Activity budget and spatial distribution of Bennett's wallabies (Macropus rufogriseus) in open versus closed exhibit designs. Issue 3 (17th April 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Beaudin‐Judd, Julie; Weladji, Robert B.; Lazure, Louis; Paré, Patrick
• Is Part Of: Zoo biology. Volume 38:Issue 3(2019)
• Page Start: 258
• Page End: 265
• Publication Date: 2019-04-17
• Subjects: animal behavior -- exhibit design -- visitor effects; Zoo animals -- Periodicals; 591
• DOI: 10.1002/zoo.21486
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0733-3188

Abstract

Abstract: Although many studies investigating the impacts of zoo exhibit designs on captive animals exist, none have been performed on how they influence the behavior and welfare of captive Bennett's wallabies ( Macropus rufogriseus ). Here, we assess the impact of exhibit design on the activity budget and spatial distribution of Bennett's wallabies. We compared animal behavior in two open exhibits (i.e. physical interaction between animals and visitors permitted) to two closed exhibits (i.e. physical interaction between animals and visitors prohibited). Behavioral data were collected using focal sampling, and spatial distribution was recorded on exhibit maps at regular time intervals. We found a significant increase in feeding and interactive behaviors in closed exhibits in comparison to open exhibits. However, other behaviors such as resting, locomotion, and vigilance did not vary with design. Functional use of space was similar between both designs; however, the effect of habituation may be relevant to consider in future studies. Although some support for visitor effects were present, our study provided no evidence for strong impacts of exhibit design on Bennett's wallaby welfare. Our study emphasizes the need for additional research into the impacts of how zoo environments affect Bennett's wallaby behavior and welfare. HIGHLIGHTS: Bennett's wallaby activity budgets differed between closed versus open exhibit populations for feeding and social behaviours. Spatial distribution was similar when comparing closed versus open exhibit Bennet wallaby populations. Abstract : Picture displaying a small group of zoo‐housed wallabies.