Zoo Animal Welfare vs. Wellbeing: Integrating the most recent approaches towards an evidence-based management

This research project explores the multifaceted concept of animal wellbeing in the context of zoo environments, emphasizing the evolving perspectives and definitions within the field. The thesis traces the historical development of animal welfare science, from the formulation of the Five Freedoms and the subsequent emergence of the Five Domains model. Then, focuses on the challenges faced by zoos in balancing the conservation imperatives with the ethical responsibility of ensuring high standards of animal welfare. During this study, conducted at “Zoosafari di Fasano” in Italy, I monitored European brown bears (Ursus arctos) and chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes) over a year, seeking to model the impact of captivity induced rapid environmental change at the individual level. The objectives included applying the “24/7 approach”, which considers the animals wellbeing throughout both the 24 hours and all the seasons of the year. To assess animal welfare and wellbeing in zoo animals, I employed a comprehensive approach, combining resource based and animal based indicators, i.e. behavioral, physiological (hormones and microbiota), and morphological indicators, finally contributing valuable insights to the broader discussion on animal wellbeing in captivity. The findings aimed to inform management decisions, advocating for a shift towards animal based management and promoting optimal levels of wellbeing. The thesis is structured into three chapters. In Chapter 1, the seasonal behavioral, physiological, and morphological patterns of captive brown bears are explored, emphasizing the need for targeted management aligned with their natural predisposition to hibernate. Chapter 2 investigates the circadian rhythms of brown bears in captivity, highlighting the influence of zoo management and visitor interactions on captive bears' activity patterns when compared to those in the wild. Chapter 3 investigates the potential use of gut microbiota as a welfare indicator in captive chimpanzees, considering social behaviors, stress conditions, and management practices. Findings highlight the complexity of animal wellbeing emphasizing the necessity of a holistic approach, and advocates for collaborative efforts among researchers, zookeepers, curators, and policymakers to ensure evidence based practices in zoos, ultimately contributing to the goals of ex situ conservation.