Zoo Behavioral Research and Welfare

Behavioural research conducted in zoo settings contributes to understanding animal welfare while also generating conservation-relevant knowledge.

Key Facts

Zoo animals provide research opportunities on species that are difficult to study in the wild
Behavioural research on zoo animals has identified key welfare indicators used globally
Cognitive research in zoos reveals problem-solving abilities and emotional states in many species
Research participation can itself be enriching for animals when designed with welfare in mind
Data from zoo behavioural research informs wild animal management and reintroduction decisions

Welfare Considerations

Well-designed zoo behavioural research produces welfare benefits through the identification of management problems and the development of solutions. Research participation that involves novel cognitive challenges can itself provide positive welfare effects similar to enrichment. Participatory research should respect individual animal choice, including the ability to withdraw from sessions. Reciprocal benefits — animals contributing to conservation knowledge that helps conspecifics while receiving enrichment from participation — represent an ethical model for zoo research.

What You Can Do

Support accredited zoos that conduct and publish peer-reviewed welfare research
Engage with zoo research publications when they are made publicly available
Advocate for open access publication of zoo animal welfare research
Support zoos that use research findings to improve their own management practices
Learn how zoo research contributes to wild animal welfare improvement programmes