Zoo Biology最新文献

{"title":"Egg Windowing and Plastic Culture System in Caiman latirostris Embryos, Improving Hatching Success and Offer Potential Management Applications.","authors":"Julieta Cainelli, Trinidad Cordero, María Virginia Parachú Marcó, Samuel Hilevski, Pablo Siroski","doi":"10.1002/zoo.21892","DOIUrl":"10.1002/zoo.21892","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The shell of crocodilian eggs is highly fragile, especially during the early stages of development, making them susceptible to cracking during laying or collection, often resulting in embryo mortality. While numerous studies have explored various techniques for artificially incubating eggs to improve hatching success, particularly concerning issues with eggshells, there is limited information available on this topic for crocodilians. The objective of this research was to assess the hatching and survival success of cracked eggs using the windowing method and ex ovo incubation of Caiman latirostris (C. latirostris) embryos in a culture vessel. We used fertile eggs with cracked shells for the windowing eggs (WE) and ex ovo incubation (EE) treatments, and fertile noncracked eggs shell as control treatment. To ensure contamination-free incubation, all eggs were cleaned with alcohol. In the WE treatment, an eggshell section was removed, while in the EE treatment, embryos were removed from the eggshells. Each treatment was incubated in a culture vessel containing an aqueous antimicrobial solution at 31 ± 1°C. After 38 days of incubation in the culture vessel, the hatching success rates were as follows: 66.67% for WE, 0% for EE, and 100% for the control. Subsequently, the survival of hatchlings from the WE and control groups was 100%. The results suggest that incubation in artificial culture vessels enhances the viability and hatching success of C. latirostris cracked eggs. It works as an effective antimicrobial barrier maintaining sterile conditions and does not interfere with embryonic development. Moreover, the WE method offers unique possibilities for the monitoring of developmental studies and other manipulations of crocodilian embryos. However, the EE method is not advisable, as it does not reproduce the conditions inside the egg.</p>","PeriodicalId":24035,"journal":{"name":"Zoo Biology","volume":" ","pages":"197-201"},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2025-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143469401","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":"Investigating the Welfare of Zoo-Housed Cryptoprocta ferox: Behavioral Observations and Hormonal Profiling.","authors":"Giovanna Marliani, Silvia Calamandrei, Giovanni Buonaiuto, Pier Attilio Accorsi, Camillo Sandri, Caterina Spiezio","doi":"10.1002/zoo.21884","DOIUrl":"10.1002/zoo.21884","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The global decline of species necessitates intensive conservation efforts, including ex-situ breeding programs to safeguard endangered populations. However, managing welfare and reproduction in zoological gardens can present several challenges. This study aims to explore behaviors and endocrinological responses of two specimens of fossa (Cryptoprocta ferox) under human care. One hundred and twenty hours of observation through focal animal sampling continuous recording and 67 fecal samples were collected. From fecal samples, cortisol (FCM), progesterone (FPM), and testosterone (FTM) metabolites' concentrations were analyzed using Radio Immuno Assay. According to our results, higher FTM (p < 0.05) and FPM levels at the beginning of the study, showing a potential alignment with the breeding season. When the male entered the female outdoor area, he recorded longer durations of seeking and marking behaviors (p ≤ 0.01), along with lower FCM levels (p < 0.05), suggesting an enriching effect. In the same period, the female's FCM level was higher (p ≤ 0.01), indicating potential stress. When both animals were in their respective outdoor areas, the FCM level of the female remained significantly higher (p < 0.05), and the male showed a peak in pacing duration (p < 0.01), implying a potential stress or frustration status. In her indoor area, the female exhibited significantly shorter durations of locomotion, marking, and seeking (p < 0.01) and did not show any abnormal behavior, likely due to the reduced complexity of the environment. However, we cannot exclude that her complete visual and olfactory separation from the male and visitors may also have contributed to a decrease in her overall stress levels. The findings highlight the interplay between hormonal fluctuations and behavioral responses in the two zoo-housed fossa, providing essential insights for fostering their well-being and facilitating conservation efforts.</p>","PeriodicalId":24035,"journal":{"name":"Zoo Biology","volume":" ","pages":"178-188"},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2025-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11963218/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142855809","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":"Insights Into the Reproduction and Maturity of the Spinetail Devil Ray (Mobula mobular).","authors":"Itsuki Kiyatake, Konomi Ito, Yusuke Yoshii, Yoshimi Miyagawa, Yoshikazu Kitadani, Kiyonori Nishida","doi":"10.1002/zoo.21888","DOIUrl":"10.1002/zoo.21888","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Little is known about the reproductive biology of the endangered spinetail devil ray (Mobula mobular). Here, we describe the reproductive behavior, estimates of age, size at maturity, embryonic development in the uterine cavity, and the morphology of a neonate produced by a male and female ray kept in Osaka Aquarium KAIYUKAN for 7.5 years. The reproductive behaviors observed included initiation, endurance, evasion, pre-copulation positioning, copulation, and separation. The disc widths (DW) of male and female rays displaying reproductive behaviors were 203 and 204 cm, respectively. The male was estimated to be 7.7 years old after elongation of claspers, while the female was estimated to be 8.9 years old at first mating. A neonate was born 464 days after successful copulation, weighing 11.32 kg, with a DW of 104 cm. These observations are consistent with those of previous studies conducted on wild individuals. This is one of the few reports on the reproductive behavior of spinetail devil ray. Research conducted on this species in captivity is expected to help fill the knowledge gaps for this poorly studied species.</p>","PeriodicalId":24035,"journal":{"name":"Zoo Biology","volume":" ","pages":"189-196"},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2025-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143012986","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":"You \"R/R\" What You Eat: Effects of High-Fiber, Low-Starch Diet Change on Regurgitation and Reingestion and Coprophagy in Zoo-Housed Gorillas.","authors":"Lisa P Barrett, Jennifer D'Agostino, Heather Guillory, Kimberly Leser, Laura Bottaro, Rebecca J Snyder","doi":"10.1002/zoo.21885","DOIUrl":"10.1002/zoo.21885","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Regurgitation and reingestion (R/R) and coprophagy are common behaviors exhibited by primates living in human care. To reduce this undesirable behavior in two troops of western lowland gorillas (Gorilla gorilla gorilla), the diet was modified by increasing fiber (by increasing browse) and decreasing starch (by reducing but not eliminating biscuits). We monitored behavior before, 3 weeks after, and 1 year after the diet change. One year after the diet change, the family group's diet was modified by adding more fruit to facilitate training. We documented significantly increased feeding activity for both troops, with time spent feeding doubling for one troop. Some individuals initially increased R/R or coprophagy behaviors but these increases were not significant, and 1 year after the diet change R/R was significantly reduced in the silverback male who had been known to exhibit R/R up to multiple times per day. In the family troop, coprophagy later decreased when animals were reunited and spent more time outdoors (for reasons unrelated to the diet change study), but this was not significant. This is the first published study to assess the behavioral effects of a high-fiber, low-starch diet on gorillas one full year after the diet change was made, and we demonstrated that the diet continued to positively impact some individuals' behavior. We discuss implications of our findings and suggest future directions for institutions that seek to reduce these behaviors in primates without necessarily completely eliminating biscuits from their diets.</p>","PeriodicalId":24035,"journal":{"name":"Zoo Biology","volume":" ","pages":"166-177"},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2025-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11963217/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142855810","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":"The Provision of Browse and Its Impacts on the Health and Welfare of Animals at the Zoo: A Review.","authors":"Margaret Ramont, Nicole Principe, Rachel Prostko, Jennifer Watts, Sathya K Chinnadurai, Lance J Miller","doi":"10.1002/zoo.21883","DOIUrl":"10.1002/zoo.21883","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Browsers are animals that consume significant proportions of leaves, twigs, and bark from woody plants. These species have evolved morphological, physiological, and behavioral adaptations to subsist on a specialized diet. In zoos and other managed care facilities, the provision of browse in appropriate amounts helps promote positive animal welfare. Feeding on browse fulfills behavioral needs and reduces stereotypies, promotes satiety, and provides opportunities for dietary choice and control. However, there are several obstacles that can prevent institutions from providing browse, including physical and chemical hazards, palatability issues, and the difficulty in quantifying the nutritional value of browse. In addition, providing large enough quantities of browse can be challenging, and fresh browse may be especially difficult to provide for zoos in temperate climates. We describe the methods currently utilized to preserve browse and discuss their strengths and weaknesses. We recommend areas of future research for browse provision in zoos.</p>","PeriodicalId":24035,"journal":{"name":"Zoo Biology","volume":" ","pages":"105-125"},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2025-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142847836","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":"Growth and Mortality of Zoo-Reared Ozark Hellbenders, Cryptobranchus alleganiensis bishopi (Grobman 1943).","authors":"D Cristina Macklem, Lauren Augustine, Mark D Wanner, Jeffery A Ettling, Trisha Crabill, Amanda S Pedigo, Chawna Schuette, Patty L Ihrig-Bueckendorf, Aja J Martin, Katie R Noble, Justin M Elden, Jeffrey T Briggler","doi":"10.1002/zoo.21870","DOIUrl":"10.1002/zoo.21870","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Ozark hellbender (Cryptobranchus alleganiensis bishopi, Grobman 1943) populations in Missouri and Arkansas have been federally listed as endangered since 2011. As part of the comprehensive recovery plan for the subspecies, the Saint Louis Zoo WildCare Institute's Ron and Karen Goellner Center for Hellbender Conservation, in collaboration with the Missouri Department of Conservation, Arkansas Game and Fish Commission, and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, established a conservation breeding and head-starting program to augment and create self-sustaining wild populations. We examined how the river of origin and egg origin (i.e., Zoo-bred or wild-bred) influenced various growth and mortality responses of Zoo-reared Ozark hellbenders. River of origin significantly predicted most larval and long-term Zoo-reared Ozark hellbender growth responses, with our results concurring with observed differences in wild populations and known genetic relationships between Ozark hellbender populations. Mortality of Zoo-reared Ozark hellbenders was often predicted by river of origin and egg origin with Zoo-bred hellbenders having significantly higher proportional mortality responses relative to wild-bred hellbenders. Further exploration of this egg origin relationship revealed differences between the Zoo breeding group generations with higher proportional mortality rates for hellbenders from the less mature second-generation breeding group relative to hellbenders from the first-generation breeding group and wild-bred hellbenders. Ultimately, our results provide baseline data on Zoo-bred and wild-bred Ozark hellbenders in the program, help identify differences in growth and mortality responses between Ozark hellbender populations, and contribute to existing evidence supporting distinct populations of Ozark hellbenders in Missouri to aid in targeted conservation strategies.</p>","PeriodicalId":24035,"journal":{"name":"Zoo Biology","volume":" ","pages":"72-86"},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2025-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11802483/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142717156","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":"Do African Savanna Elephants (Loxodonta africana) Show Interspecific Social Long-Term Memory for Their Zoo Keepers?","authors":"Martin Kränzlin, Idu Azogu-Sepe, Emmanuelle Pouydebat, Christine Böhmer","doi":"10.1002/zoo.21871","DOIUrl":"10.1002/zoo.21871","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>\"An elephant never forgets\" is a popular phrase that refers not only to the elephant's extraordinary ability to remember migration routes but also to its pronounced social long-term memory (SLTM). Previous studies have shown intra- and interspecies SLTM performance, but the ability of elephants to have memories of individual humans has not yet been investigated. We tested this interspecific SLTM using auditory, olfactory, and visual stimuli, each from familiar and unfamiliar persons, in two African savanna elephant (Loxodonta africana) cows living in a zoo. The two-choice object tests revealed a higher interest in sensory stimuli from familiar keepers they had not seen for 13 years than in unfamiliar people. Statistically significant differences were found for olfactory stimuli. In addition, there was significantly more interest in visual stimuli from current keepers than in stimuli from unfamiliar people. Contrary to the results of a previous study with elephants, this was not observed for olfactory stimuli. Due to the small sample size and magnitude of the influencing factors, that is, outdoor experiment, only spatial separation of the animals, these results only represent indications of the possible interspecific SLTM. Nevertheless, we were able to provide the first empirical evidence that L. africana stores information about specific people over a long period of time. Further studies with larger sample sizes, cross-modal testing, and people disliked by the elephants could provide more insights.</p>","PeriodicalId":24035,"journal":{"name":"Zoo Biology","volume":" ","pages":"3-15"},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2025-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11802488/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142381694","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":"Liver and Let Die? A Retrospective Analysis of Secretarybird Mortality in European Zoos.","authors":"Roshan Ings, James Edward Brereton, Graeme Dick","doi":"10.1002/zoo.21878","DOIUrl":"10.1002/zoo.21878","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The secretarybird (Sagittarius serpentarius) is a threatened African raptor species, and as such requires conservation attention. While the species is managed under a European Association of Zoos and Aquaria (EAZA) Ex-situ Programme (EEP), no studies of mortality are currently available. A retrospective mortality project was therefore conducted to identify the most common causes of death in captive secretarybirds, with a view to informing management decisions. Data were collected by requesting the postmortem reports from zoos where secretarybirds had died and combining this with the existing data recorded in the Zoological Information Management System. Overall, 167 birds were recorded as having died within the EEP population, of which post-mortem information was available for 51 (30.54%) individuals. Trauma was the most common cause of death identified (22 birds, 13.17%), with infection appearing as the second most prevalent cause (15 birds, 8.98%). One incidental finding at postmortem was that many (9) birds showed evidence of liver damage, with reports of bacterial hepatitis, staphylococcal infection, lesions, and dark coloration. Further research into liver complications and diet composition for secretarybirds may therefore have value in reducing mortality. Similarly, investigating strategies to reduce trauma caused by other enclosure occupants or conspecifics may have value in lengthening lifespans for this endangered species.</p>","PeriodicalId":24035,"journal":{"name":"Zoo Biology","volume":" ","pages":"49-56"},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2025-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142547963","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":"Deep Dive Into Noninvasive Biometrics: A Pilot Journey Using Stereo-Video in a Public Aquarium.","authors":"Ana Ferreira, Simão Santos, Gonçalo Silva, Núria Baylina","doi":"10.1002/zoo.21875","DOIUrl":"10.1002/zoo.21875","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Accurate collection of biometric data is important for understanding the biology and conservation of marine organisms, including elasmobranch and teleost fish, both in nature and controlled environments where monitoring marine specimens' health is mandatory. Traditional methods involving specimen capture and handling are invasive, stressful, and disruptive. Some techniques like underwater visual census or laser photogrammetry have been used for noninvasive data collection, but they have limitations and biases. The application of stereo-video photogrammetry through the use of diver-operated stereo-video systems (stereo-DOV) is a noninvasive method that overcomes these challenges, providing highly accurate measurements. It has become popular for species monitoring, studying anthropogenic impacts, and assessing length distributions. However, this technique is still uncommon and barely reported in aquarium settings. This study describes an innovative pilot study targeting multiple species carried out in a Public Aquarium, using a low-cost house-made device. The results revealed that measuring more than 100 individuals in approximately 1 day's work is possible. Total and fork lengths were estimated using specific software for 31 teleost and 16 elasmobranch species and compared with real measurements for the available species. Despite technical limitations that must be reviewed for application in future studies that resulted in high root mean square (RMS) values (> 20 mm), differences between methodological approaches revealed a minimal discrepancy (1.37%-5% in large sharks and rays and 1.8%-5.5% in teleost fish). This technique has time and cost requirements, but might represent a major advance in husbandry and in the contribution to conservation that ex situ studies can provide.</p>","PeriodicalId":24035,"journal":{"name":"Zoo Biology","volume":" ","pages":"92-97"},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2025-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142476363","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":"Ambassador Animals Do Not Have a Clear Effect on Visitor Conservation Knowledge and Attitudes Toward Exotic Pets at a Zoo Exhibit.","authors":"Daniel G Kirsch, Anna C MacPherson, Caterina N Meyers, Sarah L Bowser, Sara M Kross","doi":"10.1002/zoo.21872","DOIUrl":"10.1002/zoo.21872","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>There is relatively little work examining visitor outcomes of ambassador animal programs, such as whether these programs are educationally effective or unintentionally promote exotic pet ownership. We designed a two-way factorial experiment to test whether ambassador animals enhanced or detracted from the educational outcomes of a zoo exhibit. We surveyed 312 visitors at the Oakland Zoo at a static exhibit focused on the illegal wildlife trade. Participants were surveyed either before or after visiting the exhibit, with or without a trainer presenting either an ambassador ball python (Python regius) or yellow-naped Amazon parrot (Amazona auropalliata). The survey assessed attitudes toward conservation, knowledge of conservation behavior, and the suitability of various species, including the ambassador species, as pets. We used an ANOVA to examine 299 complete surveys for differences between experimental groups' mean responses. There were no significant differences in conservation attitudes. Subjects demonstrated more knowledge of conservation behavior after leaving the exhibit, regardless of whether or not an animal was present. While the exhibit reduced favorable attitudes toward parrots as pets, ambassador animal presence neither positively nor negatively impacted on this effect. Participants who viewed a python were more likely to indicate that they viewed a python as a good pet. However, the sample expressed overall negative attitudes toward exotic pet ownership. This study suggests that ambassadors neither enhanced learning nor unintentionally promoted exotic pets. Further research is needed to understand the role of interpretive messaging when using ambassadors in an educational context.</p>","PeriodicalId":24035,"journal":{"name":"Zoo Biology","volume":" ","pages":"36-48"},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2025-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142523158","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}