Using zoo welfare assessments to identify common issues in developing country zoos
Open accessAbstract
Zoo animal welfare is a high priority for many institutions worldwide, with modern zoos now ensuring that animals are housed and cared for to the highest standards. However, in countries where this knowledge is not as available or understood, standards may be lower. The aim of this research was to investigate if there were common zoo welfare concerns across developing country zoos. Wild Welfare is a charity working globally to improve welfare for zoo animals and has an independent welfare audit that is carried out before any intervention occurs. The Wild Welfare Audit, consisting of 110 questions, covering nine topics, was completed at 11 zoos in seven developing countries (Brazil, Egypt, Libya, Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia and Vietnam) following a Likert scale score (1-3). A principal component analysis was also performed to evaluate the audit questions. The results suggest that common areas of concern were animal behaviour, positive animal mental states and human health and safety. These themes were likely due to the lack knowledge and understanding that may be linked to historical and cultural differences. This research has helped to revise the welfare audit as well as inform future intervention strategies for improving developing country zoo animal welfare.
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In developing countries, a lack of understanding and awareness of animal welfare among mahouts makes it more challenging.
“In the case of developing countries, a lack of understanding and awareness of animal welfare among mahouts makes it more challenging (94).”
From Comparison of animal welfare assessment tools and methodologies: need for an effective approach for captive elephants in Asia (2024) · cites this paper as [94]
The Discussion (§4.1.2–4.1.3; page unavailable) describes limited understanding of animal welfare among staff in developing-country zoos and says learning barriers may inhibit improvements. It does not establish this specifically for mahouts, and its account is more tentative than the citing sentence. (LLM, conf=0.87)
Experimental — accuracy not yet measuredAs of 2020, 11 zoos in seven developing nations have completed animal care audits.
“As of 2020, 11 zoos in seven developing nations (Brazil, Egypt, Libya, Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia, and Vietnam) have completed animal care audits (94).”
From Comparison of animal welfare assessment tools and methodologies: need for an effective approach for captive elephants in Asia (2024) · cites this paper as [94]
Wild Welfare audit findings often indicate that animal behavior, positive mental states in animals, and human health and safety are all areas that require assistance.
“Findings often indicate that animal behavior, positive mental states in animals, and human health and safety are all areas that require assistance.”
From Comparison of animal welfare assessment tools and methodologies: need for an effective approach for captive elephants in Asia (2024) · cites this paper as [94]
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- Authors
- Ward, S. J., Williams, E., Groves, G., Marsh, S., & Morgan, D.
- Affiliations
- Nottingham Trent University (GB)
- Wild Welfare, West Sussex RH10 1HT, UK
- Corresponding author
- Ward, Samantha J.
- Venue
- Animals
- Publisher
- MDPI AG
- Published
- 2020-11-12
- Volume
- 10
- Issue
- 11
- Pages
- 2101
- ISSN
- 2076-2615 (ISSN-L)
- PMC
- PMC7696472
- OpenAlex
- W3102504754
- Cited by
- 28
- References
- 39
- Citations by year
- 2026: 1 · 2025: 3 · 2024: 9 · 2023: 8 · 2022: 4 · 2021: 3
- FWCI
- 3.58
- Type
- journal article
- Language
- en
- Open access
- gold
- doi.org
- Licence
- Locations
- Animals (publishedVersion, cc-by)
- PubMed Central (publishedVersion, cc-by)
- PubMed (publishedVersion)
- Nottingham Trent University's Institutional Repository (Nottingham Trent Repository) (acceptedVersion)
- DOAJ (DOAJ: Directory of Open Access Journals) (submittedVersion, cc-by-sa)
- Topics
- Health Sciences › Veterinary › Small Animals › Animal Behavior and Welfare Studies
- Social Sciences › Law › Animal Law and Welfare
- Physical Sciences › Environmental Science › Management, Monitoring, Policy and Law › Conservation, Ecology, Wildlife Education
- Keywords
- zoo animal welfare, animal behavior, health and safety
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