Zoo Animals’ Behavior Shift During COVID-19 Closures: A Behavioral Study
Primates’ routines were notably altered when the usual hustle and bustle of zoo visitors disappeared during COVID-19 lockdowns, revealing insights into animal welfare and adaptability.
by Archyde News Staff
The COVID-19 pandemic forced widespread changes, and even zoo animals had to adjust to the sudden absence of daily crowds. A 2022 study in the journal animals, spearheaded by researchers in the UK, examined how primates—bonobos, chimpanzees, western lowland gorillas, and olive baboons—responded to these unusual conditions. The study revealed alterations in their behavior, affecting key aspects such as resting and eating habits.
Visitor interactions are considered vital for zoo animal welfare, as noted in a report on MDPI. However, these interactions can have both positive and negative effects. Researchers were particularly interested in observing the impact of the visitor absence on animal behavior.
The Primate Viewpoint
“Primates are some of the most cognitively advanced species in zoos, and their interactions with visitors are complex,” said Samantha Ward, a zoo animal welfare scientist from Nottingham Trent University in the UK.”A limitation to understanding how visitors can affect the behavior of animals in zoos and parks is that they rarely close to the public for prolonged periods, so this provided us with a unique chance.”
The study, conducted at Twycross Zoo and Knowsley Safari in the UK, chronicled primate behavior both before and after reopening, offering a before-and-after snapshot. The observations spanned several months and multiple closure periods,revealing significant behavioral changes specific to each species.
The implications of this research extend beyond the UK. Zoos across the U.S., from the Bronx Zoo in New York to the San Diego Zoo, can use these findings to refine their animal management practices. Understanding how visitor presence affects animal behavior is crucial for creating environments that cater to the welfare of each species.
Behavioral Changes Documented
The research highlighted different behavioral shifts among the primate groups:
- Bonobos and Gorillas: As visitor numbers increased upon reopening,these primates spent less time alone. Gorillas also reduced their resting periods.
- Chimpanzees: Reacted to the zoos’ reopening by eating more and engaging more actively with their enclosures.
- Olive Baboons: Showed a decrease in sexual and dominance behaviors when visitors returned. They also approached visitor cars more frequently than ranger vehicles during the closed period.
Interpreting the Results: Positive or Negative?
Determining whether these changes are beneficial or detrimental is complex. Researchers suggest that the return of visitors stimulated chimpanzees and baboons, which could be seen as positive. Similarly, gorillas and bonobos spending less time alone might indicate improved social interaction.
ellen Williams, a zoo animal welfare researcher from Harper Adams University in the UK, noted, “behavioral changes and changes in enclosure use in the presence of visitors highlights the adaptability of zoo species to their environments. Provision of environments which enable animals to actively adapt in this manner is really important for their welfare.”
Though, some changes could be seen as disruptive. For instance, the reduced resting time in gorillas, who naturally prefer a sedentary lifestyle, might suggest discomfort or stress caused by the increased activity around them. The fact that gorillas changed their enclosure preferences when visitors returned indicates they were actively trying to manage the disruption.
These findings are particularly relevant in the U.S., where zoos are often designed to maximize visitor engagement. Balancing visitor experiance with animal welfare requires careful consideration of how different species react to human presence and activity.
news/news-articles/2022/08/primate-behavior-changed-as-zoos-closed-for-pandemic,-research-suggests">“behavioral changes and changes in enclosure use in the presence of visitors highlights the adaptability of zoo species to their environments,”
Ellen Williams, Harper Adams University
Visitor Thresholds and Adaptability
The study also found that olive baboons exhibited a threshold in their response to visitors. Beyond a certain number of visitors, their activity and stimulation plateaued, indicating a limit to the positive effects of visitor interaction. This suggests that managing visitor numbers could be crucial for optimizing animal welfare.
This concept of a “visitor threshold” is a critical insight for zoos in the U.S., where managing crowds is a constant challenge, especially during peak seasons. Understanding the point at which visitor presence becomes detrimental can inform strategies for crowd control and enclosure design.
animal welfare researchers recognize that visitors can influence wildlife in various ways—from providing companionship and security to causing annoyance or even representing a threat. Factoring these impacts into zoo and park management is essential for creating environments that prioritize animal well-being.
future Research Directions
While future lockdowns are not anticipated, researchers plan to extend this work by examining the effects of visitor numbers on a broader range of species over a longer period.
“Future work could involve looking at the impact on a wider range of species in both zoos and safari parks as well as differences among individual animals,” said Williams.
news/news-articles/2022/08/primate-behaviour-changed-as-zoos-closed-for-pandemic,-research-suggests">“Future work could involve looking at the impact on a wider range of species in both zoos and safari parks as well as differences among individual animals,”
Ellen Williams, Harper Adams University
For U.S. zoos, this future research could inform decisions about enclosure design, visitor management, and animal enrichment programs. by continually monitoring and understanding animal behavior, zoos can adapt their practices to ensure the best possible welfare for their animals.
Practical Applications for U.S. Zoos
The findings from this study have several practical applications for zoos and safari parks across the United States:
| Submission Area | Practical Implication | U.S. Example |
|---|---|---|
| Enclosure Design | Create varied spaces allowing animals to retreat from or engage with visitors. | The Smithsonian National Zoological Park in Washington, D.C., incorporates natural habitats that allow animals to exhibit natural behaviors while still being visible to the public. |
| Visitor Management | Implement strategies to manage crowd sizes, particularly during peak seasons, to avoid overstimulation. | The San Diego Zoo uses timed ticketing and designated viewing areas to control visitor flow and minimize disruption to animal habitats. |
| Enrichment Programs | Develop enrichment activities that cater to the specific needs and responses of different species to visitor presence. | The Lincoln Park Zoo in Chicago offers a variety of enrichment activities, such as puzzle feeders and scent trails, designed to stimulate animals mentally and physically, regardless of visitor presence. |
| Behavioral Monitoring | Continuously monitor and analyse animal behavior to understand the long-term effects of visitor interactions. | The Bronx Zoo in new York conducts ongoing behavioral studies to assess animal welfare and adapt management practices based on observed behaviors. |
Zoo Animal Behavior During COVID-19: An Expert Interview
Archyde News recently explored a interesting study on how primates at zoos reacted to the absence and return of visitors during the COVID-19 lockdowns. To delve deeper into these findings and thier implications for animal welfare, we spoke with Dr. Evelyn Reed, a leading zoologist and animal behavior specialist at the Global Wildlife Conservation Institute.
The Impact of visitor Presence on Zoo Animals
Archyde: Dr.Reed, thank you for joining us. Could you start by giving us an overview of the study’s key findings regarding primate behavior changes during the pandemic closures and reopenings?
Dr. Reed: Certainly. The study highlighted critically important shifts in primate behavior. We observed that the absence of visitors,and then their return,affected different species in unique ways. Bonobos and gorillas,for example,exhibited changes in their social behaviours,spending less time alone when visitors returned. Chimpanzees ate more and interacted more with their enclosures when zoos reopened. Baboons, in contrast, showed decreased sexual/dominance behaviors upon the return of visitors.
Interpreting Behavioral Shifts
Archyde: The study explored whether these changes were positive or negative. How do you interpret those findings, especially concerning the concept of a “visitor threshold” that was mentioned?
Dr. Reed: Determining the impact is quite nuanced. Some changes,like increased activity in chimpanzees,might be seen as positive,almost a form of stimulation. The visitor threshold concept is crucial. It suggests that beyond a certain visitor number, the benefits may diminish, and potentially even become detrimental for animal welfare. The same can be said for the baboons’ plateauing activity after a specific visitor number.
Practical Applications for U.S. Zoos
Archyde: How can U.S. zoos practically apply these findings in their daily operations and future planning?
Dr. Reed: This research is incredibly valuable. Firstly, enclosure design: zoos should create spaces that allow animals to choose how much they interact with visitors. Secondly, visitor management is vital. If a visitor threshold exists,zoos should implement crowd control measures during peak seasons to avoid overstimulation.Thirdly, enrichment programs: tailoring enrichment activities to specific species and their reactions to visitor presence is essential. And of course, continuous behavioral monitoring allows for the improvement of management practices based on observed behaviors.
Future Research and Adaptability
Archyde: The article discusses future research directions. What are your thoughts on the importance of expanding this research, and what other factors should be considered?
Dr. Reed: The ability of zoo animals to adapt to their habitat is fascinating. The adaptability of zoo species, particularly in the face of such an unusual disruption, is truly remarkable.Future research should look into the data about individual animals—their personalities and histories—to improve our understanding and improve our methods of caring for them. studying a wider array of species is a must. This could include carnivores, birds, and even reptiles, to gain a broader viewpoint on how public presence impacts animal behavior.
Balancing Visitor Experience and Animal Welfare
Archyde: This research highlights the complex balance between providing a valuable visitor experience and ensuring optimal animal welfare. What strategies can zoos use to strike this balance effectively?
Dr. Reed: It’s a matter of continuous monitoring and adjustment. Zoos should use the insights to proactively manage interactions. This could involve timed ticketing, designated viewing areas to manage visitor concentrations, and designing enclosures that allow animals to retreat as needed.Educating visitors about animal behavior and welfare is also crucial, helping them appreciate the complexity of these issues and making informed decisions.
A thought-Provoking Question
Archyde: Dr. Reed, what is the most surprising or significant takeaway from this study for you?
Dr. Reed: For me,the most striking aspect is how quickly these animals adapted to a vastly changed environment. It underscores the importance of viewing zoos as dynamic environments, and focusing on welfare improvements. What does everyone else think? Share your ideas on how we can improve animal welfare in the comments!
Archyde: Thank you for your insights, Dr. Reed. It’s been a very informative discussion.
Dr. Reed: My pleasure.
