Zoo Biology最新文献

{"title":"Impact of a High-Fiber, Fruitless Diet on the Gut Microbiome, and Health of Captive Orangutans.","authors":"Camille Duvivier, Dasiel Obregon, Lourdes Mateos-Hernandez, Apolline Maitre, Elianne Piloto-Sardiñas, Lianet Abuin-Denis, Aude Bourgeois, Cécile Maillochaud, Anaïs Robin, Milan Thorel, Alejandro Cabezas-Cruz","doi":"10.1002/zoo.70122","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/zoo.70122","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Diet is a crucial factor in modulating the gut microbiome, and understanding these interactions in captive primates is essential for their health and welfare. This study assessed the impact of the transition to a high-fiber, low-sugar diet on the gut microbiome, behavior, and physical health of five captive Bornean orangutans (Pongo pygmaeus). We hypothesized that altering dietary patterns would significantly influence gut microbiome diversity and composition, as well as behavioral and physiological indicators. Over 12 weeks, the orangutans were gradually transitioned from a fruit-rich diet to a high-fiber, fruitless diet, with progressive dietary changes implemented every 2 weeks. Fecal samples were collected throughout the study, and the microbial diversity and composition were analyzed using 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing. Statistical analyses using linear mixed-effects models evaluated changes in microbial diversity and composition over time. In parallel, fecal consistency, behavior, and body condition scores were monitored regularly. The results showed significant changes in microbial richness and diversity associated with the dietary transition, with specific taxa, such as the genus Prevotella and the family Ruminococcaceae, increasing in abundance. The microbiome shifts were accompanied by changes in body condition and fecal scores, as well as reduced stress-related behaviors (p < 0.05), increased feeding duration (p < 0.001), and increased social behaviors, including intraspecific interactions (p < 0.05). This study provides preliminary evidence that a high-fiber, low-sugar dietary approach may influence gut microbiome composition and selected behavioral indicators in zoo-housed orangutans.</p>","PeriodicalId":24035,"journal":{"name":"Zoo Biology","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2026-10-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149196957","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Measuring Zoo Rhino Personality: Investigating Methods of Assessment and Relationships to Behavior.","authors":"Shannon L Watts, Jaime H Martin, Ellen Williams","doi":"10.1002/zoo.70123","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/zoo.70123","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Animal personality impacts how animals experience and perceive their surroundings. Understanding how to reliably assess and incorporate animal personality is important for species management. This study aimed to investigate three personality assessment methods in zoo-housed white rhinoceros (response to a novel object, response to a novel sound, and trait ratings by knowledgeable informants), compare the personality profiles generated by these methods and then investigate their relationship to activity budgets to determine instrument validity. This study was undertaken on 12 unrelated Southern white rhinoceros (Ceratotherium simum simum) (6 male, 6 female) from 4 collections in the United Kingdom (2 zoos and 2 safari parks). Activity budgets were calculated from a total 80 h of behavioral observations (mean ± SD 20 h ± 1 h per collection). Nine of the 12 rhinos interacted with the novel object, whilst only 4 rhinos exhibited a behavioral response (e.g., startle) to the familiar and 5 to the unfamiliar playbacks, respectively. Fourteen keepers across all collections reliably rated 9 of 21 personality adjectives. There were a number of significant correlations between trait ratings and rhino behavior (p < 0.05), although the correlations did not always make clear biological sense. There were no significant correlations between response to novel objects or novel sounds and rhino behavior (p > 0.05). These results suggest the personality tools are capturing different aspects of rhino personality and thus cannot be used interchangeably. Understanding the relationship between rhino personality as assessed using each instrument and observed behavior is important in reliably and efficiently assessing behavior profiles for routine integration into rhino management.</p>","PeriodicalId":24035,"journal":{"name":"Zoo Biology","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2026-10-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149184673","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"The Scoop on Honey Badger Poop: Validation of a Non-Invasive Method for Assessing Physiological Responses in Captivity.","authors":"Megan Hutson, André Ganswindt, Andrea B Webster","doi":"10.1002/zoo.70121","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/zoo.70121","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Captive honey badgers (Mellivora capensis) are routinely exposed to environmental and husbandry-related stressors that differ markedly from their natural conditions; however, physiological welfare assessments in this species remain limited. This study aimed to validate a non-invasive approach to evaluate stress-related fecal glucocorticoid metabolite (fGCM) concentrations and individual responses to visitors and other environmental stressors in two zoo-housed individuals. Five enzyme immunoassays (EIAs) were assessed for suitability using routine veterinary examinations as a presumed biological stressor. The 5α-pregnane-3β,11β,21-triol-20-one EIA proved most suitable, detecting increases in fGCM concentrations of 251% and 127% in the male and female, respectively. This EIA also demonstrated immunoreactive fGCM stability for up to 16 days post-defecation under ambient conditions, supporting application to field surveys where immediate sample collection is not always feasible. While visitor numbers showed no correlation with changes in fGCM concentrations, both individuals displayed persistent stereotypic behaviors, suggesting that they had habituated to human presence but remained responsive to other environmental disturbances. Longitudinal profiles revealed substantial individual variation in fGCM responses, with baseline concentrations being higher in the male. Elevations in fGCM concentrations (up to 945%) were associated with construction noise, neighboring animal introductions, and high visitor presence during special events. This validated method provides a reliable tool for monitoring stress physiology in captive honey badgers, with an application for evidence-based improvements in zoo husbandry and future application in free-ranging individuals.</p>","PeriodicalId":24035,"journal":{"name":"Zoo Biology","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2026-10-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149172207","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"From There and Back Again: A Commentary on the Future of Animal Transfers in Zoos and Aquariums.","authors":"John E Andrews, Kristine Schad Eebes, Shannon L O'Brien, Kathryn C Gamble, Adrienne Horrigan, David Bernier, Johanna Sholar, Jay Hemdal, Candice L Dorsey","doi":"10.1002/zoo.70117","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/zoo.70117","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Animal transfers among zoos and aquariums are essential for sustaining genetically diverse and demographically stable populations. However, they mark substantially disruptive events in an animal's life under human care. Current transfer practices-spanning population recommendations, health evaluation, transport, quarantine, and subsequent introduction-are shaped by decades of experience and now face growing impacts of climate change, regulatory complexity, and evolving welfare standards. Aquatic species, in particular, highlight gaps in existing protocols due to their wide array of unique physiological and environmental needs. This commentary examines the limitations of current approaches and explores opportunities to transform transfers over the next 50 years through innovation, collaboration, and data-driven strategies. Adapting well-established tools, such as PMCTrack, Zoological Information Management System (ZIMS), and Tracks Software, into welfare-focused technologies, reproductive alternatives, and expanded biobanking, offers pathways to mitigate stress and enhance animal welfare. By rethinking processes and integrating species-specific welfare considerations, zoos and aquariums can ensure that transfers achieve operational goals by meeting individual animal needs and also advancing long-term population sustainability.</p>","PeriodicalId":24035,"journal":{"name":"Zoo Biology","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2026-10-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149138431","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Feeding Practices and Welfare of Zoo-Housed Giraffes (Giraffa camelopardalis) on a Global Scale.","authors":"Rosalyn Pardave, Gernot Osthoff, Marcus Clauss, Francois Deacon","doi":"10.1002/zoo.70114","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/zoo.70114","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Since giraffe feeding practices have only been reported for European and US facilities, this study aimed to achieve a comprehensive overview of the current giraffe feeding practices on a global scale, as well as provide insights into the occurrence of oral stereotypies. We conducted a survey among zoos that house giraffes throughout the world. A total of 146 zoos responded and data on 702 individual giraffes were reported. A variety of feed sources were provided in varying proportions. Lucerne hay, fresh browse, (pelleted) compound feeds, and fruits and/or vegetables were commonly supplied as part of the daily ration in most zoos. Training sessions were reported in 108 facilities, and compound feeds and carrots were the most common food rewards. The estimated non-forage feed proportion in the theoretical dry matter (DM) intake (DMI) was lower than 50% in most zoos. The Index of Feeding Appropriateness (higher = more appropriate) was calculated, and only 62.3% or 41.8% of the zoos were in the upper half of the scale, depending on whether the appropriateness of the compound feed was accounted for in the calculation or not. Licking of non-food objects and tongue playing were the most commonly reported oral stereotypies. Various indicators of diet appropriateness correlated with the number of stereotypies reported, and differed between animals for which stereotypies were reported or not. This study suggests changes in feeding management to improve giraffe well-being.</p>","PeriodicalId":24035,"journal":{"name":"Zoo Biology","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2026-10-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149115712","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Future Challenges and Opportunities for the Viability of Animal Populations in Zoos and Aquariums.","authors":"Lisa J Faust, John E Andrews, Alex Ball, Rebecca Biddle, Rachel A Bladow, Asako Y Chaille, Marie Corlay, Veronica Cowl, Caitlin Curry, Candice Dorsey, J Andrew DeWoody, Adam Eyres, Gina M Ferrie, Elmar Fienieg, Ashley D Franklin, Emily K Latch, Andrea Putnam, Kristine Schad Eebes, Leah J Williams","doi":"10.1002/zoo.70115","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/zoo.70115","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Maintaining sustainable animal populations is fundamental to zoo and aquarium missions in education, visitor engagement, entertainment, scientific advancement, public health and wellbeing, advocacy, and conservation impact. Yet, sustaining viable populations remains a persistent challenge. Small populations are inherently vulnerable to demographic and genetic challenges which threaten both individual animal welfare and population-level goals. However, as emerging research advances our understanding of population biology, zoos and aquariums are positioned to transform how we sustain ex situ populations. This commentary highlights pressing questions facing the field today, including how to manage the size and structure of populations, integrate genomic advances and emerging technologies, build on interdisciplinary approaches, and ensure our populations have a conservation impact, as well as how we scale our advances across diverse taxa. We examine both the challenges and opportunities that will shape the future of population management in zoos and aquariums.</p>","PeriodicalId":24035,"journal":{"name":"Zoo Biology","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2026-10-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149115617","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Isolated Demes as a Genetic Management Strategy for Ex Situ Conservation Programs.","authors":"Elmar Fienieg, Philippe Helsen, Brian Zimmerman","doi":"10.1002/zoo.70116","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/zoo.70116","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>A large number of freshwater fish, amphibian, and invertebrate insurance populations are managed by zoos and aquariums. Most of these species have very short generation times, which leads to the rapid loss of genetic diversity, reducing the potential to contribute to the survival of the species in the wild. We argue that these programs should consider an isolated deme strategy, where species are managed without exchange between groups. This allows genetic diversity to be maintained through isolation. The potential of such a strategy has been long understood, but there are no known cases where it has been consciously implemented. This seems mainly due to the lack of guidance on when to select it as a strategy, and how to implement it. Based on existing simulations, experiences, and experimental data, the benefits of an isolated deme strategy appear to outweigh the risks of inbreeding for r-selected species like many freshwater fish, amphibians, and invertebrates. We provide guidance for managers to assess if this strategy is appropriate and how to implement it. Acknowledging that more research is still needed, we identify opportunities for new studies that allow for better implementation of isolated deme strategies in the coming decades.</p>","PeriodicalId":24035,"journal":{"name":"Zoo Biology","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2026-10-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149115652","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Impact of a Riding Event and Ambient Temperature on the Heart Rate of Gotlandsruss Ponies.","authors":"Emilia Ahl, Linda Thelin, Lynne U Sneddon","doi":"10.1002/zoo.70112","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/zoo.70112","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Visitors to zoos present unpredictable visual and auditory stimulation for captive animals. Coupled with high ambient temperatures this might prove stressful for animals involved in human interactions. This study aims to determine if Gotlandsruss ponies are stressed by visitors during a childrens riding event at Slottsskogen, a zoo park, in Gothenburg, Sweden and whether ambient temperature also had an impact. Decibel level, temperature, and the ponies heart rate were monitored during the event. Each pony's maximum rate during exercise and resting heart rate were measured to compare with heart rates during the riding event. The impact of sound from visitors and environmental temperature on heart rate was also investigated. The ponies' heart rate during the event would not suggest that they find the event stressful. The resting heart rate was equal that measured on their break during the event and the event heart rate was much lower than that during exercise. Only a few significant correlations could be found between decibel level and heart rate measures, suggesting sound was not an important factor. Temperature and heart rate were however correlated, thus heart rate does increase with temperature. Since the thermal conditions affected heart rate, facilities holding such events should consider methods of increasing shadow coverage for the animals, as well as a temperature limit after which the event will pause for a time. Ambient temperature affected Gotlandsruss ponies, thus providing animals opportunities to cool down in warmer conditions may increase animal welfare.</p>","PeriodicalId":24035,"journal":{"name":"Zoo Biology","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2026-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149115706","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"A Coordinated U.S. Biobank Alliance for the Zoological and Conservation Community.","authors":"Rachel A Johnston, Lisa Moses, Danica Wolfe, Megan E Brown, Asako Y Chaille, Jennifer D'Agostino, Marietta D Danforth, Jimmy Erkens, Alex J Garretson, Diane P Genereux, John A Griffioen, Shelly Grow, Katherine D Heineman, Adrienne Horrigan, Christina Hvilsom, Debbie Johnson, Elinor K Karlsson, Jennifer R Kropf, Kim Labuschagne, Carla B Madelaire, Anna Mekarska, Sarah U Morton, Piper Mullins, Francis J Oliaro, Tahlia Perry, Budhan S Pukazhenthi, Andrea S Putnam, Tanya M Salvey, Rachel Thompson, Andrew C Richardson, Mark Kameron Roth, Cynthia C Steiner, Andrew W Torrance, Gregory J Watkins-Colwell, Michelle White, Eric J Baitchman","doi":"10.1002/zoo.70118","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/zoo.70118","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>With dramatic advancements in biological data generation, genetic rescue and reproductive technologies, and inter-institutional coordination of care across entire animal populations, zoos, aquariums, and their collaborators are uniquely positioned to lead population-wide research benefiting animal wellbeing and species survival. However, procedural and inter-institutional barriers make it exceedingly difficult to access existing zoological biospecimens and data at scale. To address this, the Zoonomics Working Group, representing diverse roles across three zoological associations (AZA, EAZA, WAZA), proposes a biodiversity biobank alliance that develops and delivers shared resources to support the collection, storage, and sharing of biological samples and associated data across the zoological and conservation community. By biobank alliance, we mean a community-guided effort that develops shared resources, standards, ethos, and practices for collecting, storing, and sharing biological samples and associated data voluntarily through transparent processes, consistent with professional accreditation standards and international best practices. While initially focused on addressing the needs and regulatory landscape of U.S. institutions, the alliance is designed to create frameworks that are adaptable and adoptable for international expansion. Such a framework would help the zoological community navigate the ethical, legal, and practical challenges of managing biospecimen collections, making access more efficient, reliable, and robust. Achieving this vision requires collective agreement on ethical principles such as reciprocity, transparency, and data stewardship, ensuring that research is both feasible and proactively supported. Such coordination will drive advances in fundamental biology and accelerate progress in animal health, welfare, management, and biodiversity conservation.</p>","PeriodicalId":24035,"journal":{"name":"Zoo Biology","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2026-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149115685","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Establishing Salvage Incubation Protocols for Abandoned Eggs of the Brown Shrike Lanius cristatus superciliosus.","authors":"Yuji Okahisa, Honoka Yukimoto, Fuka Mamiya, Yorito Kamiya, Akari Akamatsu, Seiichi Hara, Tomoya Fujita, Yoko Matsuyama, Tomikazu Yoneyama, Hironori Takamidou, Azusa Yatsushiro, Rammaru Takimoto, Ryohei Kitani, Hiroaki Matsumiya, Kazutoshi Takami","doi":"10.1002/zoo.70113","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/zoo.70113","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Integrating in situ and ex situ actions is essential to prevent the loss of reproductive output when passerine nests are abandoned. We developed and tested a two‑phase salvage incubation protocol for the endangered Japanese Brown Shrike Lanius cristatus superciliosus. During 2023-2025 in Nagano Prefecture, Japan, eggs judged to be abandoned were placed in modified portable incubators near nest sites for first‑phase bridging incubation and then transferred to Toyohashi Zoo and Botanical Park for second‑phase controlled incubation and hatching under stable conditions. Across 20 nests, 83 eggs were salvaged; 73 showed visible embryonic development, and 41 hatched, yielding a hatching success rate of 0.562 among eggs with visible embryonic development. Generalized linear models with AIC‑based selection supported three predictors of hatching success: (i) more days of parental incubation prior to abandonment, (ii) higher minimum temperature during periods of parental absence in the field, and (iii) a second‑phase regime of 37.8°C with one 5 min cooling event per day, which outperformed no cooling and twice‑daily cooling. These results show that a standardized field-to-facility pipeline can recover reproductive output that would otherwise be lost and provide operational guidance for linking field-based egg salvage with ex situ artificial incubation in passerines.</p>","PeriodicalId":24035,"journal":{"name":"Zoo Biology","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2026-09-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149076119","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}