How welfare auditing systems for zoos work, what they measure, and whether current standards are adequate to protect zoo animal welfare.
Zoo welfare auditing has improved significantly over the past two decades, shifting from purely physical health assessments to behavioral welfare indicators that capture psychological state. However, significant challenges remain - assessors may face conflicts of interest, behavioral welfare indicators require expert interpretation, and standards vary widely between accreditation bodies. Facilities in countries with weak regulatory oversight may operate below acceptable welfare standards. The diversity of zoo quality globally means that 'zoo' as a category covers a vast welfare spectrum.