Behavioural research in zoos: academic perspectives

Natural Selection of Parental Ability to Vary the Sex Ratio of Offspring

Trivers, R. L., & Willard, D. E. (1973) · Science · doi:10.1126/science.179.4068.90 · Cited by 3,822

Curiosity in Zoo Animals

Glickman, S. E., & Sroges, R. W. (1966) · Behaviour · doi:10.1163/156853966x00074 · Cited by 263

Visitors excite primates in zoos

Chamove, A. S., Hosey, G. R., & Schaetzel, P. (1988) · Zoo Biology · doi:10.1002/zoo.1430070407 · Cited by 230

Research in Zoos and Aquariums

(1998) · Routledge eBooks · doi:10.4324/9780203826492-41 · Cited by 81

Behavior research in zoos: Past, present, and future

Kleiman, D. G. (1992) · Zoo Biology · doi:10.1002/zoo.1430110502 · Cited by 66

Post-occupancy evaluation in the zoo

Maple, T. L., & Finlay, T. W. (1987) · Applied Animal Behaviour Science · doi:10.1016/0168-1591(87)90250-4 · Cited by 58

Social Rank and Darwinian Fitness in a Multimale Group of Barbary Macaques (Macaca sylvana Linnaeus, 1758)

Witt, R., Schmidt, C., & Schmitt, J. (1981) · Folia Primatologica · doi:10.1159/000155996 · Cited by 54

Bringing Nature into the Zoo: Inexpensive Solutions for Zoo Environments

Hancocks, D. (1980) · WBI Studies Repository · Cited by 52

The usefulness of behaviour studies in developing captive breeding programmes for mammals

Eisenberg, J. F., & Kleiman, D. G. (1977) · International Zoo Yearbook · doi:10.1111/j.1748-1090.1977.tb00871.x · Cited by 35

A survey of research in American zoos and aquariums

Finlay, T. W., & Maple, T. L. (1986) · Zoo Biology · doi:10.1002/zoo.1430050304 · Cited by 32

How does the zoo environment affect the behaviour of captive primates?

Hosey, G. R. (2005) · Applied Animal Behaviour Science · doi:10.1016/j.applanim.2004.08.015 · Cited by 362

Zoo animals and their human audiences: what is the visitor effect?

Hosey, G. R. (2000) · Animal Welfare · doi:10.1017/s0962728600022946 · Cited by 249

Visitors’ effects on the welfare of animals in the zoo: a review

Davey, G. (2007) · Journal of Applied Animal Welfare Science · doi:10.1080/10888700701313595 · Cited by 226

Effect of felid activity on zoo visitor interest

Margulis, S. W., Hoyos, C., & Anderson, M. (2003) · Zoo Biology · doi:10.1002/zoo.10115 · Cited by 165

Thirty years later: enrichment practices for captive mammals

Hoy, J. M., Murray, P. J., & Tribe, A. (2010) · Zoo Biology · doi:10.1002/zoo.20254 · Cited by 152

Cognitive Research in Zoo‐Housed Chimpanzees: Influence of Personality and Impact on Welfare

Herrelko, E. S., Vick, S., & Buchanan‐Smith, H. M. (2012) · American Journal of Primatology · doi:10.1002/ajp.22036 · Cited by 108

Mutual benefits of research collaborations between zoos and academic institutions

Fernandez, E. J., & Timberlake, W. D. (2008) · Zoo Biology · doi:10.1002/zoo.20215 · Cited by 93

What’s new from the zoo? An analysis of ten years of zoo-themed research output

Rose, P. E., Brereton, J. E., Rowden, L. J., de Figueiredo, R. L., & Riley, L. M. (2019) · Humanities and Social Sciences Communications · doi:10.1057/s41599-019-0345-3 · Cited by 87

Observing Animal Behaviour

Dawkins, M. S. (2007) · Oxford University Press eBooks · doi:10.1093/acprof:oso/9780198569350.001.0001 · Cited by 81

Programmatic approaches to assessing and improving animal welfare in zoos and aquariums

Barber, J. C. E. (2009) · Zoo Biology · doi:10.1002/zoo.20260 · Cited by 80

Reduced anti-predator responses in multi-generational hybrids of farmed and wild Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar L.)

Houde, A. L. S., Fraser, D. J., & Hutchings, J. A. (2009) · Conservation Genetics · doi:10.1007/s10592-009-9892-2 · Cited by 73

A preliminary assessment of how zoo visitors evaluate animal welfare according to enclosure style and the expression of behavior

Melfi, V. A., McCormick, W. D., & Gibbs, A. (2004) · Anthrozoös · doi:10.2752/089279304786991792 · Cited by 67

Behavioral responses to the zoo environment by white handed gibbons

Cooke, C. M., & Schillaci, M. A. (2007) · Applied Animal Behaviour Science · doi:10.1016/j.applanim.2006.06.016 · Cited by 61

Impact of Zoo Visitors on the Fecal Cortisol Levels and Behavior of an Endangered Species: Indian Blackbuck (Antelope cervicapra L.)

Rajagopal, T., Archunan, G., & Sekar, M. (2010) · Journal of Applied Animal Welfare Science · doi:10.1080/10888705.2011.527598 · Cited by 61

Conducting Behavioural Research in the Zoo: A Guide to Ten Important Methods, Concepts and Theories

Rose, P. E., & Riley, L. M. (2021) · Journal of Zoological and Botanical Gardens · doi:10.3390/jzbg2030031 · Cited by 54

The Societal Value of the Modern Zoo: A Commentary on How Zoos Can Positively Impact on Human Populations Locally and Globally

Greenwell, P. J., Riley, L. M., de Figueiredo, R. L., Brereton, J. E., Mooney, A., & Rose, P. E. (2023) · Journal of Zoological and Botanical Gardens · doi:10.3390/jzbg4010006 · Cited by 54

Behaviour and welfare: the visitor effect in captive felids

Suárez, P., RECUERDA, P., & de Reyna, L. A. (2017) · Animal Welfare · doi:10.7120/09627286.26.1.025 · Cited by 51

The appliance of science to zoo-housed primates

Melfi, V. A. (2004) · Applied Animal Behaviour Science · doi:10.1016/j.applanim.2004.08.017 · Cited by 47

Zoo Tourism: Biodiversity Conservation Through Tourism

Catibog-Sinha, C. (2008) · Journal of Ecotourism · doi:10.1080/14724040802140527 · Cited by 46

Fitness-related consequences of competitive interactions between farmed and wild Atlantic salmon at different proportional representations of wild–farmed hybrids

Houde, A. L. S., Fraser, D. J., & Hutchings, J. A. (2009) · ICES Journal of Marine Science · doi:10.1093/icesjms/fsp272 · Cited by 38

Zoo Tourism: Biodiversity Conservation Through Tourism

Catibog-Sinha, C. (2008) · Journal of Ecotourism · doi:10.2167/joe0229.0 · Cited by 29

Twenty‐five years of Zoo Biology: a publication analysis

Anderson, U. S., Kelling, A. S., & Maple, T. L. (2008) · Zoo Biology · doi:10.1002/zoo.20177 · Cited by 27

What do we know about flamingo behaviors? A systematic review of the ethological research on the Phoenicopteridae (1978–2020)

Delfino, H. C., & Carlos, C. J. (2021) · acta ethologica · doi:10.1007/s10211-021-00381-y · Cited by 25

The Need for a Convergence of Agricultural/Laboratory and Zoo-based Approaches to Animal Welfare

Ward, S. J., & Hosey, G. (2019) · Journal of Applied Animal Welfare Science · doi:10.1080/10888705.2019.1678038 · Cited by 25

Sex ratio research in zoos and its implications for captive management

Glatston, A. R. (1997) · Applied Animal Behaviour Science · doi:10.1016/s0168-1591(96)01105-7 · Cited by 23

Psychological and social well‐being of bony fishes in zoos and aquariums

Oldfield, R. G., & Bonano, P. E. (2022) · Zoo Biology · doi:10.1002/zoo.21729 · Cited by 21

‘Regurgitation and reingestion’ (R/R) in great apes: a review of current knowledge

Hill, S. P. (2018) · International Zoo Yearbook · doi:10.1111/izy.12204 · Cited by 19

Factors facilitating research: a survey of zoo and aquarium professionals

Anderson, U. S., Maple, T. L., & Bloomsmith, M. A. (2010) · Zoo Biology · doi:10.1002/zoo.20306 · Cited by 19

The influence of feeding enrichment on the behavior of small felids (Carnivora: Felidae) in captivity

Resende, L. D. S., Remy, G. L., Ramos, V. D. A., & Andriolo, A. (2009) · Zoologia (Curitiba) · doi:10.1590/s1984-46702009000400003 · Cited by 18

Developing flamingo husbandry practices through workshop communication

Rose, P. E., Brereton, J. E., & Gardner, L. B. (2016) · The Journal of zoo and aquarium research · doi:10.19227/jzar.v4i2.109 · Cited by 16

Using radio frequency identification for behavioral monitoring in little blue penguins

Kalafut, K. L., & Kinley, R. C. (2019) · Journal of Applied Animal Welfare Science · doi:10.1080/10888705.2019.1571922 · Cited by 15

An Hourly Variation in Zoo Visitor Interest: Measurement and Significance for Animal Welfare Research

Davey, G. (2006) · Journal of Applied Animal Welfare Science · doi:10.1207/s15327604jaws0903_7 · Cited by 12

Behavioural Repertoires and Time Budgets of Semi-Free-Ranging and Captive Groups of Wedge-Capped Capuchin Monkeys, Cebus olivaceus, in Zoo Exhibits in Venezuela

Tárano, Z., & López, M. C. (2015) · Folia Primatologica · doi:10.1159/000381397 · Cited by 8

Environmental Enrichment for Australian Mammals

Murray, A., Waran, N. K., & Young, R. J. (1998) · Animal Welfare · doi:10.1017/s0962728600020959 · Cited by 8

Who reviews what you do at the zoo? Considerations for research ethics with captive exotic animals

Fernandez, E. J., & McWhorter, T. J. (2023) · Research Ethics · doi:10.1177/17470161231188615 · Cited by 7

Monitoring captive odontocetes’ participation during training sessions for improving training efficiency and welfare evaluation

Serres, A., Hao, Y., & Wang, D. (2021) · Journal of Veterinary Behavior · doi:10.1016/j.jveb.2021.10.004 · Cited by 7

Introduction: Research in Zoos and Aquariums: Purpose, Justification, Utility, and Welfare

Hutchins, M., Wiese, R. J., & Smith, B. (2018) · Cambridge University Press eBooks · doi:10.1017/9781108183147.001 · Cited by 7

Understanding sociality and behavior change associated with a nesting event in a captive flock of great white pelicans

Brereton, J. E., Fryer, J., & Rose, P. E. (2021) · Zoo Biology · doi:10.1002/zoo.21616 · Cited by 6

What’s Black and White and Pink All Over? Lesser Flamingo Nocturnal Behaviour Captured by Remote Cameras

Rose, P. E., Chapman, J., Brereton, J. E., & Riley, L. M. (2022) · Journal of Zoological and Botanical Gardens · doi:10.3390/jzbg3040046 · Cited by 5

Future Directions in Comparative Psychology: An Introduction to the Special Issue

Miller, L. J., & Hill, H. M. M. (2014) · International Journal of Comparative Psychology · doi:10.46867/ijcp.2014.27.01.08 · Cited by 4

Investigation through Animal–Computer Interaction: A Proof-of-Concept Study for the Behavioural Experimentation of Colour Vision in Zoo-Housed Primates

Goulart, V. D. L. R., & Young, R. J. (2024) · Animals · doi:10.3390/ani14131979 · Cited by 2

Zoo ecology of a primate species: Squirrel monkey (Saimiri sp.)

Zimbler‐DeLorenzo, H. S. (2009) · Cited by 2

Use of Primates in Research: What Do We Know About Captive Strepsirrhine Primates?

Fernández‐Lázaro, G., Zehr, S. M., & García, E. A. (2016) · Journal of Applied Animal Welfare Science · doi:10.1080/10888705.2016.1255554 · Cited by 2

Faecal Cortisol Metabolites as an Indicator of Stress in Captive Spotted Deer (Axis Axis) and Blackbuck (Antilope Cervicapra) in India.

Nikhil, S. B. (2020) · Cited by 2

Do pairs exhibit similar behaviours? Evaluating inter-individual synchrony in activities of Magellanic penguins

Yamamoto, T., Kakizaki, T., Takashima, Y., Tsunesumi, H., & Yoda, K. (2025) · Applied Animal Behaviour Science · doi:10.1016/j.applanim.2025.106633 · Cited by 1

Diving Into Diversity: Considering Intra‐Specific Variation in Water Immersion Activity of Aquarium‐Housed Magellanic Penguins

Yamamoto, T., 安達, 大., Kakizaki, T., Takashima, Y., Tsunesumi, H., & Yoda, K. (2026) · Zoo Biology · doi:10.1002/zoo.70072 · Cited by 1

Exploring citizen science as a tool for engaging zoo visitors with animal welfare

Stephens, D., Wright, D., Rowden, L., Frost, N., Carter, A., Ward, S. J., & Williams, E. (2026) · Discover Animals · doi:10.1007/s44338-026-00247-2 · Cited by 1

Activity budget of captive Drill monkeys Mandrillus leucophaeus (Cuvier) in Limbe Wildlife Center, Southwest Region, Cameroon

Melle, E. M., Nkwatoh, A. F., Lengha, T. K., & Viku, B. A.-M. (2019) · International Journal of Biodiversity and Conservation · doi:10.5897/ijbc2017.1096 · Cited by 1

FOOD CHOICE, REINFORCER PREFERENCE, AND VISUAL DISCRIMINATION IN

Gaalema, D. E. (2007)

Report of an Internship with the Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden

Shumaker, A. A. (2003) · OhioLink ETD Center (Ohio Library and Information Network)

Experimental investigation of social learning in domestic animals and non-human primates

Dorey, N. R. (2008) · UPT. Syiah Kuala University Library (Syiah Kuala University)

Advancing evidence-informed practice in modern zoos: research priorities for animal welfare, conservation, and social legitimacy

Rose, P. E., Azogu‐Sepe, I., Clifforde, L. M., Harley, J. J., Hunt, K., Kelly, R. J., de Figueiredo, R. L., Partoon, J., Stanley, C. R., & Whiteside, M. (2026) · Frontiers in Veterinary Science · doi:10.3389/fvets.2026.1793169

The Usefulness of Keeper-Collected Data to Evaluating a Within-Facility Animal Move: A Case Study on a Large Flock of Flamingos

Vaughan, P., Slinn, E., Matthews, S., O’Brien, M., & Rose, P. (2026) · Journal of Zoological and Botanical Gardens · doi:10.3390/jzbg7020021

Comportamento de Onça-Parda (Puma concolor), no Zoológico de Campinas, frente à visitação pública

Maia, C. M. (2009) · Acervo Digital da Universidade Estadual Paulista (Universidade Estadual Paulista)

Publication trends in zoo biology: A brief analysis of the first 15 years

Wemmer, C., Rodden, M. D., & Pickett, C. (1997) · Zoo Biology · doi:10.1002/(sici)1098-2361(1997)16:1<3::aid-zoo2>3.0.co;2-e · Cited by 13

Behavioural research in zoos: past, present and future.

Hosey, G. (2008)

Mutual benefits of research collaborations between zoos and academic institutions

Fernandez, E. J., & Timberlake, W. D. (2008) · Zoo Biology · doi:10.1002/zoo.20215 · Cited by 93

The Importance of Behavioral Research in Zoological Institutions: An Introduction to the Special Issue

Miller, L. J., Mellen, J. D., & Kuczaj, S. A. (2013) · International Journal of Comparative Psychology · doi:10.46867/ijcp.2013.26.01.09 · Cited by 5

Herpetological research in zoos: A literature survey, 1977–1981

Sajdak, R. A. (1983) · Zoo Biology · doi:10.1002/zoo.1430020209 · Cited by 3