The COVID-19 pandemic demonstrated unique welfare challenges when zoo closures eliminated the revenue and visitor interaction many animals were accustomed to.
Zoo animals during pandemic closures experienced welfare effects in both directions. Some species that had habituated to visitor presence showed increased stress from sudden absence. Others thrived with reduced human pressure. Financial strain on zoos threatened feed quality and veterinary care. The pandemic accelerated welfare innovations as zoos explored new enrichment approaches. The experience highlighted the welfare complexity of habituation to human presence and the need for zoo resilience planning.