Wild Animal Welfare Management

Captive Wild Animals

• Welfare issues are directly controlled by those who keep them, including zoos, rescue and rehabilitation centers, exotic pets, farming, and working animals.
• The Five Freedoms apply to animals in captivity.

Typical Confinement

• Confinement can lead to stress due to an impoverished environment.
• Factors contributing to stress include:
  • Lack of sensory stimuli relevant to the species.
  • Restricted movement, feeding, and behavioral opportunities.
  • Abnormal social groups and lack of area to retreat to.
  • Forced proximity to humans.
  • Too little environmental control.
  • Too much predictability.

Welfare Issues

Provision of Food and Water

• Food and water provision must meet nutritional requirements.
• Factors to consider include:
  • Species behavior.
  • Size, condition, physiological, reproductive, and health status.
• Method of presentation, feeding frequency, nutritional balance, and hygiene are important.

Provision of Suitable Environment

• Environment must provide comfort and wellbeing.
• Inside and outside enclosures must offer shelter.
• Enclosure and barriers must not harm animals.
• Balance of hygiene and breeding is crucial.
• Reintroduction guidelines exist, prioritizing animal welfare.

Zoos and Parks

• Modern zoos serve multiple purposes, including education, research, conservation, and entertainment.
• Zoos have serious welfare concerns, including conditions that do not meet the Five Freedoms.

Captive Wild Animals and Ethics

• Ethical concerns surround captive wild animals, including:
  • Lack of knowledge of animal needs.
  • Compromised welfare of captive individuals.
  • Benefits of conservation, research, education, and reintroduction.
  • Justification of captivity requires high standards of housing and care, promotion of education, research, and conservation.

Rescue and Rehabilitation

• Many wild animals need rescue and rehabilitation, but it is difficult to keep them in captivity.
• Public education is essential to address this issue.
• Only rescue animals with biological needs, such as injuries.

Welfare Issues

Provision of Health Care

• Routine observations and records are necessary for monitoring condition, health, and behavior.
• Enclosure size and design must avoid injury.
• Enclosure must protect animals from predators, disease, and parasites.
• Appropriate veterinary care must be available.

Expression of Normal Behaviour

• Understand biology, habitat, and husbandry needs.
• Life in captivity must meet these needs.
• Encourage species-specific normal behavior and minimize abnormal behavior.

Protection from Fear and Distress

• Cared for by qualified and experienced staff.
• Handling avoids discomfort, distress, or injury.
• Appropriate housing promotes feelings of safety and security.
• Factors to consider include:
  • Housing social species together.
  • Providing a place to escape.
  • Preventing unresolved conflict.