitat complexity can ultimately affect educational projects. Finally, we discuss how we can add complexity to enclosures and, thus, make the lives of animals more interesting and functional.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristiano Schetini de Azevedo
- Departamento de Biodiversidade, Evolução e Meio Ambiente, Instituto de Ciências Exatas e Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Ouro Preto, Campus Morro do Cruzeiro, s/n Bauxita, Ouro Preto 35400-000, Brazil
| | | | - Cristiane Schilbach Pizzutto
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Reprodução Animal, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade de São Paulo, Avenida Dr. Orlando Marques de Paiva, 87, Cidade Universitária Armando Salles de Oliveira, São Paulo 05508-270, Brazil
| | - Robert John Young
- School of Science, Engineering and Environment, University of Salford Manchester, Peel Building-Room G51, Salford M5 4WT, UK
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Williams E, Hunton V, Hosey G, Ward SJ. The Impact of Visitors on Non-Primate Species in Zoos: A Quantitative Review. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:ani13071178. [PMID: 37048434 PMCID: PMC10092984 DOI: 10.3390/ani13071178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2023] [Revised: 03/21/2023] [Accepted: 03/22/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Visitors are a prominent feature in the lives of zoo animals, and their presence can cause a range of impacts on zoo animals (typically classed as positive, negative or neutral impacts), commonly referred to as the ‘visitor effect’. This paper quantitatively collates the literature on the visitor effect in non-primate species, investigates the types of measures used to assess impacts of visitors on animals and considers whether impacts vary across non-primate species in zoos. In total, there were 105 papers which had investigated the impact of zoo visitors on 252 non-primate species/species groups. There has been a steady increase in visitor effect research in zoos since 2012 and this body of work incorporates species from avian (28% study species), reptilian (9%), amphibian (2%), fish (4%) and invertebrate taxa (1%). However, there is still a bias towards mammalian species (56%). The response to visitors varied across taxa. Amphibians responded negatively to visitors more frequently than would be expected by chance (p < 0.05), birds responded neutrally more frequently than would be expected by chance (p < 0.05) and fish responded neutrally and ‘unknown’ more frequently than would be expected by chance (p < 0.05). This review highlighted a number of animal-based metrics which have been used to assess the impacts of visitors on animals, with measures used varying across taxa. Moving forwards, it is recommended that moving forwards researchers incorporate a suite of measures, incorporating those which are meaningful in terms of being representative of individual animal experiences and animal welfare, collected in a manner which should capture those metrics accurately.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ellen Williams
- Department of Animal Health, Behaviour & Welfare, Harper Adams University, Newport TF10 8NB, UK
- Correspondence:
| | - Violet Hunton
- Department of Animal Health, Behaviour & Welfare, Harper Adams University, Newport TF10 8NB, UK
| | - Geoff Hosey
- Deane Campus, University of Bolton, Bolton BL3 5AB, UK
| | - Samantha J. Ward
- School of Animal, Rural & Environmental Sciences, Brackenhurst Campus, Nottingham Trent University, Southwell NG25 0QF, UK
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Oldfield RG, Bonano PE. Psychological and social well-being of bony fishes in zoos and aquariums. Zoo Biol 2022; 42:185-193. [PMID: 36065963 DOI: 10.1002/zoo.21729] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2022] [Revised: 08/23/2022] [Accepted: 08/24/2022] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Research on the behavior of animals in zoos has been conducted for decades and observations have provided information that has improved the psychological and social well-being of animals. However, research on fishes in zoos and aquariums seems to be lacking. Here we assess the current state of research on fishes in zoos and aquariums by surveying peer-reviewed literature. Our assessment differs from previous surveys in that we examine the taxonomic classes Chondrichthyes (sharks and rays) and Osteichthyes (bony fishes) separately. Our survey finds that bony fishes have been drastically underrepresented in zoo journals, more so than chondrichthyans, revealing an urgent need for zoos and aquariums to conduct research on the behavior of the bony fishes in their care, to ensure a positive state of psychological and social well-being. To plot a course for the future, we discuss the few studies that have been conducted on the behavior of bony fishes in zoos and aquariums, and we discuss research conducted on bony fishes in food-fish aquaculture and biomedicine to identify the types of studies that could be conducted in zoos and aquariums. We conclude that data-driven analyses of fish behavior could aid in development of evidence-based practices that enhance the well-being of bony fishes in zoos and aquariums, just as they already do for terrestrial animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ronald G Oldfield
- Department of Biology, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Patrick E Bonano
- Department of Biology, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
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Out of Sight, Out of Mind or Just Something in the Way? Visual Barriers Do Not Reduce Intraspecific Agonism in an All-Male Group of Nile Crocodiles (Crocodylus niloticus). Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12030269. [PMID: 35158593 PMCID: PMC8833692 DOI: 10.3390/ani12030269] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2021] [Revised: 01/14/2022] [Accepted: 01/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary The behavior of animals living in zoos and aquariums is influenced by the exhibits they live in, similar to how the behavior of animals in nature is influenced by the ecosystem they inhabit. In zoos and aquariums, changes in exhibit design can be implemented to modify the behavior of animals to ensure they are experiencing optimal welfare. Here, we evaluated if the addition of visual barriers—physical barriers placed at the surface of the water—reduce aggression amongst male Nile crocodiles living in a zoo. Both short- and long-term monitoring found that visual barriers did not reduce aggression within the group. While ineffective at reducing aggression, this study represents the first evaluation of exhibit design in relation to the behavior of a crocodilian species in a zoo or aquarium setting. As a commonly managed taxa in zoos and aquariums, it is imperative that their behavior and welfare are assessed systematically. We hope the methodologies and learnings from this study encourage future study of crocodilian behavior and welfare. Abstract Here, we evaluated if visual barriers could reduce intraspecific agonism in an all-male group of Nile crocodiles (Crocodylus niloticus) living in a zoo. Crocodiles were monitored for nearly 100 h, and four “hotspots” of aggression within their exhibit were identified. Within these four locations, visual barriers were placed at the surface of the water with the goal of reducing agonism by targeting sight lines associated with their species-typical minimum exposure posture, where crocodiles submerge their body but maintain facial sensory organs above the water line. Crocodile behavior was then monitored for 226 h, evaluating both short- and long-term effects of the visual barriers. In both observation periods, intraspecific agonism was unaffected by visual barriers. However, crocodiles were more likely to be on land and closer together, after the barriers were installed, showing the barriers affected nonagonistic behaviors. Monitoring of such unintended effects is significant to ensure no welfare concerns are created in any exhibit or husbandry modification attempt. Additionally, time of day and temperature were significant predictors of behavior, highlighting the importance of such factors in the analysis of reptilian behavior. While ineffective at reducing agonism, this is the first published study evaluating exhibit design and behavior of crocodilians in zoos and aquariums. The methodologies and findings here should provide useful information for future behavioral and welfare studies of this understudied taxa.
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