Presentation Details
| Up close with Red Pandas (Ailurus fulgens): Do visitor interactions affect welfare? Melissa Burns-Cusato1, Arabella Fowler1, 2. 1Centre College, Danville, Kentucky, USA.2University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky, USA |
Abstract
Over 75% of zoos worldwide offer animal ambassador programs allowing close human–animal interactions, which may promote conservation engagement but also raise concerns about animal welfare. The present study evaluated behavioral and physiological responses of two red pandas (Ailurus fulgens) participating in Backstage Pass Experiences at the Louisville Zoo. In these experiences, small tour groups gathered with a keeper near the enclosure fence before entering the habitat to feed grapes to a red panda. Both animals approached the fence more frequently when tour groups were present than when only a keeper or no people were present. This pattern may reflect exploratory responses to novelty or a learned association with a preferred food, consistent with neutral or positive stimulation rather than a negative response. Fecal cortisol metabolites varied by season, so seasonal iterative baselines were used to identify cortisol spikes as indicators of potential stress. However, spike probability did not increase following tours. These findings indicate that tour experiences were not associated with a stress response and may represent neutral or positive experiences for the red pandas.
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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.
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