Zoo Animal Welfare

"Animal welfare is a priority for all modern zoos and aquariums. However, given the wide range of taxa housed and the influence of varying external factors, assessing and reliably interpreting animal welfare remains a significant challenge. Zoo Animal Welfare offers a comprehensive overview of key topics in zoo welfare, supported by diverse case studies and informative infographics which make it a valuable and engaging resource for students, animal carers, and zoo professionals.

The inclusion of chapters focusing specifically on lesser-studied taxa such as reptiles, amphibians, fish, and invertebrates, is a particularly important addition. By presenting current evidence and its practical application, the authors highlight the importance of considering the wellbeing of all animals in zoos. In addition, the book addresses emerging trends such as the use of technology in welfare assessment and provides guidance on how to use social media effectively to communicate welfare efforts; topics that are highly relevant in today's increasingly technological world.

Overall, this book provides an excellent overview of zoo animal welfare and demonstrates how scientific evidence can be translated into husbandry practices that help animals thrive and experience positive welfare."

Dr Holly Farmer, Conservation Evidence Manager, Wild Planet Trust, UK

"This is a very welcome book at a time of great change in thinking about what a zoo is and what it should be. It commences with a thoughtful discussion about what various people mean when they talk about welfare and, in relation to the zoo community, how this has limited their actions. These ideas are developed further in a discussion of how there might be action to facilitate zoo animals moving from having to struggle with difficulties in having their needs met to thriving. How the zoo animals perceive environmental quality, nutrition, health and the optimal amount and nature of interaction with humans are all discussed in relation to studies of the welfare of those animals.

Zoos can take a lead in society by informing and encouraging the public who visit, physically or online, about how to become less human-centred and to consider the valuable diversity of life. If zoos are seen to focus on the welfare of individuals and hence to respect non-human life, they can promote change in thinking towards a more balanced world where the lives of all animals and all other living species are valued."

Donald M. Broom, Emeritus Professor of Animal Welfare, University of Cambridge, UK