Research

29 pages, 3254 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Investigating Object Recognition Memory Using Sensory Enrichment with a North American River Otter (Lontra canadensis)

by Jessica J. Wegman and Caroline M. DeLong

J. Zool. Bot. Gard. 2023, 4(2), 335-363; https://doi.org/10.3390/jzbg4020028 - 12 Apr 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1924

Abstract

Research studies that shed light on cognitive and perceptual abilities in otters can utilize tasks that provide environmental, structural, food-based, sensory, or cognitive enrichment. The current study examined the use of the novel object recognition task, a task commonly used to study memory [...] Read more.

Research studies that shed light on cognitive and perceptual abilities in otters can utilize tasks that provide environmental, structural, food-based, sensory, or cognitive enrichment. The current study examined the use of the novel object recognition task, a task commonly used to study memory in non-human animals, as a form of sensory enrichment. The subject of the current study was an adult male otter that resided at the Seneca Park Zoo in Rochester, NY, USA. The stimulus pairs for this task were multisensory (3D objects and odorants). In this study, three memory intervals were investigated: 10 min, 1 h, and 24 h (each memory interval included 10 sessions). The otter spent only 15% of his time near the stimulus pairs and engaged in very few explorations, suggesting that this was not an effective form of sensory enrichment and did not provide any evidence for long-term memory. These results contrast strongly with our previous studies with otters using a two-alternative forced-choice task that provided engaging cognitive enrichment. We suggest that cognitive enrichment, including enrichment via training (and food-based enrichment), may be more effective for otters than sensory enrichment. Future research should further investigate cognitive phenomena in otters using tasks involving cognitive enrichment. These types of studies can improve enrichment practices and promote positive welfare for otters in zoos, inform conservation efforts, and grow our limited knowledge of otter perception and cognition. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Promoting Positive Welfare with Behavior-Based, Interactive, or Challenging Environmental Enrichment)

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21 pages, 315 KiB

Open AccessCommunication

Improving Animal Wellbeing Using Behavior-Based Methodologies: A Discussion on Enrichment and Bears under Human Care

by Mindy Babitz, Angela Gibson and Jason Pratte

J. Zool. Bot. Gard. 2023, 4(1), 256-276; https://doi.org/10.3390/jzbg4010022 - 10 Mar 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 3355

Abstract

This communication discusses the Bear Care Group’s “behavior-based” enrichment philosophy, focusing on the importance of enrichment programs built on the knowledge of species’ natural histories, living strategies, and observed daily and seasonal routines. Methods for program development are discussed, detailing the benefits to [...] Read more.

This communication discusses the Bear Care Group’s “behavior-based” enrichment philosophy, focusing on the importance of enrichment programs built on the knowledge of species’ natural histories, living strategies, and observed daily and seasonal routines. Methods for program development are discussed, detailing the benefits to animal wellbeing, including the reduction of chronic stress and frustration that lead to abnormal or stereotypical behaviors. The concepts are illustrated through a discussion of bear natural history and living strategies, but these methods are applicable to a wide range of taxa. The Bear Care Group encourages facilities to consider behavior-based enrichment programs to promote positive welfare for their animals. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Promoting Positive Welfare with Behavior-Based, Interactive, or Challenging Environmental Enrichment)

16 pages, 5680 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effects of Failure on California Sea Lion (Zalophus californianus) Gameplay Strategies and Interest in a Cognitive Task: Implications for Cognitive Enrichment in Pinnipeds

by Danielle L. Roberts, Holli C. Eskelinen, Kelley A. Winship, Amber M. Ramos and Mark J. Xitco

J. Zool. Bot. Gard. 2023, 4(1), 240-255; https://doi.org/10.3390/jzbg4010021 - 08 Mar 2023

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 3070

Abstract

Cognitive enrichment for professionally managed species has become more prevalent in recent years in both zoological and research settings and has been encouraged as a means of welfare enhancement. However, the task’s difficulty must be specifically tailored as it can impact the successful [...] Read more.

Cognitive enrichment for professionally managed species has become more prevalent in recent years in both zoological and research settings and has been encouraged as a means of welfare enhancement. However, the task’s difficulty must be specifically tailored as it can impact the successful nature of the sessions, as tasks that are too simple or difficult may not be perceived as enriching by the animals. While pinnipeds are common in zoos, aquariums, and research facilities, few studies have explored the use of cognitively challenging enrichment in this species, and the level of difficulty and presence of failure on animal success and engagement in this type of session has not been assessed. In this study, gameplay strategies during computerized enrichment sessions were evaluated before and after a game that introduced failure, or the loss of opportunity to complete a level for a reward after an incorrect movement. Interest in participation during the session, measured as the latency without contact, was also tested as a proxy for this enrichment’s effect on welfare. When incorrect movements resulted in a short pause and removed the opportunity to finish individual levels for a reward, all three sea lions tested significantly reduced the amount of time spent on each of several strategies they employed, but significantly increased the number of button presses per strategy, suggesting the animals focused on more precise movements as their proficiency improved. Two sea lions also showed a significant decline in latency without contact following the introduction of failure in the form of a single opportunity to complete a task for a reward after previously having unlimited opportunities, while one maintained a low latency without contact across both test conditions. The results suggest that more cognitively challenging tasks incorporating failure did not cause a reduction in gameplay performance and session interest in sea lions. Individual variation was also noted in strategy use, emphasizing the importance of evaluating the individual in terms of enrichment provision. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Promoting Positive Welfare with Behavior-Based, Interactive, or Challenging Environmental Enrichment)

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15 pages, 2413 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Quantifying Acute Behavioral Reactions of Bali Mynas (Leucopsar rothschildi) to Environmental and Progressively Challenging Enrichment

by Eli Baskir, Alayna Parsons, Marija Elden and David M. Powell

J. Zool. Bot. Gard. 2023, 4(1), 176-190; https://doi.org/10.3390/jzbg4010017 - 01 Mar 2023

Viewed by 2735

Abstract

Animals use specific behaviors and skills to overcome challenges and access resources. Environmental enrichment is provided to animals in human care to both promote species-appropriate behaviors and reduce undesired behaviors. Feather pecking in birds is an undesired behavior without a clear cause. The [...] Read more.

Animals use specific behaviors and skills to overcome challenges and access resources. Environmental enrichment is provided to animals in human care to both promote species-appropriate behaviors and reduce undesired behaviors. Feather pecking in birds is an undesired behavior without a clear cause. The Saint Louis Zoo houses three pairs of young Bali mynas (Leucopsar rothschildi) who pluck neck feathers from conspecifics. To reduce this behavior, animal care staff presented the birds with seven enrichment items from four categories, presenting each item twice. The enrichment included a modifiable, progressively challenging bamboo tube device at multiple levels of difficulty. While plucking was not affected by any enrichment item, we observed significant increases in locomotion and decreases in autopreening, allogrooming, and head bobbing. Leafy greens produced the greatest changes when compared to other enrichment types. Overall engagement with the progressively challenging enrichment increased with the change from the first to the second level of difficulty, and interaction with the device was highest for the third and most difficult version. These increases suggest that no habituation to the progressively challenging device occurred, while a possible neophobic effect declined with multiple uses and increased familiarity. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Promoting Positive Welfare with Behavior-Based, Interactive, or Challenging Environmental Enrichment)

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9 pages, 1067 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effects of Background Color on Stress-Linked Behavior in the Critically Endangered Lake Oku Clawed Frog (Xenopus longipes)

by Arabella E. Graves, Jemma E. Dias and Christopher J. Michaels

J. Zool. Bot. Gard. 2023, 4(1), 99-107; https://doi.org/10.3390/jzbg4010011 - 02 Feb 2023

Viewed by 1889

Abstract

Ex situ amphibian populations are a key component of global amphibian conservation strategy, and optimal husbandry is vital to ex situ conservation success. Animal behavior can be used to inform captive welfare and improve husbandry practices. However, it has been little used for [...] Read more.

Ex situ amphibian populations are a key component of global amphibian conservation strategy, and optimal husbandry is vital to ex situ conservation success. Animal behavior can be used to inform captive welfare and improve husbandry practices. However, it has been little used for amphibians compared with mammals and birds. The goal of this study was to explore the effect of different colored tank backgrounds on the behavior of the critically endangered Lake Oku clawed frog (Xenopus longipes) in captivity. This was conducted by studying the behavior of a group of 24 captive frogs in 5 groups using established behavioral indicators of presumed stress. Resting and swimming behaviors, established in the literature as linked to acute stress, were recorded under conditions of three background colors and a standard husbandry control of no background. Frog groups were exposed to each background for five days with behavioral frequencies recorded daily from 11:00 until 13:00. Using generalized linear mixed models, we identified a significant effect of background days after the background was changed and the interaction between the two variables on both swimming and resting behavior. The results of this study suggest an initial response of stress to altering the background, modulated by the color of the background, followed by the extinction of the stress response such that by five days after the background change, behaviors were similar to the baseline and indistinguishable between treatments. Overall, this study suggests that frog stress behavior was not differentially directly affected by green, grey, black, or transparent backgrounds but that green and grey backgrounds were associated with the smallest stress response to background change. These colors may therefore be recommended to reduce the impact of stress from disturbance. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Promoting Positive Welfare with Behavior-Based, Interactive, or Challenging Environmental Enrichment)

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12 pages, 1889 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Access to Multiple Habitats Improves Welfare: A Case Study of Two Zoo-Housed Black Bears (Ursus americanus)

by Kelly Bruno, Cassidy Hubbard and Emily Lynch

J. Zool. Bot. Gard. 2023, 4(1), 87-98; https://doi.org/10.3390/jzbg4010010 - 31 Jan 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 3326

Abstract

Using various forms of enrichment, animal care specialists encourage species-specific behaviors and discourage stereotypic behaviors. Within the zoo community, bears (Ursids spp.) are commonly housed, yet are prone to exhibiting stress-related behaviors. Here, we assess the effect of access to multiple habitats, [...] Read more.

Using various forms of enrichment, animal care specialists encourage species-specific behaviors and discourage stereotypic behaviors. Within the zoo community, bears (Ursids spp.) are commonly housed, yet are prone to exhibiting stress-related behaviors. Here, we assess the effect of access to multiple habitats, including areas of off guest view, on the welfare of two American black bears (U. americanus) housed at the North Carolina Zoo. In this study, we looked at two behaviors, pacing and foraging to represent negative and positive welfare indicators. We performed logistic regressions to model the effect of access on these behaviors. Because having an animal visible to guests is important to consider when creating management plans, we also explored the effect of access on the bears’ visibility. We found that full access reduced the likelihood of pacing by an average of 13% and increased the likelihood of foraging by an average of 5%. Access to multiple areas reduced the probability of visibility by 57% for one individual but did not impact visibility of the other bear. This case study suggests the value of access to zoo animal welfare and should incite future research aimed at exploring the effects of access on various behavioral outcomes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Promoting Positive Welfare with Behavior-Based, Interactive, or Challenging Environmental Enrichment)

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10 pages, 1146 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Trainer Interaction Can Improve Welfare Outcomes of Toy Enrichment for Isolated Animals: A Case Study

by Kelly Jaakkola, Sarah Brignac, Linda Erb, Emily Guarino, Abigail Haddock and Armando Rodriguez

J. Zool. Bot. Gard. 2023, 4(1), 72-81; https://doi.org/10.3390/jzbg4010008 - 18 Jan 2023

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 3431

Abstract

In cases where social animals must be temporarily housed alone, environmental enrichment is particularly important. Providing animals with manipulable objects (“toys”) is a common form of environmental enrichment, but its effectiveness can be limited by animal disinterest or habituation. The current study examined [...] Read more.

In cases where social animals must be temporarily housed alone, environmental enrichment is particularly important. Providing animals with manipulable objects (“toys”) is a common form of environmental enrichment, but its effectiveness can be limited by animal disinterest or habituation. The current study examined whether caregiver interaction could increase the effectiveness of object-based enrichment for a quarantined bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus). Behavioral observations were conducted after a training session, after a trainer toy play session, and between interactive sessions. The results showed that the dolphin floated in place less and played with toys more after interacting with a caregiver than he did at times further removed from caregiver interaction. He was also more likely to play with the same toys that the trainer had played with, showing effects of stimulus enhancement and/or social referencing. Although this study is, of necessity, based on a single animal of a single species, these findings suggest that interacting with a caregiver can enhance the efficacy of object-based environmental enrichment for isolated animals. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Promoting Positive Welfare with Behavior-Based, Interactive, or Challenging Environmental Enrichment)

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32 pages, 7465 KiB

Open AccessCommunication

Confronting Back-of-House Traditions: Primates as a Case Study

by Sabrina Brando and Jon Coe

J. Zool. Bot. Gard. 2022, 3(3), 366-397; https://doi.org/10.3390/jzbg3030029 - 26 Jul 2022

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 4381

Abstract

This review commentary focuses on traditional management practices and facility design with suggested improvements in non-public primate management areas, often called “back-of-house”, (henceforth BOH) in zoos, sanctuaries, and research facilities. Progress has been made toward improving animal quality of life in larger, more [...] Read more.

This review commentary focuses on traditional management practices and facility design with suggested improvements in non-public primate management areas, often called “back-of-house”, (henceforth BOH) in zoos, sanctuaries, and research facilities. Progress has been made toward improving animal quality of life in larger, more naturalistic, and enriched indoor and outdoor display areas. However, the quality of life in BOH areas has improved little in comparison. Basic management, regulatory, structural, and spatial BOH environments are lagging, especially in the developing world, and animals may be confined in less enriching spaces for substantial periods of the 24 h day. We reviewed traditional management policy and practice, as well as newer training, enrichment, and welfare policies and actions, and suggested alternatives for structural environments and spatial environments. The suggestions included using more animal-friendly construction materials and animal–computer interaction, providing greater control of the ambient environment and choice of access to multiple areas by the animals themselves, and designing for optimal animal wellbeing at all times, including when caregivers are no longer present. Case studies focused on primates were included. We concluded by suggesting a new, integrated design model based not upon rote standards and old models but building on empirical foundations while embracing empathy and innovation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Promoting Positive Welfare with Behavior-Based, Interactive, or Challenging Environmental Enrichment)

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