Hi everybody and welcome to the Budongo Trail, this is a chimpanzee exhibit here at the Edinburgh Zoo, run by the royal zoological society of Scotland. This exhibit has been designed with the specific needs of chimpanzees in mind, there are two original groups of chimpanzees that are housed within the exhibit, these two groups come from very different places. The first group is a group of chimps that have lived, have been resident within the zoo for many years, the second groups of chimps come from research laboratories in Europe. Although these two groups have species-specific similarities, there are also significant differences in their behavior based on their previous learning experiences. This enclosure has been designed, to meet the needs of these animals. In the wild, chimps have what we call a fission-fusion society, this means that they live in large social groups, but within those social groups, small pockets of chimpanzees, may split off into smaller groups and may move away, and then return to the main group at different times. This enclosure has been designed, to allow that flexibility of behavior to happen with different pods around the enclosure allowing different groups of chimps, to either socialize together or to move away separately and socialize in smaller groups as they desire. Enclosure design, is often one of the most focused upon aspects of captive wildlife management. It's often what the public will judge a facility on, and for facilities that are open to the public. Enclosure design needs to work, both from a public viewing perspective, as well as, from an animal welfare perspective. Much research has been done on the effects of the captive environment, on animal behavior. This study, by Club and Mason in 2007, looked at the relationship between minimum home range size in wild animals, and the pacing frequency in these same species in the captive situation. Pacing is an abnormal repessive behavior, often shown by carnivores in captive environments. This study showed a positive correlation between species that would naturally roam for significant distances in the wild, and the frequency of pacing in captivity. This means that animals which have a very large home range size in the wild, are more likely to exhibit abnormal pacing behaviors in captivity. Studies like this have led to significant changes in how enclosures are designed, It is important to recognize that these far ranging species are also much more likely to interact with a more complex variety of ecosystems, terrain, conspecifics, and also other species than animals with smaller home ranges. And this complexity, as well as, the space needs to be accommodated in the captive environment. This polar bear enclosure, at the Highland Wildlife Park in Scotland, provides the two bears with four acres of natural terrain, plus swimming opportunities, a variety of enrichment activities, and an indoor shelter. These two bears, are also able to interact socially with each other. Another factor which research has demonstrated to be beneficial to the species in captivity, despite them traditionally being considered solitary in the wild. It's also important for us to recognize the way that we perceive the world, is very different to the way that other animals see the world, and so it's very difficult for us to judge their social connections, because most of the time, their social interactions will be very different from ours. Polar bears for example, can smell other polar bears for many kilometers. So, if their within sniffing distance of another polar bear, are they ever really alone in the way we consider ourselves to be alone. The application of welfare science research, is important in providing the best environments we can for captive wild animals, and for assessing whether all animal species are able to cope with the restrictions and challenges of a life under human care. This type of enclosure, was traditionally designed simply to display animals to the public as a menagerie. Barren environments are often cited as a cause of abnormal repetitive behaviors in captive wild animals, and that can certainly be the case. However, the development of abnormal behavior, is usually more complex than the simplistic approach. Repetitive behavior is induced by frustration, repeated attempts to cope and all central nervous system dysfunction as defined by Georgia Mason, It may result from current or even previous trauma or frustration. Early trauma may include experiences such as early maternal separation, as seen in this bear cub. [SOUND] Maternal separation and social deprivation for training and performances, like this chimp. [SOUND] or maternal separation for exhibition to the public, like this macaque. An animal's early experiences and even its experiences in utero, can actually result in changes to its brain and have significant impacts on its behavior for the rest of its life, even when moved to much better environments. Sanctuaries and sometimes zoos, regularly have to deal with such damaged animals, and this challenge can be very difficult. In companion animal behavioral medicine, the use of medication in conjunction with behavioral modification programs is well tolerated. As we except that animals are less able to learn or to adapt to new situations, if in a state of high anxiety or if coming from a deprived environment. However, there are numerous public concerns with the use of such medications, in exotic animal species to treat psychological injury. Recognizing that no matter how committed they are, human caregivers can never replicate the unique and complex mother infant bond, Good zoos focus on providing optimal environments and husbandry, to support mother rearing rather than attempting to hand raise infant animals. Another area where we need to focus on providing optimal environments is for geriatric animals. We can all recognize that with a few notable exceptions, the majority of species we manage in captivity live significantly longer than their wild counterparts. With regular provision of nutritious food, medical care, absence of predation, and a clean environment, we would expect animals in captivity to enjoy a better quality of life, but it is important to recognize that quantity of life does not equate to quality of life. And it is possible for welfared animals to live in states of continual pain, suffering, or frustration for many years. When considering behavioral repertoires and physical health, we should remember that old age is not a disease. It is, however, common for animals to suffer from diseases associated with old age. Disease, such as dental infections, heart disease, and osteoarthritis, can affect how animals behave. Potentially reducing their activity levels, increasing their resting behavior, causing them to display increased aggression or irritability, or even abnormal repetitive behaviors like stereopathy, It is important to recognize that these diseases associated with old age can be treated. In order to ensure that animals are not suffering from pain or discomfort associated with these disease processes, regular observation and analysis of their behaviors is important, If there are behavioral changes which may indicate underlying disease processes, then further investigations should be undertaken. Some sanctuaries and zoos proactively anesthetize their geriatric animals, to screen them for underlying health problems every one or two years. This proactive approach provides a useful opportunity, to collect baseline information on these comparatively unusual species, and allows veterinarians and caretakers to track the impact that future medication or husbandry interventions, may have on the animal's health and welfare, as well as diagnosing current disease, before it has a significant welfare impact. Of course in some situations, disease, injury, or psychological dysfunction creates a significant reduction in quality of life, If the animal is unable to be provided with a good quality of life, and treatment or improved management is not available, euthanasia may be considered. Humane euthanasia does not consider the ethical concept of right to life, but instead considers the role of a humane death in ending physical or mental suffering, usually when all the options have been explored. Enclosures may need to be modified to accommodate breeding animals, or those that are of advanced age, In order to ensure that the spaces are safe and do not expose the more vulnerable animals to excessive competitions or to bullying from conspecifics. Enclosures should accommodate natural behaviors, and provide a range of behavioral opportunities. Recognizing that wild animals may live in their enclosures for many years, structured variety, and enclosure refurbishment should be an ongoing process. And animals should be provided with refuges, and opportunities to avoid exhibition if needed. Animal welfare science is a continually evolving field, and has only recently been applied to the management of captive wild animals in zoos, sanctuaries and circuses. It is vital that if we are to understand their behavioral, psychological and physical needs of these complex species, and to provide for those needs in a captive setting, that we collaborate effectively, recognizing that if we are to provide good welfare, the animal's needs and feelings are fundamental to guiding our actions. Whilst we may have differences of opinion on the ethical value of wild animals in captivity, what matters for the animals is how they're cared for and what they're provided with as this affects their experience and thus their welfare. Our actions shape the lives of our animals, and in terms of animal welfare, it matters not what we think or feel It matters what we do.
