Reptiles in captivity require carefully managed UV-B lighting to synthesise vitamin D3 and maintain bone health, and many zoo collections historically failed to meet these needs.
Metabolic bone disease in reptiles caused by UV-B deficiency is entirely preventable yet was historically widespread in zoo collections due to inadequate lighting provision. Affected animals develop soft bones, suffer fractures, and may die from complications. The adoption of science-based UV-B provision standards has been one of the most significant welfare advances in zoo reptile husbandry in recent decades. Continued monitoring and lamp replacement protocols are essential to maintain effectiveness.