Zoo Biology最新文献

Polar bear (Ursus maritimus) neonates are highly altricial, and in-den maternal care is required for cub survival and as follows, population health. Study of maternal denning polar bears in managed care can provide valuable insights on mother-cub dynamics. We reviewed video recordings of polar bears in maternal dens from three participating zoos to monitor maternal behavior and cub development. The study subjects included three polar bear mothers with a single cub. During a total of 366 observations, we collected behavioral data on both mother and cub during 30-min observation sessions spaced every 4 h for the first 30 days post-partum. We recorded mother-cub contact and individual behaviors for both the mother and cub. During the first ten days postpartum, cubs spent 60% of the time on their mother, usually in a cradled position, and this behavior decreased to 44% thereafter. Mothers and cubs spent most of the time resting, with mothers occasionally licking and attending to their cubs. Cubs spent approximately 12% of the time nursing. More replicates from ex situ populations will refine our understanding of how the denning environment, maternal care behavior and cub development are correlated with cub survival.

Molecular genetic studies have revealed extra-pair paternity (EPP) in monogamous avian species including several penguin species. Therefore, this study investigated the parentage of captive gentoo penguins (Pygoscelis papua) in Japanese zoos and aquariums by analyzing 10 microsatellite loci. A total of 200 relationships between parents and offspring from the studbook were created through behavioral observations. Three of these cases (1.5%) showed mismatched genotypes between the father and offspring in at least three loci, thereby suggesting the possibility of EPP. In two of the three cases, the true (genetic) fathers were inferred from male individuals who lived with their mothers during the breeding season. The EPP frequency in the captive population was lower than that previously reported for wild populations. The results of this study demonstrate that the genetic approach effectively validated the accuracy for studbook of captive avian species.

To offset monarch butterfly (Danaus plexippus) habitat loss, conservation organizations encourage planting monarch-friendly plants and often distribute seed packets and plants to provide materials for habitat creation. However, there is little known on the outcomes of these complimentary materials, despite the opportunity to measure direct conservation action. Six public outreach events hosted by Oklahoma City Zoo occurred from 2016 to 2023. Participants at each event were invited to pledge to plant monarch habitat and in exchange received complimentary materials. Participants were surveyed 2-3 months post-event to follow-up on outcomes of materials distributed as well as measure monarch butterfly knowledge post-event. Visitors reported planting milkweed plants at higher rates than seeds and visitors' post-event knowledge of monarchs was high. This study demonstrates that overall return on investment, measured by pro-environmental behavior, is lower when purchasing seeds compared to purchasing milkweed plants. Overall, outreach programs that distribute complimentary seeds/plants have the potential to create habitat and create positive conservation action outcomes.

The crab-eating fox (Cerdocyon thous) is an omnivorous species with a frugivorous/insectivorous feeding habit and low feeding specificity, consuming a wide range of prey and vegetation. Studies that include its diet are based on the analysis of stomach and fecal content of free-living animals, without focusing on nutrient intake. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate nutrient intake and its use in a diet formulation provided to crab-eating foxes kept under human care. Eight healthy crab-eating foxes received a diet formulated with fruits (papaya, banana, apple and mango), commercial dog food, boiled egg, chicken neck, bovine heart, and a multivitamin supplement. The animals received the same diet for at least 1 year. Food intake was monitored, and a total fecal collection was carried out. The macronutrient composition of diet and feces was analyzed and macronutrient intake and digestibility were evaluated. The average of apparent digestibility coefficients was 84.0% for dry matter, 31.75% for ash, 95.63% for ether extract, 81.88% for crude protein, 58.13% for crude fiber, 85.38% for nitrogen free extract (NFE), and 85.25% for gross energy (GE). The results showed that the individuals are taking advantage of sufficient amounts of almost all nutrients. Evaluating the nutritional content and utilization of diets in animals under human care is essential, as it allows for adjustments to ensure the maintenance of an ideal body condition score.

Klinefelter's syndrome is the most prevalent sex chromosomal disorder in humans and has been observed in various mammalian species. This article documents the case of a 25-year-old western lowland gorilla (Gorilla gorilla gorilla) at Longleat Safari Park who was diagnosed with Klinefelter's syndrome. The study encompasses their diagnosis, behavioral assessment, and management strategies over twelve years. The behavioral profile includes neophobia, sensitivity to sounds, impaired problem-solving abilities, mood swings, and atypical social interactions. Management practices tailored to his condition involved establishing a consistent daily routine, mitigating exposure to sudden noises, and pre-emptive medical interventions at early signs of illness. These approaches have effectively addressed his unique needs and reduced stress-related behaviours. This case study underscores the necessity for individualized care plans for nonhuman primates with Klinefelter's syndrome, providing a guide for future management of similar cases in captivity. The findings contribute to the limited knowledge of Klinefelter's syndrome in gorillas and highlight the importance of personalized and consistent management strategies to enhance the welfare of affected individuals.

This study reports the first successful vasectomy on a southern African male giraffe (Giraffa camelopardalis giraffa). The goal of the procedure was to create a teaser male for reproductive studies. Following chemical immobilization using a combination of medetomidine and thiafentanil, the giraffe underwent surgery with local anesthesia. The vas deferens were bilaterally located, dissected, and transected. Histopathological examination confirmed the presence of the vas deferens tissue. Five weeks post-vasectomy, the giraffe was immobilized again for semen collection, confirming infertility. The giraffe was then used to confirm oestrus in synchronized females. Pre- and post-vasectomy testosterone levels validated the procedure's effectiveness, confirming no change in the giraffe's normal behavior or attractiveness to females. The outcome was successful, with the giraffe rendered infertile post-vasectomy.

Zoological institutions strive to foster positive visitor perceptions regarding the welfare of animals under their professional care. However, the impact of specific messaging and terminology used in educational signage and programs remains unclear. The goal of the current studies was to examine the favorability and impact of common terminology around the topics of animal care and welfare used within zoos and aquariums. Participants were randomly selected from Brookfield Zoo Chicago's household member database and invited via email to complete a brief survey. Study 1 employed a feeling thermometer to assess the favorability of common zoological terms. Studies 2-7 utilized vignettes to examine terminology through both feeling thermometers and Likert-type scales, measuring both favorability and visitor perceptions of animal care and welfare. Results from Study 1 suggest that there are some statistically more favorable terms that zoological facilities could use when interpreting different topics for visitors. These include professional care, habitat, animal health, veterinary care, animal care specialist, and animal care professional. However, Studies 2-7 demonstrated that when comparing the terms within contextual vignettes, the significant differences in favorability no longer existed. Results can be utilized by practitioners in zoos and aquariums to choose more favorable terms when discussing animal care and welfare. Only through sound science will we better understand how best to impact zoo and aquarium visitors' perceptions of animal welfare.

From May 2016 until December 2018, a group of blacktip reef sharks (Carcharhinus melanopterus) at Shedd Aquarium successfully produced six litters. These multiple successful breeding events provided the opportunity to develop and characterize microsatellite loci in this species to properly identify paternity for future studbook succession. Thirteen microsatellite loci were developed to determine the paternal lineages of all six litters born to four female and three male blacktip reef sharks. Of the six litters produced, three were the result of polyandrous mating, including one litter that was sired by all three males. While some females only produced one litter during the study, other females exhibited a biennial reproductive cycle. Although all three males had equal opportunity to mate with various females, one male sired over half of the offspring produced during this 2-year period. This study highlights the importance of using paternity analysis as a tool to aid in studbook management and future ex situ population conservation decisions.

Close animal encounters potentially increase visitor connection to species and present an educational and fundraising opportunity. However, evidence of the impacts on animal welfare or visitor education is limited. Red panda (Ailurus Fulgens spp.) encounters are gaining popularity despite a lack of research on their effects. As red panda are a characteristically cautious species and prone to disturbance, concern has been raised as to their suitability for encounters. We examined the extent and composition of red panda encounters amongst 150 Global Species Management Plan (GSMP) member zoos (survey responses), and their impact on longevity and reproduction (species 360 analysis). Over a third (39%) of zoos surveyed offered red panda encounters, with most (71%) being animal feeding experiences. Educational information was provided in almost all cases (95%) and focused on the encounter individuals and species' natural history. Of the 31 encounter red panda who were also part of a breeding program, 24 reproduced. Comparative data analysis suggested that encounter red panda produced more offspring and had higher longevity (survival) than non-encounter individuals, although this may reflect changes in red panda husbandry over time. A. f. styani were less likely to breed and produced fewer offspring than A. f. fulgens. Whilst there appears to be no major negative impacts of red panda encounters, continued monitoring and ensuring high animal-welfare standards remains vital.

In the Northern Hemisphere, white-naped cranes breed from April to early June. Females typically produce two eggs per clutch with each season having one to four clutches per year. Egg production beyond the species' natural output can significantly impact an individual's health as significant amounts of calcium are required to form the eggshell. The objective was to evaluate the effectiveness of deslorelin acetate (Suprelorin) in suppressing gonadal function and egg production of a 39-year-old female white-naped crane with a history of long breeding seasons and excessive egg laying. Deslorelin acetate (9.4 mg) implants were administered s.q. at 1- or 3-month intervals over four breeding seasons. Fecal samples were collected 1-3 times/week and gonadal hormones were extracted and analyzed. Egg production was recorded. Analysis showed that deslorelin acetate (9.4 mg) implanted s.q. twice at a 3-month interval beginning at the expected start of the breeding season was not fully effective in suppressing gonadal function and egg production. The following breeding season, three deslorelin acetate 9.4 mg implants were administered at ~1-month intervals beginning at the expected start of the breeding season. This protocol was more effective at suppressing gonadal hormone production and egg production. Our results demonstrate a timeseries of how deslorelin acetate impacts reproductive function in white-naped cranes, though further studies should include the effects of implant after cessation.