Zoo & Captive Animal Welfare

Zoo Species Welfare Assessment Framework

Species-specific welfare assessment frameworks are being developed for a growing range of zoo taxa. These tools enable more consistent, objective welfare evaluation across collections.

Key Facts

Generic welfare frameworks are being adapted for species-specific application
Reptile, fish, and invertebrate welfare assessment is developing rapidly
Technology including remote monitoring enables continuous assessment without disturbance
Welfare outcome indicators provide more reliable assessment than resource inputs
International zoo community collaboration is developing shared assessment standards

Welfare Considerations

Species-specific welfare assessment enables accurate evaluation of welfare across diverse taxa. Development and adoption of these frameworks represents a significant welfare infrastructure investment for the zoo sector.

What You Can Do

Support organisations developing species-specific welfare assessment frameworks
Learn about welfare assessment approaches for different zoo taxa
Advocate for welfare assessment standards to be required in zoo accreditation
Support research into welfare indicators for under-assessed species