Finch Katherine, Sach Fiona, Fitzpatrick Malcolm, Masters Nic, Rowden Lewis J
Zoological Society of London, Outer Circle, Regent's Park, London NW1 4RY, UK.
Animals (Basel). 2020 Nov 4;10(11):2029. doi: 10.3390/ani10112029.
Over the last two decades, criticisms were raised regarding the welfare experienced by elephants in European and North American zoos. Concerns regarding the welfare of zoo-housed elephants in the UK and Europe were consolidated in the publication of several key reports, and media interest peaked. Throughout this study we aim to outline the behavioural measures of welfare observed in the current group of Asian elephants () at Zoological Society of London (ZSL) Whipsnade Zoo, using key welfare indicators for this species and comparing them to previous published work. Following the instigation of a species-specific research programme, empirical behavioural data were available to quantify any developments in care and welfare. The collection of behavioural information revealed that individuals in our study group engage in low levels of stereotypic behaviour, have formed and maintain strong associations with one another and display a high proportion of engagement in lying rest. We outline that by applying simple, low-cost methods of behavioural data collection and analysis, it is possible to collect evidence that allows us to evaluate individual level welfare. This facilitates the adoption of an evidence-based approach to zoo management as well as demonstrating compliance with updated legislation for this species.
在过去二十年里，欧洲和北美动物园中大象的福利状况受到了批评。英国和欧洲有关圈养大象福利的担忧在几份关键报告的发布中得到强化，媒体关注度也达到顶峰。在本研究中，我们旨在概述伦敦动物学会惠普斯奈德动物园目前这群亚洲象的福利行为指标，使用该物种的关键福利指标，并将其与之前发表的研究进行比较。在启动一项特定物种研究计划后，有了实证行为数据来量化护理和福利方面的任何进展。行为信息的收集表明，我们研究组中的个体刻板行为水平较低，彼此之间形成并保持着紧密的联系，且躺卧休息的比例很高。我们概述了通过应用简单、低成本的行为数据收集和分析方法，能够收集到证据来评估个体层面的福利。这有助于采用基于证据的方法进行动物园管理，并证明符合该物种的最新法规要求。
