Abstract
The goal of this study was to determine factors governing stereotypic behaviors of North American river otters on display at the Palm Beach Zoo. Stereotypic behaviors in captivity occur for no apparent reason, are repetitive and at times may cause harm. Zookeepers strive to provide challenging environments, objects, and activities (enrichments), whether physical, social or mental, to prevent or eliminate stereotypic behaviors and to encourage natural behaviors crucial to animal welfare. For this study, three otters (1 male, 2 females) were chosen based on their consistent stereotypic behaviors. We collected data following an ethogram designed around the natural history of this species and took into account the time of day, number of guests, style of habitat, and type of enrichment provided. Each otter was observed from outside the enclosure for 15 minutes, three times a day and twice a week for a total of eight weeks (720 minutes total). Observations were divided evenly between terrestrial and aquatic habitats, and new and old enrichments. Analysis of these observations showed stereotypic behaviors correlated strongly with smaller audiences, older enrichments and early hours of the day, although the male demonstrated stereotypical behavior more often during new enrichments. No differences were observed between the different styles of habitat. The results of this study will help zookeepers at this and other institutions identify factors that increase or decrease abnormal behaviors in captive animals. Thus, if stereotypic behaviors occur more often when older enrichments are present, then new enrichments should be used to reduce abnormal behavior.
Faculty Sponsors
Dr. Paul Baldauf
Project Type
Event
Location
Alvin Sherman Library
Start Date
4-12-2013 1:00 PM
End Date
4-12-2013 5:30 PM
Environmental Enrichment and Stereotypical Behavior in North American River Otters
Alvin Sherman Library
The goal of this study was to determine factors governing stereotypic behaviors of North American river otters on display at the Palm Beach Zoo. Stereotypic behaviors in captivity occur for no apparent reason, are repetitive and at times may cause harm. Zookeepers strive to provide challenging environments, objects, and activities (enrichments), whether physical, social or mental, to prevent or eliminate stereotypic behaviors and to encourage natural behaviors crucial to animal welfare. For this study, three otters (1 male, 2 females) were chosen based on their consistent stereotypic behaviors. We collected data following an ethogram designed around the natural history of this species and took into account the time of day, number of guests, style of habitat, and type of enrichment provided. Each otter was observed from outside the enclosure for 15 minutes, three times a day and twice a week for a total of eight weeks (720 minutes total). Observations were divided evenly between terrestrial and aquatic habitats, and new and old enrichments. Analysis of these observations showed stereotypic behaviors correlated strongly with smaller audiences, older enrichments and early hours of the day, although the male demonstrated stereotypical behavior more often during new enrichments. No differences were observed between the different styles of habitat. The results of this study will help zookeepers at this and other institutions identify factors that increase or decrease abnormal behaviors in captive animals. Thus, if stereotypic behaviors occur more often when older enrichments are present, then new enrichments should be used to reduce abnormal behavior.
