J. Zool. Bot. Gard., Volume 6, Issue 3 (September 2025) – 7 articles

This study explores the use of chlorography as a natural photographic developing technique that utilizes the decomposition of chlorophyll and other plant pigments through the action of sunlight. The developed images corresponded to previous research on changes in the iconography of the indigenous Salasaka people. In this context, this experimental project on natural photography is oriented toward the conservation of the ancestral knowledge of this community and the understanding of the native flora of Ecuador. We investigated the application of the contact image transfer technique with positive transparencies on leaves and flowers of 30 different species that grow in the Ecuadorian highlands, including leaves of vascular plants, as well as rose petals. The results showed that the clarity and contrast of chlorography depended on the plant species and exposure time. It was observed that fruit-bearing species produced more visible images than the leaves of other plants and rose petals, with species from the Passifloraceae family proving particularly effective. We interpreted these findings within the framework of plant photophysical mechanisms, proposing an inverse relationship between development efficiency and species’ non-photochemical quenching (NPQ) capacity. Furthermore, we interpreted the findings in relation to the photobleaching of pigments and compared chlorography with other natural photographic processes such as anthotypes. Key factors influencing the process were identified, such as the type of leaf, the intensity and duration of light, and the hydration of the plant material. It is concluded that chlorography is a viable, non-toxic, and environmentally friendly photographic alternative with potential applications in art, education, and research, although it presents challenges in terms of image permanence and reproducibility. Full article

An adult female bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) housed at a public oceanarium presented with acute anorexia and lethargy. A blood analysis demonstrated mild leukocytosis, marked azotemia, hyperkalemia, and hyperphosphatemia suggestive of acute kidney injury or renal insufficiency. Ultrasound examination of the dolphin revealed ascites, pleural effusion, bilateral nephrolithiasis, mild hydronephrosis, and bilateral hydroureter consistent with bilateral post-renal obstruction. Initial treatment consisted of antibiotics, oral fluids, and anti-inflammatory treatment. Further imaging diagnosed bilateral obstructing ureteroliths at both ureteral orifice junctions of the urinary bladder. The dolphin’s azotemia and hyperkalemia were nonresponsive to traditional medical management; therefore, peritoneal dialysis was performed for emergent clinical stabilization. Peritoneal dialysis was conducted over 3 days and facilitated the patient to undergo laser lithotripsy of the offending ureteral obstruction. The dolphin made a full recovery following months of intensive medical treatment for complications from peritoneal dialysis and secondary peritonitis. This is the first documented case of successful, though complicated, peritoneal dialysis in a cetacean. Full article

Zoological environments aim to promote natural behaviours and optimal welfare conditions. Over the past decade, research on the use of artificial ultraviolet-B (UV-B) exposure has improved vitamin D₃ levels and reduced incidences of metabolic bone disease in diurnal primates; however, this has not been investigated in nocturnals. Aye-ayes (Daubentonia madagascariensis), nocturnal lemurs often housed indoors in zoos with little to no exposure to natural sunlight, have been reported to have low vitamin D₃ levels. This study aims to investigate the impacts of artificial UV-B as a supplemental healthcare strategy for aye-ayes, examining its influences on vitamin D₃ levels and positional sleeping behaviour. The 25-hydroxy-vitamin D₃ (25OHD₃) blood levels were tested before and after exposure to different levels of artificial UV-B and heat sources. Statistical analysis showed no correlation between UV-B and 25OHD₃ at group parameter levels. However, one individual showed a positive correlation. Sleeping position duration analysis showed a potential basking behaviour with the use of increased ear exposure and other thermoregulatory responses. Despite representing 8.06% of the European captive aye-aye population, these findings highlight the need for further research on vitamin D₃ parameters and responses to UV-B to optimise captive conditions and support the species’ long-term health. Full article

Environmental enrichment is essential for promoting species-specific behaviors and enhancing the welfare of zoo-housed animals. This study examined the behavioral responses of two juvenile male binturongs (Arctictis binturong) at the Minnesota Zoo to three enrichment stimuli: lavender oil (olfactory), thawed fish (olfactory and dietary), and hard-boiled egg (olfactory and dietary). Their behaviors were recorded using scan sampling before and after enrichment exposure, focusing on locomotion, foraging, resting, and visitor visibility. Food-based enrichments, particularly the hard-boiled egg, significantly increased foraging behavior, while lavender oil and thawed fish produced minimal behavioral changes. Locomotion and visibility remained stable across the conditions, although a slight increase in resting was observed with lavender oil. No evidence of scent-marking disruption was noted, and individual differences appeared to influence inactivity levels. These findings highlight the potential of biologically relevant, food-based enrichment to stimulate natural behaviors in binturongs and emphasize the importance of species-specific enrichment strategies. Future research should explore a broader range of olfactory cues, assess long-term behavioral responses, and incorporate physiological measures to further evaluate enrichment impacts on binturong welfare. Full article

Botanical gardens serve as vital centers for ex situ conservation, maintaining diverse plant species under controlled conditions. Terrestrial orchids, despite their wide diversity and distribution, often occur in small and declining populations, making their conservation increasingly urgent. This study aimed to examine the potential for establishing the first specialized orchidarium in Serbia, focusing on the native orchid species of the Fruška Gora region. A SWOT analysis, combined with site assessment data, was employed to identify key strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats, informing the development of a functional zoning plan. The results indicate that such an orchidarium would offer a threefold benefit: strengthening ex situ conservation, advancing scientific research and environmental education, and promoting sustainable tourism. The proposed design consists of eight distinct zones, three of which reflect natural habitats of selected orchid species. The planned integration of a seed gene bank in the central zone, along with living plant collections and a nearby in vitro culture laboratory, establishes a comprehensive framework for the sustainable management of orchid genetic resources in the region, forming a foundation for future research and preservation. Full article

This contributed paper presents results from efforts by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) to investigate the impact of integrating conservation into AZA members’ organizational cultures. Part of this work included AZA setting goals related to organizational and professional culture, strategic communication, developing communities of practice, and promoting tools and resource-sharing. Prior to implementing the majority of these steps, a baseline assessment was administered to directors plus a random sample of AZA organizations in 2020—assessing how well conservation is integrated into the institutional culture and measures of perceived conservation impact. The same sample of organizations was re-surveyed in 2023 with the intent of a three-year cycle of surveying to monitor change and identify additional ways that AZA could support and strengthen a culture of conservation within the profession. These findings will help the zoological and broader conservation community assess opportunities to integrate conservation into organizational cultures across a broad association for the purpose of achieving the mission and impact. Full article

Food-based environmental enrichment (EE) is a valuable strategy for stimulating foraging behaviour in fish under human care, as it increases the challenge of food acquisition and encourages prolonged engagement in this activity. Curimbas (Prochilodus argenteus) and pacus (Myleus micans) are fish species for which ex situ maintenance has become an important conservation measure. In this context, providing EE is essential to ensure high welfare standards. This study aimed to assess the effects of food enrichment on the behaviour of these two endemic species from the São Francisco River basin in Brazil. Behavioural data were collected across three experimental phases, including baseline, enrichment, and post-enrichment. Slow-dissolving food items known as “acorns” were introduced during the enrichment phase. Both species exhibited a marked reduction in inactivity throughout the study. For curimbas, the enrichment phase was associated with increased foraging, elevated agonistic interactions, and greater use of specific tank areas. Among pacus, inactivity significantly declined during the enrichment period. Additionally, the presence of visitors influenced behavioural patterns, promoting foraging activity while reducing inactivity and interactions with the enrichment device. These findings reinforce the value of incorporating environmental enrichment to promote the welfare of freshwater fish in public aquariums. Full article