Behavioural research in zoos: Toward development of zoology with improved animal welfare

Abstract

Until recently, Japanese zoological gardens have primarily been considered as entertainment facilities. However, their roles in wildlife research, education and species conservation are becoming increasingly important. It has been shown that zoo animals exhibit abnormal behaviours and stress responses, which are concerns from both research and animal welfare perspectives. Therefore, attempts have been made to introduce new exhibition or management techniques to ensure that particular behaviours are displayed and to keep the animals occupied. However, the effects of these actions on zoo animals have not been sufficiently verified. In this article, we introduced the research that our team recently conducted at a zoo and will discuss other activities that were carried out at the zoos, ending with suggestions for future research directions.