Zoo Biology最新文献

{"title":"Correction to \"Larger Than Life? Body Mass Records of Zoo-Managed Giant Anteaters (Myrmecophaga Tridactyla)\".","authors":"","doi":"10.1002/zoo.70093","DOIUrl":"10.1002/zoo.70093","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":24035,"journal":{"name":"Zoo Biology","volume":" ","pages":"649"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2026-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148798593","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":"Effects of Roscovitine and Serum Starvation on the Viability and G₀/G₁ Synchronization in Somatic Cells from the Antillean Manatee (Trichechus manatus manatus, Linnaeus 1758).","authors":"Luanna Lorenna Vieira Rodrigues, Leonardo Vitorino Costa de Aquino, Lhara Ricarliany Medeiros de Oliveira, João Vitor da Silva Viana, Sarah Sant'Anna Maranhão, Maria Claudia Dos Santos Luciano, Radan Elvis Matias de Oliveira, Fábia Oliveira Luna, Fernanda Loffler Niemeyer Attademo, Claudia Pessoa, Alexsandra Fernandes Pereira","doi":"10.1002/zoo.70108","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/zoo.70108","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The success of nuclear reprogramming techniques, including the G₀/G₁ synchronization of somatic cells, depends on species-specific optimization. While roscovitine and serum starvation have been successfully applied in domestic and wild terrestrial mammals, their use in aquatic mammals remains poorly investigated. The development of cellular reprogramming protocols in Antillean manatees, a flagship and endangered aquatic species, represents a promising tool for advancing conservation efforts. This study evaluated the effects of 10 µM roscovitine (12 and 24 h) and serum starvation (0.5% serum for 24 h) on G₀/G₁ phase synchronization and viability in somatic cells of the Antillean manatee using flow cytometry. Additionally, we assessed cell morphology, viability, and apoptosis through microscopy-based analyses. The results showed that neither serum starvation (68.4%) nor roscovitine treatment (12 h: 84.3%; 24 h: 79.3%) enhanced G₀/G₁ synchronization compared to the control group (83.4%). Serum starvation significantly reduced the proportion of G₀/G₁-phase cells compared to the 12 h roscovitine group and the control (p < 0.05). No differences were observed in morphology or viability across groups (p > 0.05). However, extended exposure to roscovitine (24 h) increased apoptotic markers compared to the control group. In summary, although roscovitine (12 h) and serum starvation did not compromise cell viability, neither method effectively induced G₀/G₁ synchronization under the conditions tested. Studies are needed to elucidate the in vitro behavior of Antillean manatee somatic cells and to optimize protocols for nuclear reprogramming applications.</p>","PeriodicalId":24035,"journal":{"name":"Zoo Biology","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2026-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148866878","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":"Changes of Microbial and Component Composition of Giraffe Milk During Mid- to Late Lactation.","authors":"G Osthoff, C J Hugo, S Van der Merwe, A Hugo, F Deacon","doi":"10.1002/zoo.70110","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/zoo.70110","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The proximate, mineral and microbiological composition of milk from five giraffes from mid lactation to dry-out is reported. This covered the lactation time from nine to 16 months. The composition of milk at approximately 9.4 months lactation consisted of dry matter at 17.7 g/100 g milk made up of 3.4 g/100 g protein, 4.7 g/100 g lactose, 8.8 g/100 g fat, 0.9 g/100 g ash and 0.03 g/100 g NPN. The major minerals consisted of 30.2 mg/100 g Na, 113.5 mg/100 g K, 139.5 mg/100 g Ca, 77.7 mg/100 g P and 0.6 mg/100 g Zn. The gross energy was 119.4 kCal/100 g. At 12 months lactation the dry matter remained unchanged at 17.0 g/100 g, however, the ash and protein as well as Ca, P and Na increased. At 15.1 months lactation, the milk composition changed to 20 g/100 g dry matter consisting of lactose at 0.9 g/100 g, 8.8 g/100 g protein, 3.5 g/100 g fat, 2.2 g/100 g ash, 0.08 g/100 g NPN, 233.2 mg/100 g Na, 121.6 mg/100 g K, 293.2 mg/100 g Ca, 188.9 mg/100 g P, 0.7 mg/100 g Zn and a gross energy of 87.6 kCal/100 g. At 16 months lactation, all the animals tested were completely dry. The microbial quality of the milk was very high, conforming to legal microbial limits of agricultural milk. Lactation stage had a decreasing effect on the total bacteria count and an increasing effect on yeast and mould counts. The warmer months of the year had an increasing effect on the total bacteria count, while the yeast and mould counts declined.</p>","PeriodicalId":24035,"journal":{"name":"Zoo Biology","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2026-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148866925","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":"Nutritional Composition of Invasive Blue Catfish (Ictalurus Furcatus) as a Diet Alternative for Piscivorous Species in Zoos and Aquariums.","authors":"Ellen S Dierenfeld, Branson D Williams, Joseph Love, Amy Laliberte","doi":"10.1002/zoo.70088","DOIUrl":"10.1002/zoo.70088","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Blue catfish (Ictalurus furcatus) remain a prevalent invasive species in the Chesapeake Bay, with juveniles a common bycatch during commercial fishing operations. Rather than returning them to the water as is the current practice, these smaller-bodied fish can be harvested for niche markets, including as forage fish consumed by piscivorous species in zoos and aquariums. Baseline compositional data are useful for balanced diet formulation, determination of necessary supplementation regimens, and contributions to animal health. The nutritional value of whole juvenile blue catfish ( ~ 100 mm-300 mm total length) was determined in 9 samples collected during June from 3 separate locations in three different tributary rivers. Composition of fish varied among rivers [water content (ranging from 71% to 78%, as-fed basis), protein (50%-69%), crude fat (16%-36%), and ash (12%-20%, all dry matter basis]. Ranges approximated that of fish species commonly used in managed feeding programs, as did amino acid balance. While polyunsaturated fatty acids comprised only 22%-27% of total fatty acids measured, total omega-3 to omega-6 fatty acid ratios averaged ~1:1. Both macro- and trace mineral levels were within expected ranges for whole prey, with no indication of elevated heavy metal contaminants. Fish contained fat-soluble vitamin D and E levels averaging 4722 and 26 IU/kg dry matter, respectively, and unexpected levels of particular water-soluble vitamins such as biotin (193 mg/kg) and folic acid (648 mg/kg). Locally sourced juvenile blue catfish from Chesapeake Bay may be an alternative diet ingredient for piscivores and other carnivores, while removal simultaneously benefits local aquatic ecosystems and native species habitats.</p>","PeriodicalId":24035,"journal":{"name":"Zoo Biology","volume":" ","pages":"643-648"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2026-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148563192","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":"Effects of Density and Food Availability on the Growth of Captive-Reared Eastern Hellbenders.","authors":"Shelby M Royal, Summer S Brown, Nicholas G Burgmeier, Rod N Williams, Jason T Hoverman","doi":"10.1002/zoo.70087","DOIUrl":"10.1002/zoo.70087","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Nascent captive rearing programs often lack empirical data to inform the development of husbandry practices. This lack of data, especially for density and food availability recommendations, can lead to suboptimal husbandry standards that can impair growth or survival. We conducted two experiments with captive-reared Eastern Hellbenders (Cryptobranchus alleganiensis alleganiensis) to explore the effects of husbandry conditions on growth. In the first experiment, we examined growth after 7 months when reared at three densities (low, medium, or high). We found no differences in growth among the treatments. In the second experiment, we examined the interactive effects of density and food availability on growth over 8 months. The experiment was a 3 × 3 factorial design with three densities (low, medium, and high) and three food availability treatments (low, medium, and high). We found a significant effect of food availability on growth during the experiment, but no effect of density or interactive effects. Averaged across the density treatments, we found that growth was 26%-46% greater in the high food availability treatment compared to the low and medium food availability treatments. This work suggests that food is the major factor limiting captive-reared Hellbender growth and that increasing rearing density to the tested levels does not negatively impact growth. Implementing these changes may result in larger, more robust Hellbenders and increase the success of reintroduction programs.</p>","PeriodicalId":24035,"journal":{"name":"Zoo Biology","volume":" ","pages":"589-597"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2026-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13650809/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148259822","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"How Enrichment Aesthetic Shapes Zoo Visitor Perceptions of Chimpanzee Behavior and Conservation.","authors":"John A Humphrey, Elizabeth P Derryberry","doi":"10.1002/zoo.70111","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/zoo.70111","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Public perceptions of chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes) are shaped by the context in which they are viewed. Prior research shows that images of chimpanzees with people or in human-like settings can distort how people perceive their suitability as a pet and their conservation status. This raises questions about how unnatural enrichment provided to zoo-housed chimpanzees might influence public perception of the apes, especially when items resemble human objects. In this study, we investigated how the aesthetic of enrichment-natural versus non-natural-provided to chimpanzees living at the Chattanooga Zoo in Tennessee impacts visitor perceptions of chimpanzee behavior and conservation. Enrichment items were selected to elicit five species-specific behaviors, and they came in natural and non-natural forms for each goal behavior. Each day, chimpanzees received one type of enrichment in their habitat, and adult zoo visitors were invited to complete a survey while observing the apes. We analyzed visitor responses and determined (1) enrichment aesthetic does not impact visitor perceptions of chimpanzee behavior, conservation, or pet suitability, (2) visitors most commonly associate chimpanzees with a conservation status of vulnerable in contrast to their actual status as endangered, and (3) as enrichment objects help visitors consider protecting the natural environment of wild chimpanzees, they show more support for conservation organizations. Our findings provide insight into how enrichment aesthetics may influence visitor perceptions of animals and support broader conservation education goals held by zoos.</p>","PeriodicalId":24035,"journal":{"name":"Zoo Biology","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2026-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148866873","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":"Tightening the Sphincter on Faecal Sample Anonymity: The Case of the Weddell Seal (Leptonychotes weddellii).","authors":"John van den Hoff, Kerry V Fanson, Andrea Polanowski, Simon Wotherspoon","doi":"10.1002/zoo.70083","DOIUrl":"10.1002/zoo.70083","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Coincident with the non-invasive collection of samples from free-ranging, unmarked animals come issues of sample anonymity. Weddell seals are an ecologically important Antarctic species, but their distribution overlaps humans and their life-history behaviours limit direct observation. Faecal deposits on sea ice provide a valuable, non-invasive window into their physiology and health, but meaningful interpretation hinges on determining sample sex. Historically, sex-typing of faecal samples has relied on polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to detect sex-specific genetic markers. An alternative approach involves quantifying faecal steroid metabolites (FSM), which may offer a more cost-effective method while also yielding broader physiological insights. In this study, we used the standard PCR approach to establish sample sex and then evaluated the ability of FSMs to discriminate between sexes. PCR of the SRY and ZFX/ZFY loci successfully sex-typed 96% of the samples collected. Of the range of predictive models tested, the generalised linear model (glm) with the lowest AIC value, that included the main effects of untransformed steroid metabolite levels, predicted sample sex from EIA of FSM with sex established by PCR in 81 of 89 samples tested (91% accuracy). Log transformations of steroid levels and increased model complexity only marginally improved prediction accuracy to 93%. In conjunction with understanding the broader endocrinology of a species, the quantification of steroid metabolites by EIA serves as an alternative means of accurately sex-typing anonymous faecal samples across an increasing range of vertebrate taxa.</p>","PeriodicalId":24035,"journal":{"name":"Zoo Biology","volume":" ","pages":"572-579"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2026-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148176908","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":"Evaluation of the Sex and Species Distribution, Breeding, and Life Expectancy of Zoo-Housed Chameleons.","authors":"Amélie Aduriz, Floriane Plard, Claire Vergneau-Grosset","doi":"10.1002/zoo.70078","DOIUrl":"10.1002/zoo.70078","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>More than a third of the 202 identified chameleon species are classified as \"vulnerable\" or \"critically endangered\". No data is available regarding the life expectancy of chameleons kept in zoos. The objectives of this study were to determine the sex and species distribution of chameleons kept in zoological institutions, and to assess their reproductive status and life expectancy by sex and species. Distribution and reproduction data of 203 zoos were collected through the Species360's Zoological Information Management System (ZIMS) database. Historical demographic data (1980-2024) of chameleons kept in zoos was also collected. A Bayesian survival trajectory analysis was performed to determine the average life expectancy at birth by sex and species for seven chameleon species with more than 70 individuals of each sex. In 2021, 17.8% (36/202) of all identified chameleon species were represented in ZIMS-registered zoos, with panther (Furcifer pardalis; 36%) and veiled (Chamaeleo calyptratus; 27%) chameleons being the most common. Eight species of chameleons were reproduced in zoos, with Jackson's chameleons (Trioceros jacksonii) accounting for 51% of the reported births. Males were more common than females in panther (p < 0.0001) chameleons, while females were more prevalent in common (Chamaeleo chamaeleon; p = 0.003) and Parson's (Calumma parsoni; p = 0.03) chameleons. Veiled and panther chameleons displayed a significant male survival advantage. This study suggests the need to implement changes to promote the conservation of Chamaeleonidae in zoos, including increasing the female:male ratio since males live longer than females in certain species.</p>","PeriodicalId":24035,"journal":{"name":"Zoo Biology","volume":" ","pages":"544-558"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2026-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13650796/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147975977","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Perspectives on the Role of Zoos in Conservation From Non-Zoo Conservation Professionals.","authors":"Nichole L Nageotte, Lynn Von Hagen, L Stefan Ekernas, Angela Yang","doi":"10.1002/zoo.70075","DOIUrl":"10.1002/zoo.70075","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Modern zoos have increasingly positioned themselves as conservation organizations. However, it is unclear to what extent conservation professionals from other types of organizations view zoos' roles in conservation. This research explored the perceptions of 116 conservation professionals to understand how they view zoos in the broader conservation context. We examined how participants perceived the current role of zoos in conservation and their beliefs regarding how zoos can increase their conservation impacts. Education was described most frequently as both a current role and an important way to increase impact. Ex situ conservation was another frequently described current role of zoos, although fewer participants suggested this as a means to increase impact. Instead, suggestions included supporting in situ efforts and collaborating with non-zoo conservation organizations and local communities. By understanding the perceptions that non-zoo conservationists hold toward zoo conservation efforts, zoos can better identify ways to improve collaborations, communication, and capacity sharing with other organizations to increase our collective conservation impact.</p>","PeriodicalId":24035,"journal":{"name":"Zoo Biology","volume":" ","pages":"515-523"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2026-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147843569","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":"Behavioral Responses of Zoo Animals During a Total Solar Eclipse in the Absence of Visitors.","authors":"Louis Lazure, Pierre Chastenay, Chelsey Paquette","doi":"10.1002/zoo.70090","DOIUrl":"10.1002/zoo.70090","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Our understanding of the impact of solar eclipse events on animal behaviors is mostly based on anecdotal reports, and rigorous scientific studies are scarce. On April 8, 2024, a significant portion of North America witnessed a rare total solar eclipse. This was a unique chance to study how animals in zoological institutions react to unpredictable and sudden environmental changes. Although based on a short-duration event (approximately 3 h in total and 1-4 min of total eclipse), such an event is an opportunity to carry out comparative studies on animal behavior and cognition. We compared the behavior and space use of animals during the eclipse to the same time period on days before and after the eclipse (baseline). While most species showed little response, Japanese macaques showed a significant and noticeable response by reducing their activity level and moving up higher on branches in their habitat. They returned to their normal behavior when the light intensity came back to normal. Zebras reacted with increased activity level and some signs of stress that lasted beyond totality. Incidentally, we found that the observers' subjective appraisal of behavioral responses does not fully match the data collected, emphasizing the importance of standardized protocols and training in animal behavior studies. As the zoo was closed to visitors during the observations, our study allows for a better understanding of animal behavioral reactions to total eclipse events, without the confusing effect of surrounding humans' reactions.</p>","PeriodicalId":24035,"journal":{"name":"Zoo Biology","volume":" ","pages":"618-626"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2026-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148391650","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}