Behavioral response of zoo ungulates to the presence of humans

Abstract

Captive ungulates were studied to determine behavioral responses to the presence of a zoo keeper within or in front of the exhibit, with and without zoo visitors present. The 4 species groups were: (small) Zulu suni (Neotragus moschatus), dorcas gazelle ( Gazella dorcas), slender-horned gazelle ( Gazella leptoceros); (medium size ) yellow-backed duiker (Cepha/ophus sylvicultor), impala (Aepyceros melampus ), mhorr gazelle ( Gazella dama mhorr ); (large) Arabian oryx ( Oryx leucoryx ), Nile lechwe (Kobus megaceros), lowland nyala (Tragelaphus angasi); (very large) bongo (Tragelaphus euryceros ), greater kudu ( Tragelaphus strepsiceros ), sable antelope ( Hippotragus niger). Significant differences occurred between species for nearly all behavior patterns observed. A significantly greater frequency of vigilance and approach behavior was directed toward the keeper while within the exhibit than when the keeper stood in front of it. A significantly lower frequency of eating or drinking and a significantly higher frequency of vocalizing occurred when the keeper was inside the exhibit. Significant differences occurred across size categories in the frequency of approaching the keeper and physically contacting the keeper. The most frequently scored behavior was visual orientation. Significant differences in the frequency of visual orientation directed toward the zoo keeper existed across size categories, with an increase in vigilance with increasing body size. Likewise, a statistically higher frequency of vigilance was directed toward the keeper when the zoo was closed to the public. When data regarding male and female focal animals were analyzed separately, however, interesting sex differences in vigilance became apparent. Abstracts bovids and domestics Highlights for Arabian oryx: courtship, care sessions and agonistic behaviors bovids and domestics Highlights for Arabian oryx: courtship, care sessions and agonistic behavior Elizabeth Cary Mungall Department of Biology, Texas Woman s University, Denton, TX 76204 (U.S.A.)