International Zoo Research Articles

Behavior of addax (Addax nasomaculatus) and Arabian oryx (Oryx leucoryx) mothers and calves during the calves’ first day of life

Successful reproduction, which is central to conservation breeding programs, comprises many stages, culminating in production of healthy young. Effective management of these programs relies, among other things, on accurate information on basic behavioral patterns. Yet, especially for species that are active through the night, such data are lacking. This study focused on adult female addax (N = 7) and Arabian oryx (N = 6), two antelope species prioritized by the international zoo community, using video to record behavior of mothers 1 h before and of mothers and calves during the first 24 h following birth. In the hour before giving birth, mothers were restless but all were recumbent during parturition. Most mothers stood and began licking their calves within a few minutes, and most calves stood within the first 2 h. Addax calves began nursing sooner (mean 1 h 42 min) than oryx calves (mean 4 h 45 min). Although the first nursing bout was longer for oryx than addax calves, the mean nursing bout length (addax: 1 min 26 s, oryx: 1 min 3 s) and total duration of nursing for the full 24 h (addax: 38 min 42 s, oryx: 28 min 51 s) did not differ. Both species spent most of the 24 h in proximity (>70 %), concentrated in the first hours after birth, with a trend for less time in proximity across the 24 h. Addax mothers appeared to be more attentive, spending more time licking/grooming their calves, especially in the first hours. Calves of both species spent most of the 24 h lying down (addax: 84.5 %, oryx: 66.7 %). There was a wide range of variation in most parameters within both species, emphasizing individual differences. Further studies will be necessary to investigate possible influences of factors such as parity and sex of calf. Nevertheless, the results of this study should be helpful to animal managers as well as to field biologists in understanding the behavioral dynamics of addax and Arabian oryx maternal care and neonatal calf behavior that occur during the first critical 24 h of an infant’s life.

What is the role of the studbook in zoo and aquarium research?

In zoos and aquariums globally, studbooks provide a format by which threatened or important species populations can be carefully managed. These documents can be used to answer complex questions about animal population demographics, animal husbandry, breeding success and mortality. Given the time-intensive nature of studbook collation, only a subset of all animal species held in zoological facilities are managed using these programs. The purpose of this project was to identify how studbooks are being used by researchers, the topics being investigated, and the taxa being covered. To achieve this, data were collected on the types of research paper being produced using studbook information. A literature search, covering several zoo and aquarium journals, was utilized. Data on the types of studbook available were additionally collected for three international zoo organizations. A Poisson regression was run to determine the predictive power of taxonomic class, animal threat status and studbook type on a studbook featuring in published research. Overall, the study identified that taxonomic class and threat status were significant predictors of the number of published studbook papers, with threatened species being more likely to appear in papers. Additionally, population demography was the most common use of studbook data, followed by genetics and reproduction. Not all taxonomic groups were featured in the literature, with mammals featuring much more frequently than would be expected based on the types of studbook available.

A retrospective study of pathologic findings in cephalopods (extant subclasses: Coleoidea and Nautiloidea) under laboratory and aquarium management.

This retrospective study examines pathologic findings in 593 captive cephalopods (340 octopuses, 130 cuttlefish, 33 squid, and 90 nautiluses; 22 species in total) submitted to International Zoo Veterinary Group Pathology between May 2003 and August 2022. Common octopus, European common cuttlefish, hummingbird bobtail squid, and chambered nautilus were the most numerous species from the included orders of Octopoda, Sepiida, Sepiolida, and Nautilida, respectively. Commonly identified conditions included coccidiosis and renal dicyemid mesozoan infection in octopuses, amebiasis in squid, bacterial infections in cuttlefish, and idiopathic multisystemic inflammatory disease in nautiluses. Coccidiosis was most frequent in common octopuses, giant Pacific octopuses, and California 2-spot octopuses (present in 68.4%, 46.3%, and 23.8% of these species, respectively) and was the attributed cause of death in 32.3%, 36.0%, and 60.0% of such cases, respectively. Ulcerative dermatitis (UD) was common, affecting squid, cuttlefish, and octopuses, while many nautiluses exhibited black shell disease and/or UD. Notable differences in the prevalence of UD were detected between laboratory and aquaria-housed decapodiforms; 52.2% for laboratory squid versus 20.0% in aquaria; 51.3% in laboratory cuttlefish versus 11.0% in aquaria. All octopuses and nautiluses in the study were derived from aquaria. Semelparity-associated death in Coleoidea species was identified in 22.4% of octopuses, 11.5% of cuttlefish, and 6.1% of squid. This report aims to provide an overview and reassessment of species-specific disease patterns under aquarium and laboratory management as a starting point for future developments in husbandry and disease investigation.

Koala retrovirus genetic diversity and transmission: advice for breeders. In Proceedings of the Second Koala Retrovirus Workshop, ed. D. E. Alquezar-Planas, D. P. Higgins, C. L. Singleton, and A. D. Greenwood

The rapid spread of koala retrovirus (KoRV) across Australia and international zoo populations has necessitated appropriate control measures. Along with pathogenicity, the genetic diversity of the virus and how it transmits between animals also needs to be considered when deciding the most suitable measures. Next generation sequencing has become the gold standard approach for KoRV diversity studies due to the high sensitivity, accuracy, and throughput. This approach has identified a large proportion of known KoRV diversity and has provided a broader understanding of KoRV prevalence and abundance within koala (Phascolarctos cinereus) populations, specifically identifying individuals with low diversity. Recent evidence has demonstrated that exogenous KoRV transmits from mother to joey, likely through the ingestion of milk and/or pap, and that koalas are not likely to acquire additional KoRV subtypes/sequences later in life. This finding strongly indicates that breeding with KoRV negative or endogenous KoRV-A positive only females is the best chance at alleviating exogenous KoRV from koala populations worldwide. Captive breeders are therefore urged to determine the KoRV profile of all animals included in their breeding program through deep sequencing methods (where feasible) and use this to inform their future breeding regimes.

Zoo Tourism in the Visegrad Four Countries

Attendance is one of the indicators of tourist attractions' success. Zoological gardens are among the most visited tourist attractions. However, there is practically no research on this topic, less so in the post-socialist countries. It is the aim of this article, therefore, to identify, using the example of the Visegrad Four countries (Czechia, Hungary, Poland, and Slovakia), how zoo attendance generally develops and to discuss why it is so. For this purpose, a database of EAZA member zoos in these countries was created. Attendance data was obtained from multiple sources, e.g. from annual reports, the International Zoo Yearbook (IZY) and email communication. It was found that the total attendance has been on the rise since it plummeted at the beginning of the 1990s; Czech zoos went up first and now they are the absolutely most visited, even per capita. The current attendance (2019) to Czech zoos more than doubled compared to the mid-1960s; in Slovakia and Poland it does not reach even 150%. There was an increase of almost 43 % in 2010–2019; the highest one was in Poland. The most visited zoo since 2015 has been the Wrocław Zoo (PL), where an iconic Afrykarium was opened.

Exploration of cultural norms and behavioural beliefs about zoo animal behaviour, welfare, ethics and husbandry practices in a sample of the international zoo community.

Beliefs influence the intentions of people to behave in certain ways towards animals. This study presents survey responses from 237 people working in zoos in China and Europe and describes their demographic characteristics. It explores their beliefs about zoo animal behaviour, welfare and ethical issues, and zoo practices, using a survey methodology. These beliefs may be influenced by individual demographic or cultural factors such as age, genderand region of employment, as well as experiential or situative 'norms' within the work environment. Beliefs were significantly influenced by the region of employment with Chinese respondents beliefs being significantly different to beliefs from respondents in the United Kingdom or the rest of Europe. Hierarchical cluster analysis of the survey generated clusters of people from both regions who indicated positive beliefs about zoo animal welfare as well as clu sters indicating a lack of understanding of some zoo animal welfare issues. In addition, a cluster suggesting cognitive dissonance between beliefs about animals welfare and zoo practices was generated from Chinese responses. Factor analysis identified that prioritisation of in-situ conservation within good animal welfare was a key feature in Chinese respondents, whereas European beliefs prioritising in-situ conservation were distinct from those on supporting good animal welfare. This paper identifies similarities and differences in beliefs about zoo animal welfare and zoo husbandry practices between Europe and China, and discusses the underlying norms and values that these beliefs may reflect.

Investigating Market and Conservation Education Influences on Global Zoo and Aquarium Animal Collections

There is evidence to suggest that visitors to zoological collections prefer to see large, active mammals. To attract visitors, zoos and aquariums might be tempted to select for mammal species in their collection plans to maintain visitor interest. However, collections also play a role in endangered species breeding, many of which are not mammals. Using International Zoo Yearbook data, we explored the number of species of mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, fish and invertebrates housed in collections across the globe. These data were compared against three hypothetical collection plan strategies: a) marketing, as shown by the prevalence of each taxon in toy retail; b) biodiversity, in which taxa in proportions that reflect their wild abundance, and c) in which all six taxa are represented equally. The global zoological collection plan indicated that on average, collections contain more bird species than other taxonomic groups, followed by fish, mammals, invertebrates, reptiles and amphibians.

The Modern Zoo: Demographics and Perceptions of Two International Groups of Zoo Staff

Characterising the people that work in zoos is a key element of understanding how zoos might better contribute to conservation activities. The purpose of this study was to investigate demographics, early life experiences and perceptions of zoo staff to the role of the modern zoo. This paper reports the key characteristics and qualitative themes emerging from study of international (European and Chinese) zoo professionals. Semi-structured telephone interviews were conducted with eight Chinese and eight European zoo staff about aspects of zoological animal welfare, conservation and zoological practices. These qualitative data were thematically analysed, and themes generated. This paper describes interviewee demographics and two themes relating to ‘early life influences’ and ‘the role of the modern zoo’. This analysis indicates that demographic data and early life influences of zoo professionals were broadly similar between two culturally diverse regions, but that their views on the role of the modern zoo differed, particularly in terms of their perceptions of conservation activities, with European interviewees focussing on biodiversity conservation, and Chinese interviewees focussing on animal protection.

Is Animal Welfare an Internationally Understood Concept in the Zoo World? Thematic Analysis of Two Regional Groups of Zoo Staff.

Simple SummaryIn order to ensure we do not speak at cross-purposes, common understandings and definitions are useful. However, there is no universal definition of animal welfare. Structured interviews with a sample of European and Chinese zoo staff aimed to explore their perceptions and understanding of the term ‘animal welfare’, and the use of animal welfare frameworks in a zoological context. Thematic analysis demonstrated that all interviewees used similar descriptors when discussing animal welfare including describing animal feelings and emotions. Animal welfare frameworks were considered useful across both regions. However, different frameworks were suggested by interviewees in Europe to those in China. Chinese zoo staff expressed the importance of leadership in animal welfare in Chinese zoos. These findings suggest a common understanding of the concept of animal welfare, and the usefulness of animal welfare frameworks across geographically and culturally diverse regions.Universal frameworks for zoo animal welfare have been suggested. However, there is little evidence of a cross-cultural understanding of zoo animal welfare. This paper reports themes emerging from a qualitative study of international (European and Chinese) zoo professionals on zoo animal welfare issues. Structured telephone interviews were conducted with eight Chinese and eight European zoo staff, covering aspects of zoological animal welfare, conservation and zoological husbandry practices. These qualitative data were thematically analysed, and key themes generated. This paper describes three themes relating to ‘What is animal welfare’ ‘Animal welfare frameworks’ and ‘The human element in animal welfare’. This analysis indicates that the concept of animal welfare has cultural equivalence across Europe and between Europe and China, and that zoo staff are familiar with welfare frameworks. In China, a need for senior leadership and motivating staff to improve animal welfare emerged.

Short Communication: Examining taxa representation in Asian zoos and aquaria using historic records

Abstract. Brereton JE, Brereton SR. 2021. Short Communication: Examining taxa representation in Asian zoos and aquaria using historic records. Biodiversitas 22: 2870-2875. According to the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA), modern zoological collections should engage in conservation and education-based activities: to do this, the collections must house animals that are interesting to their visitors. There is a plethora of evidence to suggest that zoo visitors and the wider public are more interested in mammals than any other taxa. This ‘mammal bias’ is known to extend into facets of science, such as in reintroduction and zoo research literature. Previous studies on zoo collection planning, however, have identified that globally, zoological collections actually contain more species of bird and fish on average than mammals. At current, there is limited information on the composition of Asian zoological collections. Data on the number of species per taxa (amphibians, birds, fish, invertebrates, mammals, and reptiles) housed at each zoo globally was collected from the International Zoo Yearbook’s ‘Zoos and Aquariums of the World’ from 1960 until 2018. Additional data including the visitor attendance age and size of the collection was recorded. The composition of Asian zoo collection plans was compared against zoos globally, and a longitudinal investigation of Asian Zoo composition was also conducted. Additionally, Poisson regressions were run to determine whether the proportional representation of taxa, year, or visitor attendance were predictors of the numbers of animal species at the collection. Overall, the number of species per taxa significantly differed between Asian collections and the global averages, with Asian collections generally containing greater numbers of invertebrates and fish, and comparatively fewer reptiles. There were similarities in the number of species per taxa over time between Asian collections and zoological collections globally. This study suggests that the influences that affect the species housed in zoos and aquariums more globally are also influencing those in Asian countries.

FOREWORD

International Zoo YearbookVolume 54, Issue 1 p. 9-9 Editorial FOREWORD Fiona Anne Fisken, Corresponding Author Managing Editor yearbook@zsl.org orcid.org/0000-0003-3727-0533 International Zoo YearbookSearch for more papers by this author Fiona Anne Fisken, Corresponding Author Managing Editor yearbook@zsl.org orcid.org/0000-0003-3727-0533 International Zoo YearbookSearch for more papers by this author First published: 21 December 2020 https://doi.org/10.1111/izy.12283 Read the full textAboutPDF ToolsRequest permissionExport citationAdd to favoritesTrack citation ShareShare Give accessShare full text accessShare full-text accessPlease review our Terms and Conditions of Use and check box below to share full-text version of article.I have read and accept the Wiley Online Library Terms and Conditions of UseShareable LinkUse the link below to share a full-text version of this article with your friends and colleagues. Learn more.Copy URL Share a linkShare onEmailFacebookTwitterLinked InRedditWechat No abstract is available for this article. Volume54, Issue1December 2020Pages 9-9 RelatedInformation

Author index to Volume 54

International Zoo YearbookVolume 54, Issue 1 p. 424-425 Index Author index to Volume 54 First published: 21 December 2020 https://doi.org/10.1111/izy.12284 Read the full textAboutPDF ToolsRequest permissionExport citationAdd to favoritesTrack citation ShareShare Give accessShare full text accessShare full-text accessPlease review our Terms and Conditions of Use and check box below to share full-text version of article.I have read and accept the Wiley Online Library Terms and Conditions of UseShareable LinkUse the link below to share a full-text version of this article with your friends and colleagues. Learn more.Copy URL Share a linkShare onEmailFacebookTwitterLinked InRedditWechat No abstract is available for this article. Volume54, Issue1December 2020Pages 424-425 RelatedInformation

Sixty years of collection planning: what species do zoos and aquariums keep?

Strategic collection planning is essential for zoos and aquariums globally. As organizations whose primary source of income may be from visitors, zoological collections may be tempted to select large, charismatic mammal species to maintain visitor interest. Zoos and aquariums aim to breed sustainable populations of species, many of which are not mammals. While zoo advertising and marketing often showcases megafauna, there is little research on the current composition of zoo collection plans or their evolution. To investigate zoo collection planning from a global perspective, we analysed the taxonomic composition of collections in theInternational Zoo Yearbook’s list of ‘Zoos and Aquariums of the World’ from 1960 until 2018. Average proportions of mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, fish and invertebrates were calculated for each collection per year. Analysis revealed that in terms of species prevalence, birds were best represented, making up 31·37% of the average collection. Amphibians, by contrast, made up only 2·78% of the average zoo species. Temporal analysis revealed a significant decrease in the proportion of bird species housed in collections (P < 0·001), while a significant increase was observed for fish (P = 0·001) and invertebrates (P < 0·001). Additionally, the average number of species housed in each collection has decreased by almost a third, from 329 spp in 1960 to 225 spp in 2018. This study suggests that zoos have reduced the diversity of animals that they keep, possibly in pursuit of sustainable populations of fewer species. However, zoos and aquariums should reflect on the implications of the poor representation of the amphibian taxa.

Status of animal welfare research in zoos and aquariums: Where are we, where to next?

Research into the conditions that promote good animal welfare is essential to equip zoos and aquariums with the knowledge to create environments in which animals thrive. In order to collate the empirical information that is available regarding animal welfare in zoos and aquariums with regard to topics, methods and species, a systematic literature review was conducted of the primary peer-reviewed journals publishing zoo-based and welfare-based research. Journals included Animal Welfare, Animals, Applied Animal Behaviour Science, International Zoo Yearbook, Journal of Applied Animal Welfare Science, Journal of Zoo and Aquarium Research, and Zoo Biology. The literature review spanned 2008–2017 and revealed that 7.6% (n=310) of reviewed publications (n=4,096) in these journals were zoo- or aquarium-based and animal-welfare focused. The main topics studied included enrichment, social conditions and enclosure design, while understudied topics included the welfare of ambassador animals, and the welfare impacts of sound and light. Behaviour was by far the dominant welfare parameter used and the use of hormonal measures declined over this period. Taxonomic representation in these publications was notably skewed. Mammals were the focus of 75% of studies, and 82% of studies were vertebrate-focused (great apes being the dominant taxa). This study considers potential reasons for these patterns and highlights research areas for future emphasis that could serve to fill gaps in current knowledge regarding zoo and aquarium animal welfare, including more research into affective states that underlie an animal’s welfare status.

The current state of zoological medicine in zoos and aquariums in Latin America

The field of zoological medicine has advanced significantly in recent years, particularly in developed nations. However, developing nations have lagged far behind these advancements. A study was devised to acquire up‐to‐date information on the current state of zoological medicine in Latin America using an online survey directed to zoo and aquarium professionals. Between February and April of 2016, a survey with 28 questions relevant to zoological medicine was distributed to zoo and aquarium professionals in Latin America. The questions included information about employment conditions, veterinary equipment, protocols and facilities, amongst others. One hundred and two respondents from 66 institutions (58 zoos and eight aquariums) from 15 countries answered the survey. Listservs were used to distribute the survey, which impedes the calculation of percentage response rate. Results show that not all zoos and aquariums in the region have proper facilities, veterinary equipment and supplies to carry out their jobs in an adequate manner. Thirty per cent of the institutions (n = 20 of 66 institutions) do not have an exclusive quarantine area; only 48% (n = 32 of 66 institutions) have X‐ray equipment (traditional and/or digital); and 62% (n = 41 of 66 institutions) have an inhalation anaesthesia machine. There are few veterinarians [24% (n = 24 of 101 veterinarians)] in the region with advanced veterinary training (zoological‐medicine residency, Master’s degree or PhD) and only 15% (n = 15 of 101) of the veterinarians have published in peer‐reviewed journals in the last 5 years. In spite of these findings, 91% (n = 92 of 101) of zoo and aquarium veterinarians in Latin America reported that they were satisfied or very satisfied with their current job. Based on the results of this study, we recommend that zoological facilities and aquariums in Latin America invest in staff training, equipment and facilities to meet the accreditation standards instituted by the wider international zoo and aquariums community.

International Studbooks for Rare Species of Wild Animals in Captivity

International Zoo YearbookVolume 53, Issue 1 p. 478-508 Reference International Studbooks for Rare Species of Wild Animals in Captivity First published: 03 December 2019 https://doi.org/10.1111/izy.12241Read the full textAboutPDF ToolsRequest permissionExport citationAdd to favoritesTrack citation ShareShare Give accessShare full text accessShare full-text accessPlease review our Terms and Conditions of Use and check box below to share full-text version of article.I have read and accept the Wiley Online Library Terms and Conditions of UseShareable LinkUse the link below to share a full-text version of this article with your friends and colleagues. Learn more.Copy URL Share a linkShare onFacebookTwitterLinkedInRedditWechat Volume53, Issue1July 2019Pages 478-508 RelatedInformation

Index to List of Zoos and Aquariums of the World

International Zoo YearbookVolume 53, Issue 1 p. 463-477 Reference Index to List of Zoos and Aquariums of the World First published: 03 December 2019 https://doi.org/10.1111/izy.12242Read the full textAboutPDF ToolsRequest permissionExport citationAdd to favoritesTrack citation ShareShare Give accessShare full text accessShare full-text accessPlease review our Terms and Conditions of Use and check box below to share full-text version of article.I have read and accept the Wiley Online Library Terms and Conditions of UseShareable LinkUse the link below to share a full-text version of this article with your friends and colleagues. Learn more.Copy URL Share a linkShare onFacebookTwitterLinkedInRedditWechat Volume53, Issue1July 2019Pages 463-477 RelatedInformation

Author Index to Volume 53

International Zoo YearbookVolume 53, Issue 1 p. 509-510 Reference Author Index to Volume 53 First published: 03 December 2019 https://doi.org/10.1111/izy.12253AboutPDF ToolsRequest permissionExport citationAdd to favoritesTrack citation ShareShare Give accessShare full text accessShare full-text accessPlease review our Terms and Conditions of Use and check box below to share full-text version of article.I have read and accept the Wiley Online Library Terms and Conditions of UseShareable LinkUse the link below to share a full-text version of this article with your friends and colleagues. Learn more.Copy URL Share a linkShare onFacebookTwitterLinkedInRedditWechat No abstract is available for this article. Volume53, Issue1July 2019Pages 509-510 RelatedInformation

Penilaian kualitas visual dan aspek sapta pesona pada lanskap Bali Zoo di Desa Pakraman Singapadu, Gianyar

Assessment of the Visual Quality and Sapta Pesona Aspect on Bali Zoo Landscape in Singapadu Traditional Village, Gianyar. Bali Zoo is one of the artificial landscapes in the form of a zoo with educational, conservation, and tourism functions. This zoo has a vision to make Bali Zoo as an international zoo standards. Some efforts that can be done to realize the vision is by improving the aesthetic quality and aspects of sapta pesona. The assessment of visuals quality and aspects of sapta pesona in Bali Zoo aims to evaluate both visuals quality and sapta pesona aspect in the Bali Zoo landscape. Methods used in this research was field survey with observation, questionnaire, interview, and literature review techniques. The result was a description of the assessment of visuals quality and aspects of sapta pesona on Bali Zoo landscape, therewith recommendation that can be given in the form of recommendation might improve the visuals quality and aspects of sapta pesona on Bali Zoo landscape. It is concluded that the visuals quality and aspects of sapta pesona on Bali Zoo landscape were quite good and it can improve the aesthetic visuals quality of Bali Zoo landscape by improving the quality of landscape elements, whereas improving the aspects of sapta pesona from the elements of security, discipline, hygiene, beauty, coolness, friendliness, memory. These recommendation was suitable to apply by the manager, visitors and students.

Author Index to Volume 52

International Zoo YearbookVolume 52, Issue 1 p. 479-480 Reference Author Index to Volume 52 First published: 30 August 2018 https://doi.org/10.1111/izy.12207AboutPDF ToolsRequest permissionExport citationAdd to favoritesTrack citation ShareShare Give accessShare full text accessShare full-text accessPlease review our Terms and Conditions of Use and check box below to share full-text version of article.I have read and accept the Wiley Online Library Terms and Conditions of UseShareable LinkUse the link below to share a full-text version of this article with your friends and colleagues. Learn more.Copy URL Share a linkShare onFacebookTwitterLinkedInRedditWechat No abstract is available for this article. Volume52, Issue1July 2018Pages 479-480 RelatedInformation