LOOP - Behavior and Welfare

Behavior

The ways in which animals interact with each other

Ethology

The scientific and objective study of animal behavior with emphasis on behavioral patterns in natural environments.

Importance of Ethology

Understanding animal behavior is necessary for successful training and adequate animal welfare.

Types of Behavior

Instinct/Innate

Imprinting

Conditioning

Imitation

Instinct/Innate Behavior

Genetically hardwired behavior.

Imprinting

Phase‑sensitive learning that occurs rapidly and is apparently independent of behavioral consequences.

Conditioning

A learned behavior involving a stimulus or reward for a desired response.

Imitation

The process of acquiring information by observing others.

Importance of Imitation

Transfers information between individuals without relying on genetics.

Habituation

The diminishing of a physiological or emotional response to a frequently repeated stimulus.

Operant Conditioning

A method of learning through rewards (reinforcements) and punishments for a behavior.

Desensitization

Habituation paired with positive reinforcement.

Positive Reinforcement

Increase behavior by adding something to the environment

Negative Reinforcement

Increases behavior by removing something from the environment

Positive Punishment

Decreasing behavior by adding something to the environment

Negative Punishment

Decreasing behavior by removing something from the environment

Enrichment (AZA Definition)

A dynamic process for enhancing animal environments within the context of behavioral biology and natural history.

Diurnal

Active during the day

Nocturnal

Active during the night

Crepuscular

Active during dawn and dusk (twilight)

Matutinal

Active at dawn

Vespertine

Active at dusk

Cathemeral.

Active at random times during day and night

Why Activity Patterns Differ

Climate of habitat

Genetic adaptations

Homeothermic vs Poikilothermic

Endotherm vs Ectotherm

Co‑evolution including prey/predator and pollinator relationships.

Homeothermic vs Poikilothermic

Homeotherms actively regulate their internal body temperatures while poikilotherms allow their body temperature to fluctuate with the surrounding environment

Endotherm vs Ectotherm

Endotherms generate heat internally while ectotherms rely on external heat sources like the sun.

Five Freedoms

Freedom from hunger and thirst

Freedom from discomfort

Freedom from pain, injury, and disease

Freedom from fear or distress

Freedom to express normal patterns of behavior

Updated Five Freedoms

Freedom to achieve competence

Freedom to have choice

Freedom to take control

Freedom to experience variety

Freedom to engage complexity

Five Opportunities to Thrive

Nutrition

Comfortable living experience

Good physical health

Quality spaces

Natural coping skills

Enrichment Definition

A dynamic process enhancing environments based on behavior and natural history.

Goal of Enrichment

Increase choice

Undesired Behaviors

Injurious

Abnormal

Aggressive

Stereotypic

Stereotypic Behaviors

Repetitive unwanted behaviors for no purpose

Benefits of Enriched Environments (Physical)

Encourages exercise

Improves immunity

Increases reproduction

Increases mental stimulation

Healthier offspring

Decreases aggression and stress

Benefits of Enriched Environments (Behavioral)

Increases species appropriate behaviors

Increases learning, adapting, and coping skills

Decreases boredom

Benefits of Enriched Environments (People)

Staff satisfaction

Staff retention

Increases opportunities for learning

Increases chances for visitor education

Successful Enrichment

Safe

Varied

Stimulates a behavior

Species specific

Time management for staff

Types of Enrichment

Sensory

Social

Nutritional

Cognitive

Physical

Physical Enrichment Examples

Substrate variation

Planned enrichment opportunities

Hides for foods, scents, etc.

Appropriate use of barriers

Introduction of novel objects

Flex habitat

Targeting Species‑Specific Behaviors

Understand biology and natural history

Compare captive vs wild

Identify behavioral goals

Design and implement an enrichment strategy to meet these goals

Considering Social Dynamics

Social structure and interactions must be considered when planning enrichment.

Presenting Cognitive Challenges

Provide psychological stimulation through puzzles

Training & Enrichment

Training serves as enrichment and supports welfare.

Training as Enrichment Benefits

Provides familiarity and control for the animal.

Benefits of Animal Training

Improved health tracking

More rapid diagnosis

Reduced need for anesthetic risk

Opportunities to learn what is normal

Source of cognitive stimulation

complements enrichment program