Monitoring the behavioral and adrenal activity of giraffe (Giraffa camelopardalis) to assess welfare during seasonal housing changes.

Catherine Razal,Jocelyn Bryant,Lance Miller

doi:10.12966/abc.03.05.2017

Abstract

Monitoring the behavioral and adrenal activity of giraffe (Giraffa camelopardalis) to assess welfare during seasonal housing changes.

Highlights

There are many factors related to zoo enclosures that may impact an animal’s overall welfare
The purpose of this study was to examine the welfare of giraffe during the summer in an outdoor enclosure compared to the winter in an indoor enclosure
Active Non-Forage was the most predominant behavior in the summer study period, whereas Active Forage was most prevalent in the winter study period (Figure 2)

Summary

Introduction

There are many factors related to zoo enclosures that may impact an animal’s overall welfare. One study involving African elephants (Loxodonta africana) found that the elephants were more active in their outdoor exhibit when compared to their inside enclosure (Posta et al, 2013) The results of these studies demonstrate how varying enclosures can potentially influence an animal’s behavior. Effects of season on GC concentrations has been observed in zoo giant pandas, in which an individual in one study had higher GC concentrations in the winter and spring than in the summer season (Owen, Czekala, Swaisgood, Steinman, & Lindburg, 2005) Both studies used GC collection techniques that were non-invasive, one through fecals (Fanson & Wielebnowski, 2013) and the other through urine (Owen et al, 2005). There is limited research outside of the agricultural field, these studies demonstrate how recumbency can be an important indicator of welfare for other species

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Conclusion