World-first study to revolutionise care of endangered species

New evidence map set to help zoos and aquariums worldwide
A critically endangered Crowned Sifaka eating some vegetables while his buddy takes a nap. Taken in Belfast Zoo, Ireland.

A world-first study has catalogued the scientific evidence behind animal management, to help zoos and aquariums make decisions based on the best available science.
Led by Paignton Zoo in collaboration with organisations including the University of Plymouth, the six-year study represents one of the most ambitious undertakings in modern zoo research, screening more than 27,000 academic articles to start a process that could transform how endangered species are cared for across the globe.
Working with Conservation Evidence, based at the University of Cambridge, the researchers collated a database that catalogues evidence for 424 specific management interventions, supported by an international advisory board of 26 zoo science experts.
The findings reveal both progress and persistent gaps in zoo science. While at least some scientific testing exists for 90% of identified zoo practices, many interventions have only minimal research supporting them – highlighting areas where further investigation is urgently needed.
The research team included Dr Anaelle Lemasson Lemasson , Dr Joanna Newbolt and Dr Kirsten Pullen from the University of Plymouth.

As our planet faces what scientists call a 'sixth mass extinction', zoos may become the last hope for many animals. But until now, many animal care decisions are made without ready access to the available scientific evidence, a gap this project aims to bridge.

This evidence-based approach represents a paradigm shift for an industry that has often operated on institutional knowledge passed down through generations of keepers. 
By creating a comprehensive catalogue of what has been scientifically tested and what hasn't, the project provides a roadmap for evidence-based zoo animal management. 
Zoos can then apply findings for successful interventions, which will help them to provide optimal husbandry and environmental conditions, and ultimately improve animal welfare.

Anaelle Lemasson LemassonDr Anaelle Lemasson Lemasson
Post-doctoral Research Fellow in the School of Biological and Marine Sciences, who initially led the research

Several species – including the Arabian oryx and Przewalski's horse – exist today solely because of zoo breeding programmes. This evidence map will allow animal managers to base critical decisions on current scientific knowledge.

For Paignton Zoo, which operates under the Wild Planet Trust charity, the project represents a significant contribution to global conservation research. 
The database will be accessible to practitioners in zoos and aquariums worldwide, ensuring that the best available knowledge reaches those working on the frontlines of species conservation.

Dr Andy Bowkett, Conservation Projects Manager for Wild Planet Trust at Paignton Zoo, who conceived the project with Professor William Sutherland at Cambridge

Other researchers involved are based at the universities of Birmingham, Hartpury, Bangor, Nottingham Trent and Kyoto. The full article entitled Husbandry and management interventions for the conservation and welfare of captive animals – a systematic evidence map is available to view in the Journal of Zoo and Aquarium Research (doi: 10.19227/jzar.v13i3.837).
The project was funded by the British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums, of which Paignton Zoo is a member, and the partners are seeking further funding to summarise and evaluate the evidence for particular groups of species.

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