Zoo & Captive Animal Welfare

Zoo Five Domains Framework Application

The Five Domains model provides a comprehensive framework for zoo animal welfare assessment. Its application transforms welfare monitoring and management in accredited collections.

Key Facts

The Five Domains (nutrition, environment, health, behaviour, mental state) provide a holistic welfare framework
Mental state - positive affective experience - is central to modern welfare assessment
The Five Domains replaced the Five Freedoms as the preferred welfare framework for zoos
Animal-based indicators within each domain provide measurable welfare outcomes
Implementation requires staff training and systematic welfare monitoring protocols

Welfare Considerations

The Five Domains framework enables comprehensive, animal-centred welfare assessment that goes beyond simple harm prevention. Its implementation in zoo settings significantly improves the depth and quality of welfare monitoring.

What You Can Do

Support zoos implementing the Five Domains welfare assessment framework
Learn about the Five Domains and how they differ from the Five Freedoms
Advocate for Five Domains implementation as a requirement for zoo accreditation
Support research into welfare indicator development within the Five Domains framework