Journal of Zoological and Botanical Gardens

16 pages, 879 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Comparison of Food and Non-Food Enrichment with Zoo-Housed African Lions (Panthera leo)

by Peggy Cremers, Max Norman, Sabrina Brando and Eduardo J. Fernandez

J. Zool. Bot. Gard. 2025, 6(2), 25; https://doi.org/10.3390/jzbg6020025 - 16 Apr 2025

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Ongoing research on the effectiveness of enrichment at the species, group, and individual levels is beneficial to our growing understanding of animal welfare and behaviour for animals housed in human care. Diversifying the enrichment opportunities offered to animals in facilities such as zoos and aquariums helps to encourage a wide repertoire of species-typical, naturalistic, and rewarding behaviours. The present study aimed to examine the behavioural impact of novel food (ice blocks, gelatine, eggs) and non-food (lavender, clean sheets, mirrors) enrichment strategies on two zoo-housed prides of African lions (Panthera leo) housed in a rotation-based enclosure system at Orana Wildlife Park, New Zealand. The results of the study indicate that, while both forms of enrichment had a behavioural impact, the effects on behaviour varied with the type of enrichment used, both between and within the two categories. Different enrichment strategies varied in their impacts on resting behaviour, locomotion, and exploration levels in the lions. An increased focus on the specific behavioural outcomes of various novel enrichment strategies is essential to expand the efficacy of enrichment programs for future efforts to improve the wellbeing of zoo-housed animals. Full article

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15 pages, 554 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Leveraging Virtual Reality Experiences to Shape Tourists’ Behavioral Intentions: The Mediating Roles of Enjoyment and Immersion

by Sinh Hoang Nguyen

J. Zool. Bot. Gard. 2025, 6(2), 24; https://doi.org/10.3390/jzbg6020024 - 14 Apr 2025

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Abstract

This study investigates how virtual reality (VR) experiences influence tourists’ intentions to visit Da Lat, Vietnam, as a botanical destination, emphasizing the mediating roles of enjoyment and immersion. By integrating flow theory with the Information Systems Success model, this research develops a comprehensive framework explaining how content quality, system quality, and VR vividness shape user engagement and travel intentions. Using Structural Equation Modeling (SEM), the study analyzes survey data from 231 valid responses out of 240 participants. The findings reveal that content quality, system quality, and vividness significantly enhance enjoyment and immersion, which subsequently have a positive impact on travel intentions. The study contributes to the tourism and consumer experience literature by demonstrating how multisensory engagement in VR fosters decision-making. Theoretical implications include extending flow theory within virtual tourism and highlighting the joint influence of technological and perceptual factors on user behavior. Practically, these insights inform tourism marketers on optimizing VR environments to evoke emotional engagement and enhance destination appeal through immersive technology. Full article

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16 pages, 2269 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Behavioral and Spatial Analysis of a Symphalangus syndactylus Pair in a Controlled Environment

by Chiara Carpino, Roberta Castiglioni, Elisa Sacchet, Arianna Milesi, Luca Marano, Francesco Luigi Leonetti, Viviana Romano, Gianni Giglio and Emilio Sperone

J. Zool. Bot. Gard. 2025, 6(2), 23; https://doi.org/10.3390/jzbg6020023 - 10 Apr 2025

Viewed by 263

Abstract

For the effective management of captive animals, monitoring their behavior and interactions within the exhibit is essential. This approach provides insights into their welfare and helps identify behavioral differences compared to conspecifics in the wild. This ex situ study aimed to provide more insights about the behavior of a pair of siamangs residing at the Wildlife Park “Le Cornelle” in Valbrembo, Italy. The focus was on their behavior, and observations were conducted during two distinct periods (May–June 2021 and December 2021) to identify any seasonal differences. In both periods, the most frequent behaviors observed were resting, feeding, and allogrooming. Compared to conspecifics in the wild, allogrooming and singing occurred more frequently. Spatial analysis indicated a higher utilization of outdoor spaces than the tunnel and indoor areas, with statistically significant variations for both periods. The spatial analysis of singing behavior showed an equal use of outdoor and indoor areas during the first observation period. However, in the second observation period, a preference for indoor spaces was observed, likely due to lower recorded temperatures. More observations are needed to identify the factors influencing behavior, but it is clear that continuous monitoring plays a vital role in promptly addressing deviations or anomalies in animal behavior. Full article

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1 pages, 140 KiB

Open AccessCorrection

Correction: Norman, M.; Brando, S. The Concept of Agency, Animal Wellbeing, and the Practical Realities of Ex Situ Breeding Programs in Zoos and Aquariums. J. Zool. Bot. Gard. 2024, 5, 563–578

by Max Norman and Sabrina Brando

J. Zool. Bot. Gard. 2025, 6(2), 22; https://doi.org/10.3390/jzbg6020022 - 2 Apr 2025

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Abstract

The authors have incorrectly cite reference 69 and the content of reference 69 has not correctly stated [...] Full article

11 pages, 874 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Expanding the Cultural Reach of Zoos

by Alexandra Vaccaro and Jill Korach

J. Zool. Bot. Gard. 2025, 6(2), 21; https://doi.org/10.3390/jzbg6020021 - 1 Apr 2025

Viewed by 493

Abstract

It is surprising that, despite focusing on delivering engaging and informative content to zoo and aquarium visitors nationwide, relatively few zoos or aquariums incorporate culture or the extensive species and place-based knowledge of local communities, also known as traditional ecological knowledge (or TEK). In an exploratory study of educational programming at the Wildlife Conservation Society’s five zoo and aquarium institutions, we found that only 15% of onsite signage, webpages, and in-person animal programs used cultural or TEK elements to educate visitors. The TEK presented was primarily limited to a place or cultural group’s name only or an image of native communities who live in the region where a particular species originated. We found little to no focus on providing more detailed accounts of the knowledge of the many different communities contributing to conservation at a local level. We conclude there are many opportunities for further research and for informal education facilitates to readily incorporate culture and TEK into existing exhibits and programming. Extending relationships with local native community members and integrating indigenous perspectives, among other strategies, can extend a zoo’s reach in novel ways. Full article

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13 pages, 5116 KiB

Open AccessCase Report

Rugopharynx australis (Nematoda: Strongyloidea) Infection in Captive Red Kangaroos (Osphranter rufus) in Bulgaria: A Case Report

by Mariana Panayotova-Pencheva, Joanna Banasiewicz and Anna Maria Pyziel

J. Zool. Bot. Gard. 2025, 6(2), 20; https://doi.org/10.3390/jzbg6020020 - 1 Apr 2025

Viewed by 195

Abstract

Faecal parasitological examination of three red kangaroos (Osphranter rufus) newly arrived at Sofia Zoo, Bulgaria, revealed infestation with nematode eggs. The animals were successfully treated with albendazole and ivermectin. Adult nematodes obtained after deworming the kangaroos were identified as gastric strongylids of the species Rugopharynx australis (Mönnig, 1926). The initially collected faecal samples were used to follow the development of the parasites, in particular, the viability of the larvae hatching from the eggs. Morphometric and molecular data as well as some epidemiological observations of the species in the present materials are provided. The study provides the first morphological description of the free-living, infective third-stage larvae of the species. It is also the first record of R. australis in captive-bred kangaroos on the European continent. Full article

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J. Zool. Bot. Gard., Volume 6, Issue 2 (June 2025) – 6 articles

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