- Stereotypic behavior and fecal cortisol level in captive giant pandas in relation to environmental enrichment
- Birth and simultaneous rearing of two litters in a pack of captive African wild dogs (Lycaon pictus)
- AFLP analysis of genetic variation on captive-bred Chinese alligators: an application to select individuals for release
- Evaluation of intramuscular ketoprofen and butorphanol as analgesics in chain dogfish (Scyliorhinus retifer)
- Retrospective study of morbidity and mortality of captive jaguars (Panthera onca) in North America: 1982-2002
- Comparative growth and survival of juvenile hard clams, Mercenaria mercenaria, fed commercially available diets
- Polar bear (Ursus maritimus) adipose tissue fatty acid composition compared to fatty acid constituents of a common milk replacer

- Ovarian cycle of the captive Formosan gem-faced civets (Paguma larvata taivana)
- Serum concentrations of amino acids, fatty acids, lipoproteins, vitamins A and E, and minerals in apparently healthy, free-ranging southern giraffe (Giraffa camelopardalis giraffe)
- Use of novel nest boxes by carmine bee-eaters (Merops nubicus) in captivity
- Variation in digestive efficiency of captive North American river otters (Lontra canadensis) on various diets
- Effects of rubberized flooring on Asian elephant behavior in captivity
- Social compatibility in a newly formed all-male group of white crowned mangabeys (Cercocebus atys lunulatus)

- Sexual recruitment of the corals Favia fragum and Agaricia humilis in a 30-m^3 exhibit aquarium: species-specific limitations and implications on reproductive ecology
- Development of guidelines for assessing obesity in captive chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes)
- Estimate of chitin in raw whole insects
- Assessment of reproductive behavior and hormonal cycles in geriatric Western lowland gorillas
- Evaluation of the enteric microflora of captive whooping cranes (Grus americana) and sandhill cranes (Grus canadensis)
- Semen collection and evaluation in free-ranging Brazilian rattlesnakes (Crotalus durissus terrificus)

- Hematocrit and blood chemistry values in three genera of captive hornbills
- Behavioral profiles of the captive juvenile whooping crane as an indicator of post-release survival
- Assessment of reproductive status and ovulation in female brown kiwi (Apteryx mantelli) using fecal steroids and ovarian follicle size
-Anuran gender identification by fecal steroid analysis
- Gastro-intestinal transit time in South American deer
- Body weight as an effective tool for determination of onset puberty in captive female Nile hippopotami (Hippopotamus amphibious)
- Morphology of the blood cells from three species of wobbegong sharks (Orectolobus species) on the East Coast of New South Wales

- Taurine deficiency in maned wolves (Chrysocyon brachyurus) maintained on two diets manufactured for prevention of cystine urolithiasis
- Death at the zoo: the media, science, and reality
- Primary observations on rutting behavior of the captive red goral
- Guidelines for creating a food safety HACCP program in zoos or aquaria
- Urinary cortisol sampling: a non-invasive technique for examining cortisol concnetrations in the Weddell seal, Leptonychotes weddellii
- Feeding enrichment by self-operated food boxes for white-fronted lemurs (Eulemur fulvus albifrons) in the Masoala exhibit of the Zurich zoo

- Variation in nature: its implications for zoo elephant management
- Nocturnal behavior in a group of female African elephants
- Assessment of body condition in Asian elephants (Elephas maximus)
- Is reversing the decline of Asian elephants in North American zoos possible? An individual-based modeling approach
- Elephant importation from range countries: ethical and practical considerations for accredited zoos
- Why inter-country loans will not help Sumatra's elephants

- Energy supply of the okapi in captivity: fermentation characteristics of feedstuffs
- One year later: evaluation of PMC-recommended births and transfers
- Cut feather containing rachis as a sampling way for avian sexing
- Activity patterns and spatial use of facility by a group of captive female manatees (Trichechus manatus latirostris)
- Energy supply of the okapi in captivity: intake and digestion trials
- Meta-analytic review of the effects of enrichment on stereotypic behavior in zoo mammals
- In the deep end: pooling data and other statistical challenges of zoo and aquarium research

- Chrono-ethologic investigations on the Queensland koala (Phascolarctos cinereus adustus) in captivity
- Transit time and digestibility of two experimental diets in the maned wolf (Chrysocyon brachyurus) and domestic dog (Canis lupus)
- Reproductive life history of South African cheetahs (Acynonyx jubatus jubatus) at the San Diego Zoo Wild Animal Park, 1970--2005
- Effects of construction noise on behavior and cortisol levels in a pair of captive giant pandas (Ailuropoda melanoleuca)
- First experience with free-ranging giant day geckos (Phelsuma madagascariensis grandis) in the Masoala rainforest exhibit in Zurich Zoo, Switzerland
- Intake, utlization, and composition of browses consumed by the Sumatran rhinoceros (Dicerorhinus sumatrensis harissoni) in captivity in Sabah, Malaysia
- Lens-anomalies and other ophthalmic findings in a group of closly-related Angola lions (Panthera leo bleyenberghi)

- Longitudinal monitoring of fecal testosterone in male Malayan sun bears (U. malayanus)
- Pregnancy detection from fecal progestin concentrations in the red panda (Ailures fulgens fulgens)
- Non-invasive fecal hormone analysis and behavioral observations for monitoring stress responses in captive Western lowland gorillas (Gorilla gorilla gorilla)
- Predicting release success of captive-reared loggerhead shrikes (Lanius ludovicianus) using pre-release behavior
- Captive breeding for reintroduction: influence of management practices and biological factors on survival of captive kaki (black stilt)
- Enclosure choice and well-being in giant pandas: is it all about control?
- Standardization and validation of a simple, sensitive, second antibody format enzyme immunoassay for growth hormone determination in mithun (Bos frontalis) plasma

- Social influences on the estrous cycle of the captive sun bear (Helarctos malayanus)
- Wild-laid versus captive-laid eggs in the black-bellied sandgrouse: is there any effect on chick productivity?
- Reintroduction medicine: whooping cranes in Wisconsin
- Cognitive enrichment for bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus): evaluation of a novel underwater maze device
- Quantifying the impact of storage procedures for faecal bacteriotherapy in the critically endangered New Zealand parrot, the kakapo (Strigops habroptilus)
- Whisper-like behavior in a non-human primate
- Assessment of adrenocortical activity and behavior of the collared anteater (Tamandua tetradactyla) in response to food-based environmental enrichment
- Assessment of adrenocortical and gonadal hormones in male spider monkeys (Ateles geoffroyi) following capture, restrain and anesthesia
- The use of visual barriers to reduce aggression among a group of Marabou storks (Leptoptilos crumeniferus)
- Investigating the relationship between feed and helminthic burden of captive birds of prey in Hong Kong
- Carotenoid supplementation enhances reproductive success in captive strawberry poison frogs (Oophaga pumilio)

- Use of urinary biomarkers of ovarian function and altrenogest supplementation to enhance captive breeding success in the Indian rhinoceros (Rhinoceros unicornis)
- The Puerto Rican parrot reintroduction program: sustainable management of the aviary population
- Semen characterization, seasonality of production, and in vitro sperm quality after chilled storage and cryopreservation in the king penguin (Aptenodytes patagonicus)
- Effect of varying dietary starch and fiber levels and inoculum source (mule deer vs dairy cow) of simulation rumen fermentation characteristics
- Preliminary report on the behavior of spotted-necked otter (Lutra maculicollis, Lichtenstein, 1835) living in a lentic ecosystem
- Effects of management strategies on glucocorticoids and behavior in Indian rhinoceros (Rhinoceros unicornis): translocation and operant conditioning
- Using odor cues to elicit a behavioral and hormonal response in zoo-housed African wild dogs
- The effect of changes in group composition on social dynamics in Marabou storks (Leptoptilos crumeniferus)

- Nutritional and physical characteristics of commercial hand-feeding formulas for parrots
- Genetics driven interventions for ex situ conservation of red junglefowl (Gallus gallus murghi) populations in India
- Short-term digestible energy intake in captive moose (Alces alces) on different diets
- A comparative study of the speeds attained by captive cheetahs during the enrichment practice of the "cheetah run"
- Hematological and serum biochemical analytes reflect physiological challenges during gestation and lactation in killer whales (Orcinus orca)
- Apparent total tract macronutrient and energy digestibility of 1- to 3-day-old whole chicks, adult ground chicken, and extruded and canned chicken-based diets in African wildcats (Felis silvestris lybica)
- Captive-housed male cheetahs (Acinonyx jubatus soemmeringii) form naturalistic coalitions measuring associations and calculating chance encounters
- Conservation caring: measuring the influence of zoo visitors' connection to wildlife on pro-conservation behaviors
- Characterization of hatch-size and growth rates of captive and wild-reared brown kiwi (Apteryx mantelli) chicks
- Sexual maturation in the Sumatran rhinoceros (Dicerorhinus sumatrensis)
- Identifying parentage using molecular markers: improving accuracy of studbook records for a captive flock of Marbou storks (Leptoptilus crumeniferus)
- The first year of behavioral development and maternal care of beluga (Delphinapterus leucas) calves in human care
- Dental disease in show more slender lorises (Loris tardigradus)
- Behavioral responses of Magellanic penguins (Spheniscus magellanicsu) (Foster) to saltwater versus freshwater show less

- Life span, reproductive output, and reproductive opportunity in captive Goeldi's monkeys (Callimico goeldii)
- Behavioral response of captive Western lowland gorillas (Gorilla gorilla gorilla) to the death of silverbacks in multi-male groups
- Initial findings on visual acuity thresholds in an African elephant (Loxodonta africana)
- Effects of inbreeding on reproductive success, performance, litter size, and survival in captive red wolves (Canis rufus)
- Observations on the female reproductive cycles of captive Asian yellow pond turtles (Mauremys mutica) with radiography and ultrsonography
- Evaluation of three immobilization combinations in the capybara (Hydrochoerus hycrochaeris)
- A system for monitoring and improving animal visibility and its implications for zoological parks

- Social factors influence ovarian acyclicity in captive African elephants (Loxodonta africana)
- GPS determination of walking rates in captive African elephants (Loxodonta africana)
- Response of hatchling Komodo dragons (Varanus komodoensis) at Denver Zoo to visual and chemical cues arising from prey
- Behavioral monitoring in zoos and aquariums: a tool for guiding husbandry and directing research
-A new method for DNA extraction from feces and hair shafts of the South China tiger (Panthera tigris amoyensis)
- Evaluating the utility of an accelerometer and urinary hormone analysis as indicators of estrus in a zoo-housed koala (Phascolarctos cinereus)
- First observations of nest attendance behavior by wild maned wolves, Chrysocyon brachyurus

African elephant special edition (Loxodonta africana)

Articles:
- Through the lens: the land of the desert lions
- Ex-situ propagation, wilding and reintroduction of ocelots in South Texas, USA
- The guina is downlisted to least concern
- Moderately depleted: the green status of the guina
- First camera trap records of jaguars in the San Juan River Basin, Colombia
- Saving wildcats in Scotland; first releases of captive-bred European wildcats
- Occurrence of a rusty-spotted cat in Jassore Wildlife Sanctuary, Gujarat, India
- First camera trap record of a fishing cat in Tripura, India
- Assessing Bornean wild cat use of a high-elevation landscape in western Sabah
- New range distribution record of Pallas's cat in Ladakh, India
- First photographic record of melanistic jungle cat in Odisha, Eastern India
- Elusive and unprotected: fishing cat occurrence and conservation challenges in India
- Endemic Chinese Mountain cats are threatened by domestic dogs
- Subspecies introgression: insights and implications for lion management and policy

Articles of note:
- Mexican wolf pups fostered into wild packs
- Phoenix Zoo and partners release 30,000th zoo-raised chiricahua leopard frog
- John Ball Zoo program encourages students to support pollinator species and birds
- The Elephant Sanctuary in Tennessee announced safe arrival of elephants
- A Creative Take on Conservation: Art Galleries at Southwest Zoos
- Biomechanics Day at the Zoo: STEAM-Outreach Collaboration in Atlanta
- Journey Into the Deep: Transforming an Event Series
- Diving Into Inclusion: Rebuilding Access Through Inclusion
- Immersive Education in Aquariums and Zoos: A New Era of Engagement

Abstract: One of the limitations affecting the success of captive breeding programmes for amphibians is a lack of knowledge relating to the diet of wild animals. Carotenoids are known to be an important dietary component for the health and proper development of colouration in many vertebrates, but information relating to amphibians is limited. We investigated the influence of carotenoid supplementation in the Critically Endangered golden mantella Mantella aurantiaca. In a fully factorial design, 60 juvenile M. aurantiaca were provided with two dietary carotenoid treatments, standard and enhanced, and two ultraviolet B (UVB) treatments, no UVB and low-level UVB. There was a significant interaction of the treatments on the skin colouration of the study animals. The provision of both an enhanced carotenoid diet and UVB light resulted in the frogs being more red coloured, however when provided in combination the increase in redness was lower than when the treatments were provided alone. In the second part of the study, 64 juvenile M. aurantiaca were reared on one of two diets containing the same concentration of carotenoids, but different profiles: a ‘red’ diet and a ‘yellow’ diet. These treatments also had a significant effect on colouration, with those receiving the red diet becoming a more intense red colour. Our results demonstrate that the bright colouration of M. aurantiaca is influenced by both the concentration and profile of carotenoids in the diet, in show more addition to the presence of low-level UVB exposure. None of the treatments had any reported effect on the growth of the study animals, however further work should investigate other physiological responses not investigated here. show less

Abstract: Recent studies showed that freshwater turtles display inter-individual differences in various behavioural traits, which may influence their health and welfare in captivity due to differences in response to husbandry and enrichment strategies and in ability to cope with the limitations of the captive environment. This study investigated a possible correlation between individual level of escape behaviour under standard enrichment conditions and level of interest in coloured objects in a group of cooters Pseudemys sp. and sliders Trachemys scripta ssp. on display at a public aquarium. Interest in different colours, colour preference and individual differences in behavioural changes in the presence of the new enrichment were also studied. Turtles categorised as ‘high’ and ‘moderate escape behaviour’ (17–34% of behavioural budget) showed more interest in coloured objects and tended to display less escape behaviour in their presence, while turtles categorised as ‘low escape behaviour’ (

Abstract: Behavioural profiles of captive and wild Gorilla gorilla gorilla have been shown to differ greatly, with captive gorillas moving and foraging much less than their wild counterparts and often experiencing high levels of obesity and cardiovascular disease. Captive gorillas are typically fed an energy dense diet and housed in relatively small enclosures compared to wild gorillas that forage for large quantities of fibrous fruits and foliage over expansive home ranges. These differences could be one of the leading factors in behavioural and health problems observed among captive gorillas. This study examined behavioural profiles of captive gorillas fed experimental diets more nutritionally similar in both nutrient content and volume to those seen in the wild, particularly with the addition of woody browse and tamarind seed. We predicted that when gorillas ate the experimental diets, they would display behavioural patterns more similar to their wild counterparts. We found that feeding woody browses led to a reduction in coprophagy and regurgitation/reingestion (R/R) behaviours, but the addition of tamarind seed led to increased rates of coprophagy. These findings could be an important addition to management strategies in improving health and well-being among captive gorillas.

Abstract: This study investigated the social relationships observed within a captive breeding group of western lowland gorillas Gorilla gorilla gorilla at a European Association of Zoos and Aquaria (EAZA) accredited facility: Blackpool Zoo, UK. Gorillas are complex and intelligent primates, and the western lowland sub-species is popular in zoo collections. Captivity can raise issues for gorillas which, in the wild, live in large family groups with a distinct hierarchy forming the basis of group stability. Studying captive groups can help facilities make informed decisions for gorilla captive management. This study considered if and how captive gorilla behaviour could be influenced by social positioning. It was carried out in May–July 2018 and focused on social behaviour, nearest neighbour and position in the enclosure recorded for focal individuals with notes on enclosure design taken. Interval focal sampling was used to record gorilla (n=6; two adult females, one adult male, two juvenile females and one infant male) social behaviour, their nearest neighbour (the animal physically closest to the focal individual) and position in the enclosure simultaneously every 10 min, during six-hour observation periods over two months. A different individual was observed daily. Data on independent and social behaviours were collected to determine activity budgets using an ethogram. Data on independent behaviours can demonstrate if there are variations in behaviour when gorillas are show more in social proximity. Mann-Whitney U tests were conducted on mean frequencies of independent (n=10) and social (n=5) behavioural categories for each individual. Independent inactive behaviours were most common (n=53.6) with adult gorillas displaying increased levels of sitting and lying in comparison with younger individuals. There is a
difference among the gorillas in their social behaviour. Nearest neighbour data were analysed using cluster analysis. The silverback was most closely associated to his youngest offspring and lactating female. The sub-adult female has the weakest associations in comparison to the rest of the group. The results suggest individual preferences for social associations, with younger individuals associating closely with their mothers, and a mother and infant associating closely with the silverback. A sub-adult female was less associated with all individuals, which could suggest her readiness to transfer. This study emphasises the influence that hierarchical social organisation within a captive setting has on captive gorilla behaviour monitoring in general, relating to how individual gorillas manage their position in a hierarchical group. This study also provides specific suggestions for gorilla management within the centre and in conjunction with BIAZA guidelines, including a suggestion to relocate the sub-adult female to a new group and considerations for aggression mitigation. show less

Abstract: Environmental enrichment is a common tool used in zoo and aquarium settings to provide mental and physical stimulation to animals under human care. This paper aims to present a primary approach to goal-oriented environmental and behavioural enrichment following a simplified version of the SPIDER method for a diverse range of aquarium-housed species. The aim of the proposed goal-oriented environmental-enrichment programme is to stimulate behavioural diversity by providing controlled stimuli. This programme is easy to implement and can be used by animal care staff; it encompasses an easy evaluation form for daily monitoring and seeks to increase species-specific behavioural diversity. It is suggested that environmental enrichment programmes should be designed for the benefit of animal welfare; understanding how they affect animals under human care is essential to take informed decisions about which behaviours or situations to stimulate. An environmental enrichment protocol was developed which considers the ethology and biology of the species under consideration prior to implementation. Specific goals (i.e., behaviours and/or actions) were assigned to particular stimuli (enrichment devices) and the efficacy of the enrichment devices were assessed by reporting on the reactions of the animals. Over time, this protocol has made it possible to define a validated catalogue of enrichment devices for which specific goals and expected reactions are consistent. The show more increased behavioural diversity achieved with this programme is providing aquatic species with the choice to display species-specific behaviours. show less

Abstract: Many large mammalian terrestrial carnivores do not hunt every day in their natural habitats, because given the right prey, they can gorge-feed more than their daily energy and nutrient requirements. At the same time, there is a tradition of exposing these species to one or several fasting days per week in zoos. In this study husbandry guidelines for large carnivores were surveyed, and feeding routines recorded in 44 European zoos. Husbandry guidelines did not suggest that fasting days should be preceded by gorge-feeding, and the most common practice observed at the zoos also did not include a gorge-feeding day prior to the fasting day. This raises the question why fasting days are implemented in zoo regimes in the first place. The observed practice of providing special enrichment on fasting days might stem from the impression that animals are not at ease when fasting after receiving a food portion basically corresponding to little more than their daily requirement on the day before, without a feeling of satiety related to gut distension. These current feeding regimes of zoo carnivores should be re-assessed. The combination of fasting days with preceding gorge-feeding, together with strenuous physical activity and cognitive challenges linked to the feeding event, might have the potential to mimic natural behaviours more closely than current practices. This should be investigated in future studies.

Abstract: The diets provided to many captive insectivores are deficient in calcium and high in phosphorus, which can lead to nutritional disease. Husbandry professionals may address this imbalance through supplementation, but the efficacy of different methods varies between invertebrate taxa. Earthworms are frequently used for aquatic and fossorial insectivores and this along with their rapidly shed mucus layer makes dusting with supplements ineffective; gut loading is likely the only available route to improving nutritional quality. Moreover, earthworms are often considered a good source of calcium, though data exist only for some taxa and results are mixed with regards to calcium content. The present study analysed the calcium and phosphorus content of Dendrobaena veneta earthworms, a species commonly commercially reared and sold for insectivore food, gut loaded on three diets (fresh vegetables, fortified instant porridge oats and a commercial gut loading diet) and quantified the zinc, copper and magnesium content of fasted worms. Dendrobaena worms contained sufficient zinc, copper and magnesium to meet the general requirements of domestic birds, mammals and other vertebrates for these metals. However, calcium and calcium:phosphorus ratios of worms were deficient and did not improve after being offered fortified diets. Insufficient calcium in the diets, unpalatability of food and habituation effects also potentially contributed to this result. Unless better means of show more improving calcium content of Dendrobaena can be developed, husbandry professionals should be circumspect in their use of this species in a diet and ensure that dietary items with sufficient calcium are also provided. show less

Abstract: There is a demonstrated lack of research available in the realm of herptile welfare and the public perception of zoo animal welfare. This study examined zoo visitor perceptions of herptile welfare through delivery of a survey at three different zoos with the goal to elucidate the specific factors that influence visitor perceptions. Findings from this study suggest that there is a correlation between the frequency of annual zoo visits and welfare perceptions. There was an observed difference in welfare perceptions among five herptile species. Visitor perceptions of animal welfare were consistent across all study locations. These findings demonstrate consistent expectations of animal welfare held by this sample of zoo visitors. Responses from zoo visitors in this study demonstrate that they perceive zoos are successfully meeting the physical needs of herptiles but could improve upon meeting the affective needs of the animals.

Abstract: Historically, giraffes (Giraffa spp.) in zoos are known to have a high prevalence of deaths associated with serous fat atrophy, which has been linked to the impression that as browsers, they are more difficult to feed appropriately compared to grazing ruminants. Therefore, one could expect zoo-housed giraffes to be peculiar in that they might have, on average, a lower body condition than their free-ranging conspecifics. We collected photographs of free-ranging and zoo-housed individuals and used information on sex, age, body mass, and height for a subset of the zoo animals to develop and validate a body condition score (BCS). We developed an overview BCS for the shoulder area (4 levels) and hip area (7 levels), and validated and applied the score to 532 free-ranging and 232 zoo-housed giraffes. The rib area was not useful for BCS; skin folds in the rib area occurred across all BCS hip levels but were particularly prominent at higher BCS hip. The BCS hip was positively correlated with body mass index for adult female giraffes, suggesting it reflects body condition. The BCS hip differentiated better between age, gender, season in free-ranging animals, and habitat (zoo vs. free-ranging). The BCS shoulder was less precise, most likely because the visibility of the shoulder does not only reflect subcutaneous adipose tissue, but also muscle tissue and skin thickness, especially in males as an adaptation to the giraffe’s typical mode of intraspecific combat. Using show more the shoulder score or the presence of skin folds on the side of the thorax/abdomen for routine BCS application is therefore not recommended. Juvenile animals had the highest BCS hip (6.04±0.69 for free-ranging, 6.00±1.07 for zoo), which decreased with age in both populations. Adult males in the wild generally had higher BCS hip (3.52±1.35) scores than the females in the wild (3.31±1.31), indicating the increased energetic strain on females due to reproduction. This was not the case in zoo animals. In contrast to our prediction, zoo-housed animals had higher scores than the free-ranging population (4.53±1.54; 3.74±1.55; P show less

Abstract: Four food-based enrichment devices were used to test the effects of single-use and group-use enrichment devices on stereotypy, intragroup aggression, and affiliation in a compatible group of 5 squirrel monkeys (Saimiri sciureus). All enrichment devices were found to reduce overall stereotypic behavior from baseline levels (without enrichment). The occurrence of stereotypic behavior differed between individual squirrel monkeys with an adult female showing the highest level of stereotypic behavior. This individual also showed the highest usage of enrichment devices, and stereotypic behavior was significantly reduced when enrichment was applied. The occurrence of stereotypic behavior did not differ significantly between single-use and group-use enrichment treatments. Higher intragroup aggression and lower affiliation were observed during the provision of enrichment compared with baseline levels. However, aggressive behavior was higher and affiliation lower during single-use enrichment compared with group-use enrichment. The results of this study showed that enrichment had positive effects on alleviating stereotypic behavior in a group of zoo-housed squirrel monkeys and such effects were similar when group-use and single-use enrichment devices were used, but with variations between individuals. The application of enrichment, particularly single-use enrichment devices, elicited higher levels of aggression within the group
and lower affiliation. Such effects could show more curtail the benefits of original enrichment goals as higher intragroup aggression could lead to higher stress levels within the group. When food-based enrichment for social nonhuman primates is implemented, the most appropriate methods to alleviate undesirable behavior without additional negative effects such as increased group aggression should be considered. show less

Abstract: One of the conservation measures of the globally near-threatened cinereous vulture is restoring populations via translocations, with some vultures originating from breeding centers. These centers need to have reproductive success, and securing good welfare levels should be a priority due to the negative implications a compromised welfare has on reproduction. Thus, assessing welfare in breeding centers is essential. Remote methods should be preferred, such as behavior analysis and use of space using camera systems. The study’s first objective was to develop an activity budget that could be used as a baseline for detecting behavior irregularities. The second was to determine if behavior analysis and use of space could detect potential welfare issues in a breeding center. The study developed an activity budget that could be used as a standard for behavior analysis for the captive population. Behavior irregularities were detected, and the potential need to improve the enclosure and its surroundings were noticed. Altogether, the proposed methodology and results will contribute to the detection of possible welfare issues in breeding centers and, consequently, improve reproductive success and species’ conservation.

Abstract: Keeping giraffes in cold environments in zoos may place a burden on them. This study aimed to improve giraffe husbandry in cold environments by supplying warm drinking water in addition to a normal, ambient temperature water trough. Observations were conducted on three reticulated giraffes Giraffa camelopardalis reticulata kept at the Kyoto City Zoo during the winter (November–March) in 2019–2021, for 114 h. Control and warm water periods were alternated, with at least 4 days between them to ensure independence. Observations took place on 10 and 9 days for the control and warm water periods, respectively. The warm water was adjusted to approximately 37°C and supplied in a container (2 m high) in the outside enclosure. Behaviour was observed simultaneously via instantaneous sampling (foraging, rumination and others) and 1-0 sampling (branch foraging, rumination, oral behaviour and drinking), both at 1-min intervals. In the warm water period, total drinking frequency significantly increased and the frequency of drinking cold water significantly decreased. The number of times the giraffes drank during the hours shortly after the warm water was provided (0900 and 1300) also significantly increased. The average amount of warm water consumed per 7 h by the three animals was 69.16±9.54 L. No significant differences were observed in leaf foraging between the control and warm water periods. However, a significant or marginal increase in foraging behaviour was show more detected in two of the three giraffes during the warm water period. Thus, provision of warm water in cold environments may increase drinking by giraffes, and may contribute to management aiming to mitigate negative effects of cold in this species. show less

Abstract: Residual yolk is assumed to be an important source of energy and nutrients during early life in nonmammalian amniotes. Available data show that the mean size of residual yolk is far smaller in lizards than in turtles, snakes, crocodiles, and birds, raising a question of whether residual yolk is of functional significance in lizards. Here, we compared data from 26 lizard species with those from other nonmammalian amniotes to test the hypothesis that residual yolk is functionally less significant in species producing more fully developed offspring. In our sample, species mean offspring water contents ranged from 73% to 84% of body wet mass; species mean proportions of carcass dry mass, fat-body dry mass, and residual yolk dry mass to offspring dry mass ranged from 84% to 99%, 0% to 5.0%, and 0% to 14.4%, respectively. Lizards are, on average, more fully developed at hatching or birth than snakes, as revealed by the fact that the mean proportion of carcass dry mass to body dry mass and offspring water contents were both higher in lizards than in snakes. We conclude that the functional significance of residual yolk during early life is generally less evident in lizards. Even in the lizards where residual yolk is of potential functional significance, this portion of yolk contributes little, if any, to postembryonic growth. Future work could usefully collect data across a wider spectrum of reptile taxa to establish a precocial–altricial continuum and test the show more hypothesis that species with a smaller amount of residual yolk are closer to the precocial end of the continuum. show less