Stereotypic behaviour of captive New Zealand zoo mammals : attitudes of zoo staff, prevalence, and effectiveness of short-term environmental enrichment : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science in Zoology at Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
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Date
2013
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Massey University
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Abstract
Modern captive animal institutes (zoos) focus on conservation, entertainment,
education, research and the welfare of the animals. A good indicator that there could be
underlying welfare issues, caused by physical or managerial inadequacies for example, is the
display of stereotypic behaviour. Stereotypic behaviour refers to repetitive or abnormal
actions, such as pacing or self-mutilation. In this study, I firstly examined the prevalence of
stereotypies in captive mammals, and associated risk factors, in three New Zealand zoos (in
Auckland, Hamilton, Wellington) using a questionnaire to examine staff perceptions and
attitudes towards stereotypical behaviour and its mitigation. Secondly, I observed behaviours
of eight species (African wild dogs [AWDs], chimpanzees, giraffes, meerkats, otters, southern
white rhinoceroses, tigers, and zebras) housed at the three institutes to document the
occurrence of stereotypical behaviour. Thirdly, I investigated the efficacy of short-term
enrichment on three target species (chimpanzees, giraffes, AWDs) that displayed stereotypies.
At each institute, zoo staff recognised the occurrence of stereotypic behaviour and
they agreed that such behaviour indicates underlying welfare issues. My observations
confirmed that stereotypical behaviour did occur at each institute, with six of the eight species
displaying stereotypies including pacing, licking inedible objects, begging, circling, head
shaking/tossing, hair picking, body rocking, and coprophagy. Neither meerkats nor rhinos
displayed stereotypies, however, indicating that these species may be better suited to captivity
than the others. The enrichment program I developed for three species (AWDs, giraffes, and
chimpanzees) was partly successful in that the animals engaged with the range of toys and
devices provided, but the frequency of stereotypies was not reduced. Consequently,
enrichment alone cannot be used to treat stereotypical behaviour. My findings are important
for helping to improve the welfare of captive zoo mammals.
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Keywords
Captive wild animals, Zoos, New Zealand, Zoo animal behaviour, Stereotypic behaviour, Behavioural disorders in animals, Zoo animal welfare