Wellness as Welfare

Abstract

While conservation and education are the main pillars of successful zoos, a growing emphasis on science and animal welfare is the next frontier of excellence. Nested in animal welfare, veterinary medicine, and behavioral science, the philosophy and practice of wellness is a new concept for zoos preparing for national leadership in the domain of animal welfare. The construct of wellness is understood as “a balance of mind, body, and spirit that results in an overall feeling of well-being.” This definition finds expression in the constant, conscious human pursuit of living life to its fullest potential. In nature, animals keep fit to survive. In the zoo they have to be trained, and opportunities for an active life have to be scheduled daily by attentive zoo keepers. Wellness begins with a deep understanding of the preferences and the needs of each and every species in the zoo. Zoo veterinarians routinely conduct wellness exams to determine an animal's total condition. Using operant conditioning techniques, many animals have learned to cooperate for blood pressure readings, and venipuncture without anesthesia. Wellness can be achieved through the application of immediate management techniques and training, and implemented long-term by designing wellness-oriented facilities where animals are activated and stimulated by species-appropriate environmental and social conditions. Wellness is a condition we share with animals, and our growing awareness of what it takes to be well is helping us to extend this outcome to every animal at the zoo.