Hoofstock species in zoos require specific management addressing their social, locomotor, and foraging welfare needs.
Hoofstock welfare in zoos requires understanding the prey animal perspective. These animals are behaviorally primed to detect and flee predators — in zoo settings, visitor proximity, unfamiliar sounds, and management procedures all trigger stress responses. Housing design that provides retreat areas, appropriate herd composition, and naturalistic substrates reduces chronic stress. Foot care is often overlooked but represents a significant welfare issue as hard zoo surfaces cause progressive hoof problems.