A. Tribe

Thirty years later: enrichment practices for captive mammals.

Environmental enrichment of captive mammals has been steadily evolving over the past thirty years. For this process to continue, it is first necessary to define current enrichment practices and then identify the factors that limit enhancing the quality and quantity of enrichment, as well as the evaluation of its effectiveness. With the objective of obtaining this information, an international multi-institutional questionnaire survey was conducted with individuals working with zoo-housed mammals. Results of the survey showed that regardless of how important different types of enrichment were perceived to be, if providing them was particularly time-consuming, they were not made available to captive mammals as frequently as those requiring less staff time and effort. The groups of mammals provided with enrichment most frequently received it on average fewer than four times per day, resulting in less than two hours per day spent by each animal care staff member on tasks related to enrichment. The time required for staff to complete other husbandry tasks was the factor most limiting the implementation and evaluation of enrichment. The majority of survey respondents agreed that they would provide more enrichment and carry out more evaluation of enrichment if it was manageable to do so. The results of this study support the need for greater quantity, variety, frequency, and evaluation of enrichment provided to captive mammals housed in zoos without impinging on available staff time.

Assessing the Role of Zoos in Wildlife Conservation

Despite their popularity and place in our recreational history, in recent years zoos have undergone considerable change in both their structure and function. While remaining attractive places of entertainment, zoos today also emphasize their contribution to wildlife conservation. This article reviews the role of zoos in wildlife conservation and discusses the effectiveness of their present policies and actions. It is apparent that the major contribution comes through their ex situ actions, including education programs, and captive breeding and management of wildlife. However, recently, zoos have also become more involved with in situ conservation, predominantly through recovery programs for endangered species in cooperation with government authorities and local communities. However, such activities are expensive, and a major obstacle for zoos has always been to strike a balance between commercial success and professional conservation credibility. The opportunities for zoos lie in transforming themselves from traditional animal displays to interactive, entertaining conservation centres that bridge the gap between their captive collections and free-range wildlife.

Seminal characteristics and spermatozoal morphology of captive Queensland koalas (Phascolarctos cinereus adustus).

Viable koala spermatozoa were successfully collected from 8 of 11 captive Queensland koalas on 52 of 76 attempts using electroejaculation under general anesthesia. Semen characteristics, including sperm concentration, percent progressive sperm motility and nuclear heterogeneity appeared to be similar to those of free-ranging Victoria koalas (P.c . victor). Two new head morphotypes (Type XI and teratoid) were identified, and the incidence of midpiece and principal piece spermatozoal abnormalities were recorded.

The role of wildlife rescue groups in the care and rehabilitation of Australian fauna

Abstract Throughout Australia, thousands of people are involved in the rehabilitation of native fauna. This paper reviews the role of wildlife rescue groups in the care and rehabilitation of Australian fauna, and makes recommendations regarding future policy and practice. From the data presented, it is concluded that (1) The majority of wildlife comprise common and widespread species. (2) They usually require care and rehabilitation because of some previous interaction with humans. (3) A significant proportion die during the rehabilitation process. (4) While a large number are eventually released, little information is available about their ultimate survival. (5) This situation is similar to that reported in the United States. However, it is also apparent that the greatest benefit from wildlife rehabilitation is likely to come from the educational message it inspires. In this regard, it is recommended that the profile of wildlife care groups be raised, particularly within government conservation agencies, and that there be additional research into their contribution to wildlife conservation.

Contributions of non-consumptive wildlife tourism to conservation.

Wildlife tourism has the potential to contribute to conservation through a variety of mechanisms. This chapter presents a preliminary assessment of the extent to which this potential is currently being realised, comparing tourism based on viewing of animals in captive settings (with a focus on federated zoos) with that in free-ranging situations (wildlife watching). The key mechanisms involved are: direct wildlife management and research; use of income derived from wildlife tourism to fund conservation; education of visitors to behave in a more conservation-friendly manner; political lobbying in support of conservation; and provision of a socio-economic incentive for conservation. All of these occur in at least some zoos and wildlife-watching situations, and collectively the contribution of non-consumptive wildlife tourism to conservation is significant, though impossible to quantify. The key strengths of the zoo sector in this regard are its inputs into captive breeding and its potential to educate large numbers of people. in contrast, wildlife watching provides significant socio-economic incentives for conservation of natural habitats. There seem to be significant opportunities for expanding the role of non-consumptive wildlife tourism in conservation.

A Reproductive Management Program for an Urban Population of Eastern Grey Kangaroos (Macropus giganteus)

Simple Summary We designed a programme to control free-ranging kangaroos on a Queensland golf course, using contraceptive implants in females and vasectomisation or testicle removal in males. This reduced the numbers of pouch young to about one half of pre-intervention levels and controlled the population over a 2–4 year period. However, the necessary darting caused a mortality rate of 5–10% of captured animals, mainly due to complications before and after anaesthesia. It is concluded that population control is possible but careful management of kangaroos around the time of anaesthesia induction and recovery is important in such programmes to minimise losses. Abstract Traditionally, culling has been the expedient, most common, and in many cases, the only tool used to control free-ranging kangaroo populations. We applied a reproductive control program to a population of eastern grey kangaroos confined to a golf course in South East Queensland. The program aimed to reduce fecundity sufficiently for the population to decrease over time so that overgrazing of the fairways and the frequency of human–animal conflict situations were minimised. In 2003, 92% of the female kangaroos above 5 kg bodyweight were implanted with the GnRH agonist deslorelin after darting with a dissociative anaesthetic. In 2007, 86% of the females above 5 kg were implanted with deslorelin and also 87% of the males above 5 kg were sterilised by either orchidectomy or vasectomy. In 2005, 2008 and 2009, the population was censused to assess the effect of each treatment. The 2003 deslorelin program resulted in effective zero population growth for approximately 2.5 years. The combined deslorelin–surgery program in 2007 reduced the birth rate from 0.3 to 0.06%/year for 16 months, resulting in a 27% population reduction by November 2009. The results were consistent with implants conferring contraception to 100% of implanted females for at least 12 months. The iatrogenic mortality rates for each program were 10.5% and 4.9%, respectively, with 50% of all mortalities due to darting-related injuries, exertional myopathy/hyperthermia or recovery misadventure. The short term sexual and agonistic behaviour of the males was assessed for the 2007 program: no significant changes were seen in adult males given the vasectomy procedure, while sexual behaviours’ were decreased in adult males given the orchidectomy procedure. It is concluded that female reproduction was effectively controlled by implantation with deslorrelin and male reproductive behaviour was reduced by orchidectomy, which together achieved population control.

New Host Record for the Entodiniomorphid Ciliate-Troglodytella Abrassarti, From Siamangs (hylobates-Syndactylus)

Examination of faecal samples from several diarrhoeic siamangs Hylobates syndactylus (Anthropoidea: Hylobatidae) revealed the presence of numerous entodiniomorphid ciliates whose morphological and ultrastructural characteristics were consistent with those of Troglodytella abrassarti previously recorded from chimpanzees, orangutans and gorillas (Anthropoidea: Pongidae).

A welfare assessment of methods used for harvesting, hunting and population control of kangaroos and wallabies

In Australia, several macropod species are subjected to commercial harvesting, recreational hunting and population management, using both lethal and non-lethal measures. Some techniques for killing macropods can cause prolonged and/or severe suffering, and of particular concern is the welfare of remaining pouch young or young-at-foot, when females with dependent young are killed. Non-lethal methods are more widely supported by the general public and include reproductive control and relocation. These methods, however, also have significant associated welfare challenges. This review outlines the welfare concerns for each current method, and concludes that an accurate head-shot by an experienced shooter is least likely to inflict suffering. However, this assumes best practice shooting, which may not be representative of field conditions. Furthermore, many aspects of macropod control and killing still require significant research. These include, but are not limited to: accurate statistics for pouch young and young-at-foot mortality and morbidity in Australian states; data on field-based compliance with National Codes of Practice; safe and remote administration of reproductive control measures; and the impact of using dogs and trapping in wallaby destruction and hunting.

The eastern grey kangaroo: current management and future directions

Abstract. The eastern grey kangaroo is a common and iconic species of Australia. Its specialised behaviour and reproduction have evolved as adaptations to the Australian environment, allowing the species to survive and flourish, despite wide climatic and seasonal variations in habitat. Across its range, the eastern grey kangaroo is harvested and subjected to population management for a variety of reasons, including localised over-abundance, livestock competition, crop grazing, native habitat conservation, animal welfare and direct threats to human safety. Population management of kangaroos is most commonly undertaken by shooting, although other methods such as reproductive control, translocation and repellents may also contribute successfully to management. Kangaroo harvesting and population control are controversial and divisive, because the kangaroo is perceived as both a national icon and as a pest species. Although a limited number of surveys have been undertaken on attitudes towards kangaroos and their management, the socio-political aspects affecting these issues are yet to be systematically investigated. Within this review we discuss the relevance of culture and language to species management and conservation, as well as the importance of scrutiny of stakeholder perceptions, motivations and values. Future directions should examine human dimensions that influence kangaroo-management decisions and conservation. The following three key aspects are recommended as research and management priorities: (1) experimental determination of whether gaps exist between actual and perceived impacts of kangaroo populations, (2) empirical investigation of how stakeholder language, culture, identity and values influence perceptions of kangaroos and their management, and (3) where population control is determined to be necessary, an incorporation of stakeholder differences within decision making to ensure best outcomes for both species conservation and population management.

Animal Handling as an Integrated Component of Animal and Veterinary Science Programs at the University of Queensland

Students in animal science and veterinary science at the University of Queensland (UQ) have similar introductory courses in animal handling in year 1 of their degree programs. Veterinary students take animal-handling instruction in farm and companion animals, whereas animal science students are instructed in handling farm animals, horses, and rodents. Veterinary students are introduced to rodents, and animal science students to dogs and cats, in subsequent years of the curriculum. Both cohorts receive additional training, with clinical emphasis for veterinary students in years 3, 4, and 5 of their five-year curriculum. The introductory course is well received by students; both student cohorts appreciate the opportunity provided and the effort that goes into the animal-handling classes. Undergraduates realize that acquiring animal-handling skills will increase their proficiency in their subsequent careers; veterinary graduates recognize that their handling prowess will give their clients confidence in their abilities. Most clients cannot judge the competence of a veterinarians diagnosis or treatment but will judge their ability based on their handling skills. Ongoing practice allows students to become competent in animal handling.