Presentation Details
| Behavior as the Building Block: Using Research and Ethology to Inform Zoo Design and Animal Wellbeing Charles P.Ritzler. San Antonio Zoological Society, San Antonio, Texas, USA |
Abstract
The Animal Behavior, Ecology, and Conservation undergraduate program at Canisius University in Buffalo, NY is a wholly unique program whose instruction has been integral to my development as a zoo professional. Given the opportunity to observe western lowland gorillas during only my second semester, animal behavior would quickly became the foundation of my career as an applied animal welfare scientist in zoos. At Cleveland Metroparks Zoo, I was able to apply the skills that I learned as an undergraduate to complete a dissertation focused on using behavior as a welfare indicator for animals adapting to innovative habitat spaces. These studies, on species ranging from red pandas to black rhinoceroses, succussfully promoted data-based, continuous improvement of habitats to optimize animal wellbeing. At San Antonio Zoo, I was able to use my background in behavior to build an animal wellbeing program from scratch, designing wellbeing assessments using behavior as a primary indicator. Finally, I have been able to continue to use my undergraduate experience in the design process for great ape habitats at multiple zoological institutions.
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No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the author.