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J. Zool. Bot. Gard., Volume 3, Issue 3 (September 2022) – 13 articles

Cover Story (view full-size image): The interaction between humans and animals is important in the evaluation of well-being for species housed in zoos and aquaria. The COVD-19 pandemic saw the global closure of zoos to visitors, including Chester Zoo, UK. This study used remote CCTV cameras to monitor the activity and behaviour of two Palawan binturongs (Arctictis binturong whitei) before and during zoo closure to quantify any potential impacts. The binturongs were found to exhibit a natural crepuscular activity pattern, and no significant differences were observed in den use, vigilance or travel behaviours during the zoo-open and zoo-closed conditions. These results reveal that visitor presence has a neutral effect on this species and highlights the value of remote monitoring equipment. View this paper
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11 pages, 964 KiB  
Article
Effects of Sex and Whole Life Cycle UVB Irradiation on Performance and Mineral and Vitamin D3 Contents in Feeder Crickets (Gryllus bimaculatus)
by Christopher J. Michaels, Amanda Ferguson, Jade Newton-Youens, Robert Harland and Ross Hickles
J. Zool. Bot. Gard. 2022, 3(3), 488-498; https://doi.org/10.3390/jzbg3030036 - 19 Sep 2022
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2056
Abstract
Captive insectivore nutrition is challenging due to the differing nutritional profiles of wild and captive diets and an incomplete understanding of both. Ultraviolet B (UVB)-irradiation has recently been explored as a means of improving prey-insect vitamin D3 and Ca content. Although short-term [...] Read more.
Captive insectivore nutrition is challenging due to the differing nutritional profiles of wild and captive diets and an incomplete understanding of both. Ultraviolet B (UVB)-irradiation has recently been explored as a means of improving prey-insect vitamin D3 and Ca content. Although short-term irradiation has been successful in some species, it has been unsuccessful in black field crickets (Gryllus bimaculatus)—a commonly cultured feeder insect. We exposed crickets to UVB irradiation from hatchling to adult stages and measured the vitamin D3 and mineral contents of crickets by sex. We did not detect vitamin D3 (detection limit 0.5 iU/g) or an effect of UVB irradiation on mineral content under either UV+ or UV− conditions. We identified large differences between sexes in Ca, K, Mg and P (females higher) and Cu, Fe, S and Zn (males higher), likely linked to reproductive investment. The differences do not straddle the minimum recommended concentrations of minerals for vertebrate growth and thus may be most relevant to animal nutrition in contexts of particular sensitivity or need. We demonstrate a UV-linked trade-off in cricket performance between individual cricket size and the numbers of crickets produced and characterise the energy costs associated with UVB provision. Our results do not support the use of UVB lighting for G. bimaculatus to improve nutrition but demonstrate previously unreported differences in the nutritional profiles between sexes in this species. Full article
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25 pages, 3172 KiB  
Article
Collaborative Conservation by Botanical Gardens: Unique Opportunities for Local to Global Impacts
by Aireona B. Raschke, Kimberly V. Pegram, Natalie A. Melkonoff, Jeny Davis and Steven A. Blackwell
J. Zool. Bot. Gard. 2022, 3(3), 463-487; https://doi.org/10.3390/jzbg3030035 - 19 Sep 2022
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2328
Abstract
Conservation organizations with common missions can find strength and synergy in collaboration. Collaboration can also be challenging, especially finding the right partnerships or organizations to lead. Within the “ecosystem” of conservation organizations, botanical gardens have a unique array of resources and expertise which [...] Read more.
Conservation organizations with common missions can find strength and synergy in collaboration. Collaboration can also be challenging, especially finding the right partnerships or organizations to lead. Within the “ecosystem” of conservation organizations, botanical gardens have a unique array of resources and expertise which make them ideal candidates for leadership or partnership in collaborative conservation efforts. We will explore this idea by examining four conservation initiatives at Desert Botanical Garden (Phoenix, AZ, USA) that approach collaborative conservation on regional, state, and international scales. On a regional scale, Metro Phoenix EcoFlora and the Central Arizona Conservation Alliance lead landscape-level conservation by providing a structure for more than 60 official conservation partners, by generating data, and through public engagement needed in a rapidly developing region. On the state scale, Great Milkweed Grow Out is an initiative for pollinator conservation that provides expertise, materials, and opportunities for a wide range of partners across Arizona. Desert Botanical Garden’s endangered plant species conservation efforts provide expertise and resources through horticulture and seed preservation for threatened and endangered plants across the US and internationally. We will share the structure of each program where applicable, how they came to fruition, and their successes. Through each case study, we will highlight the ways positioning within a botanical garden has benefitted the program and success in collaboration. We will also highlight unique challenges. Botanical gardens provide unique opportunities, and they should not be overlooked when seeking a conservation partner or leader. Full article
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15 pages, 2790 KiB  
Article
Teamwork Makes the String Work: A Pilot Test of the Loose String Task with African Crested Porcupines (Hystrix cristata)
by Jordyn Truax, Jennifer Vonk, Joy L. Vincent and Zebulon Kade Bell
J. Zool. Bot. Gard. 2022, 3(3), 448-462; https://doi.org/10.3390/jzbg3030034 - 16 Sep 2022
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1743
Abstract
Comparative researchers have heavily focused their studies of social cognition on species that live in large social groups, while neglecting other potential predictors of social cognition. African crested porcupines (Hystrix cristata) are relatively rare among mammals in that they are cooperative [...] Read more.
Comparative researchers have heavily focused their studies of social cognition on species that live in large social groups, while neglecting other potential predictors of social cognition. African crested porcupines (Hystrix cristata) are relatively rare among mammals in that they are cooperative breeders that pair for life. Little is known about their social cognition, but they are good candidates for exploring cooperative behavior due to the need to coordinate behavior to cooperatively raise young. Cooperation, as defined in this study, is the process by which two or more participants perform independent actions on an object to obtain a reward for all parties. Humans are thought to outperform all other species in the frequency and magnitude of cooperative behaviors. Yet, only by studying a variety of species can researchers fully understand the likely selection pressures for cooperation, such as cooperative breeding. Here, we pilot tested the feasibility of the popular loose-string task with a mated pair of African crested porcupines, a task that required the porcupines to cooperatively pull ropes to access an out of reach platform baited with food rewards. Other species presented with this task were able to work together to receive rewards but did not always demonstrate understanding of the role of their partner. The porcupines achieved success but did not appear to coordinate their actions or solicit behavior from their partner. Thus, similar to other species, they may achieve success in this task without taking their partner’s role into account. This study demonstrates that the loose string task can be used to assess cooperation in porcupines. However, further experiments are needed to assess the porcupine’s understanding of their partner’s role under this paradigm. Full article
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6 pages, 802 KiB  
Communication
Digit Entrapment Due to Plastic Waste in a Verreaux’s Eagle Owl (Bubo lacteus)
by Lindsay Thomas, Phillipa Dobbs and Samantha Ashfield
J. Zool. Bot. Gard. 2022, 3(3), 442-447; https://doi.org/10.3390/jzbg3030033 - 15 Sep 2022
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1987
Abstract
Plastic waste has become a hot topic in sustainability and conservation, helped in part by popular documentaries which have highlighted the issue to the general public. Much of the current literature focuses on the effect of microplastics in the marine environment, with very [...] Read more.
Plastic waste has become a hot topic in sustainability and conservation, helped in part by popular documentaries which have highlighted the issue to the general public. Much of the current literature focuses on the effect of microplastics in the marine environment, with very little information on macroplastic interactions or the terrestrial environment. In this report, the management of digit constriction due to macroplastic debris in a Verreaux’s eagle owl (Bubo lacteus) is presented, and the role of zoos in decreasing littering behaviour both within the collection and in the wider global context is discussed. Full article
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22 pages, 2573 KiB  
Article
An Approach to Assessing Zoo Animal Welfare in a Rarely Studied Species, the Common Cusimanse Crossarchus obscurus
by Danielle Free, William S. M. Justice, Sarah Jayne Smith, Vittoria Howard and Sarah Wolfensohn
J. Zool. Bot. Gard. 2022, 3(3), 420-441; https://doi.org/10.3390/jzbg3030032 - 24 Aug 2022
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 3063
Abstract
Objective welfare assessments play a fundamental role in ensuring that positive welfare is achieved and maintained for animals in captivity. The Animal Welfare Assessment Grid (AWAG), a welfare assessment tool, has been validated for use with a variety of both domestic and exotic [...] Read more.
Objective welfare assessments play a fundamental role in ensuring that positive welfare is achieved and maintained for animals in captivity. The Animal Welfare Assessment Grid (AWAG), a welfare assessment tool, has been validated for use with a variety of both domestic and exotic species. It combines both resource- and animal-based measures but relies heavily on knowledge of the species to effectively assess welfare. Many zoo species are understudied in the wild due to their cryptic nature or habitat choice; therefore, the published literature needs to be supported with captive behavioural observations and zoo records. Here we adapted previously published AWAG templates to assess the welfare of Crossarchus obscurus. A total of 21 factors were identified, and the final template was used to retrospectively score the welfare of two male and two female C. obscurus at Marwell Zoo, UK, validating the use of this process for preparing a welfare assessment for a species where the published literature is scarce. Full article
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11 pages, 3575 KiB  
Article
Members of the Pod: Do Marine Mammal Trainers Perceive a Bond with the Animals They Care For?
by Thomas Welsh, Sabrina Brando, Geoff Hosey and Samantha J. Ward
J. Zool. Bot. Gard. 2022, 3(3), 409-419; https://doi.org/10.3390/jzbg3030031 - 05 Aug 2022
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2539
Abstract
Animals under human care interact with their caretakers, potentially resulting in human–animal bonds (HABs), which can enhance wellbeing for both. Previous research has suggested that keepers perceive bonds with their animals, but investigation of a different zoo role working with one species has [...] Read more.
Animals under human care interact with their caretakers, potentially resulting in human–animal bonds (HABs), which can enhance wellbeing for both. Previous research has suggested that keepers perceive bonds with their animals, but investigation of a different zoo role working with one species has not yet been completed. Here, we investigate the animal trainers’ perception of HABs with captive bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus). A modified Lexington Attachment to Pets Scale (LAPS) was used to measure the strength of perceived HABs between trainers and both dolphins and companion animals in their care. LAPS questionnaires were completed by 128 trainers from 35 different collections worldwide. Most respondents perceived themselves to have a bond with a dolphin, although LAPS scores for attachment to dolphins (DA) were significantly lower than for companion animals (CA). Female LAPS scores were significantly higher than males for both DA and CA. Multiple regression demonstrated that the facility and trainer gender were significant predictors of CA. LAPS scores for trainers were comparable to those for zoo animals, which reflects a strong attachment to the dolphins they work with. However, this attachment was not as strong as for their companion animals, and was influenced by the collection they worked for. Full article
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11 pages, 1117 KiB  
Article
Zoo Closure Does Not Affect Behavior and Activity Patterns of Palawan Binturong (Arctictis binturong whitei)
by Katherine Finch, Megan Leary, Lisa Holmes and Leah J. Williams
J. Zool. Bot. Gard. 2022, 3(3), 398-408; https://doi.org/10.3390/jzbg3030030 - 01 Aug 2022
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 4647
Abstract
Exploring the interaction between humans and animals has become increasingly important in the evaluation of well-being for species housed in zoos and aquaria. The COVID-19 pandemic saw the global closure of zoos and aquaria to visitors. Chester Zoo, U.K., was no exception, with [...] Read more.
Exploring the interaction between humans and animals has become increasingly important in the evaluation of well-being for species housed in zoos and aquaria. The COVID-19 pandemic saw the global closure of zoos and aquaria to visitors. Chester Zoo, U.K., was no exception, with the charity shutting its doors for the longest period in its 90-year history. Whilst access to site was strictly limited to essential animal care staff, recent investment in networked infrared CCTV camera systems allowed some species to be monitored remotely during this extraordinary period of zoo closure. Here, we used this equipment to investigate whether zoo closure influenced activity patterns and behavior of two adult Palawan binturong, Arctictis binturong whitei. The cameras facilitated behavioral monitoring over 24 h enabling the collection of a full activity budget, which revealed a natural crepuscular activity pattern. Overall, visitor presence was found to have a neutral effect on this species, with no significant difference observed in time spent engaging in den use, vigilance or travel behaviors during zoo open and zoo closed conditions. A neutral visitor effect was found when evaluating behavior over a 24 h period and during hours which the zoo would normally be open to visitors (10:00–16:30). This research presents new information on this elusive and understudied species in captivity, and promotes investment in monitoring equipment which enables more comprehensive behavioral sampling than traditional visitor-effect methods. Full article
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32 pages, 7465 KiB  
Communication
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 3 | Viewed by 4235
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
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9 pages, 287 KiB  
Article
Comparison of Whole Blood Fatty Acid Profiles between Lionfish (Pterois spp.) in Wild and Managed Care Environments
by Nicholas G. Dannemiller, Emily F. Christiansen, Craig A. Harms, Larry J. Minter and Kimberly D. Ange-van Heugten
J. Zool. Bot. Gard. 2022, 3(3), 357-365; https://doi.org/10.3390/jzbg3030028 - 21 Jul 2022
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2376
Abstract
Suboptimal nutrition may contribute to lionfish (Pterois volitans and Pterois miles) health issues in managed care environments. This study’s objective was to establish and compare whole blood fatty acid profiles in wild and aquarium lionfish. Whole blood samples were dried onto [...] Read more.
Suboptimal nutrition may contribute to lionfish (Pterois volitans and Pterois miles) health issues in managed care environments. This study’s objective was to establish and compare whole blood fatty acid profiles in wild and aquarium lionfish. Whole blood samples were dried onto specialized high-quality paper cards from wild, invasive lionfish harvested off the North Carolina coast (n = 16) and lionfish managed by the North Carolina Aquariums (n = 12). Blood fatty acid profiles were analyzed from dried blood spots. Aquarium lionfish had significantly (p < 0.05) higher linoleic (18:2ω6) and eicosapentaenoic (20:5ω3) acid levels than wild lionfish. Similarly, aquarium lionfish had significantly (p < 0.05) lower saturated fatty acids and arachidonic (20:4ω6) to eicosapentaenoic acid (20:5ω3) ratios than wild lionfish. Total omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, as well as the ratio of these two fatty acid groups, were similar between wild and aquarium lionfish. Gut content analysis of wild lionfish diets included reef-dependent and schooling fish while aquarium lionfish diets were pelagic fish, crustaceans, mollusks, and commercial gel diets with nutrient supplements. This study reports whole blood fatty acid profiles in lionfish, providing comparative macronutrient data that may be useful for improving their nutrition and welfare in aquariums. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Innovative Techniques Used to Improve Animal Health and Welfare)
8 pages, 795 KiB  
Case Report
Does the Absence of Zoo Visitors during the COVID-19 Pandemic Impact Gorilla Behavior?
by Mary Masman, Clarice Scarpace, Angelina Liriano and Susan W. Margulis
J. Zool. Bot. Gard. 2022, 3(3), 349-356; https://doi.org/10.3390/jzbg3030027 - 07 Jul 2022
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2917
Abstract
Whether or not primates are behaviorally affected by the presence of visitors in a zoo setting is a question of great relevance to zoo animal well-being. The situation imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic provided an unusual opportunity to examine how the absence of [...] Read more.
Whether or not primates are behaviorally affected by the presence of visitors in a zoo setting is a question of great relevance to zoo animal well-being. The situation imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic provided an unusual opportunity to examine how the absence of visitors impacts behavior. We took advantage of this opportunity to study the behavior of a gorilla troop during periods of no-visitors compared to our long-term database on gorilla behavior during normal zoo operations. While there were notable individual differences in response to visitors, we found no significant relationship between presence of visitors and behavior. These results suggest that the presence of visitors does not have a significant impact on behavior and well-being of zoo-housed gorillas. Full article
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21 pages, 2954 KiB  
Article
Comparing Space Use and Fecal Glucocorticoid Concentrations during and after the COVID-19 Closure to Investigate Visitor Effects in Multiple Species
by Ashley N. Edes, Nathan C. Liu, Eli Baskir, Karen L. Bauman, Corinne P. Kozlowski, Helen L. Clawitter and David M. Powell
J. Zool. Bot. Gard. 2022, 3(3), 328-348; https://doi.org/10.3390/jzbg3030026 - 05 Jul 2022
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2512
Abstract
We used the COVID-19 pandemic closure at the Saint Louis Zoo to examine visitor effects on space use and glucocorticoid levels in banteng, grizzly bears, polar bears, and western lowland gorillas. The study was divided into four six-week phases: closure in spring 2020, [...] Read more.
We used the COVID-19 pandemic closure at the Saint Louis Zoo to examine visitor effects on space use and glucocorticoid levels in banteng, grizzly bears, polar bears, and western lowland gorillas. The study was divided into four six-week phases: closure in spring 2020, reopening in summer 2020, fall 2020, and spring 2021 as a seasonal comparison. Space use data were collected using video, and fecal samples were assayed for glucocorticoids. Generalized linear models were used to examine differences in zone occupancy and glucocorticoids between phases. The banteng spent more time near visitors, and glucocorticoids were only temporarily elevated in two of five animals when visitors returned. The grizzly bears spent more time in their habitat than in the den, and the polar bear spent more time near viewing areas after visitors returned. Glucocorticoids did not differ significantly between the closure and reopening for any bears. The gorillas spent less time close to visitors immediately after reopening but this effect waned by fall; glucocorticoid data were not available. Overall, based on space use and glucocorticoid levels, we suggest visitor effects on the gorillas are neutral, on the grizzly bears are neutral or positive, and are positive on the banteng and polar bear. Full article
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12 pages, 480 KiB  
Article
Is Chimpanzee (Pan troglodytes) Wounding Frequency Affected by the Presence Versus Absence of Visitors? A Multi-Institutional Study
by Robin Elana Salak and Christina Cloutier Barbour
J. Zool. Bot. Gard. 2022, 3(3), 316-327; https://doi.org/10.3390/jzbg3030025 - 01 Jul 2022
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2444
Abstract
Visitor effect studies have had inconsistent results, due in part to the inability to control for all confounding variables such as time of day, seasonal weather patterns, and so forth. This study represents the first instance where chimpanzee (Pan troglodytes) wounding [...] Read more.
Visitor effect studies have had inconsistent results, due in part to the inability to control for all confounding variables such as time of day, seasonal weather patterns, and so forth. This study represents the first instance where chimpanzee (Pan troglodytes) wounding frequencies were investigated across extensive time periods in the presence and complete absence of visitors, thus eliminating many visitor-related variables. Additional variables were eliminated through the zoo selection process, based on institutional responses to a 29-question survey, providing a novel approach to the question of visitor effects. The aim of this study was to determine if visitors were associated with a change in chimpanzee wound event frequencies across four 51-day time conditions, three of which occurred prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, and one during the first wave of pandemic-related zoo closures. We analyzed the archival records of 21 chimpanzees housed at three U.S. zoos. Due to the small number of wound events across all study windows, frequencies of “no wound” events were analyzed. A chi-square goodness of fit test was performed to determine whether the frequency of “no wound” events was equal between the “open” and “closed” trials. Results indicate that the frequencies did not differ, suggesting that chimpanzee welfare, as it relates to wounding, may not be adversely affected by zoo visitors. Full article
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16 pages, 291 KiB  
Article
Analysis of Circulating Fatty Acid Profiles in Free-Ranging and Managed Care Marine Toads (Rhinella marina) with a Comparison of Whole-Blood Vial and Whole-Blood Dried Blood Spot Card Analyses
by Melissa L. Witt, Larry J. Minter, Troy N. Tollefson, Frank Ridgley, Kimberly Treiber, Dustin Smith, Doug Bibus, Heather Scott and Kimberly Ange-van Heugten
J. Zool. Bot. Gard. 2022, 3(3), 300-315; https://doi.org/10.3390/jzbg3030024 - 27 Jun 2022
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1730
Abstract
This study provides novel data on circulating concentrations of whole-blood fatty acids (FAs) in marine toads (Rhinella marina) via dried blood spot (DBS) card technology as a potential amphibian model species. Free-ranging (n = 10) animals were compared to managed populations fed [...] Read more.
This study provides novel data on circulating concentrations of whole-blood fatty acids (FAs) in marine toads (Rhinella marina) via dried blood spot (DBS) card technology as a potential amphibian model species. Free-ranging (n = 10) animals were compared to managed populations fed two diet strategies for 60 days (n = 6 per diet). Thirty-six individual FAs were analyzed, with 28 found in significant reportable quantities. Eight FA groupings were represented. Traditional whole-blood vial (WBV) FA percentages were also collected and compared to DBS after managed care for 60 days. Results showed eleven individual FAs and four FA groups were higher in free-ranging toads (n = 10; p ≤ 0.05), while three FAs and three groups were higher in managed care (n = 12; p ≤ 0.05). FA concentrations compared between DBS cards and WBV at day 60 generally agreed, although two individual FAs and one grouping were higher in DBS (p ≤ 0.05). When free-ranging FAs were analyzed by sex, four individual FAs and two groupings were higher in females, while four individual FAs and one grouping were higher in males. Understanding normal FA circulating levels and how husbandry changes them may impact amphibian health. Additionally, DBS cards may provide a convenient sampling tool for fieldwork. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Innovative Techniques Used to Improve Animal Health and Welfare)
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