Comprehensive knowledge of social groups within zoos allows for better understanding of the issues surrounding group stability and how to provide captive animals with optimal care. A developing area of sociality research that works to improve this understanding is social network analysis (SNA), which allows scientists to apply quantitative measures of group systems to represent social structure. In December 2015, Oakland Zoo introduced two new males to the hamadryas baboon (Papio hamadryas) exhibit. We examined the changing group structure of these baboons over the course of 6 months (July-December 2016) using social network analysis, specifically focusing on the changing social structure of the existing group and the utility of SNA methods for optimal care of captive animals. This study found that over time, the new males decreased their overall individual centrality, while some individuals had an increase in betweenness, a measure of an individual's intermediary role in the network. The results also illustrate the utility of social network analysis as tool for zoo management to examine how husbandry may have an impact on their animals, specifically for social species. Further research on the social networks of hamadryas baboon multi-clan formation could provide more information about the societal structure of this primate species, as well as the use of social network analysis as a valuable tool in captive animal management.
Zoos strive to create experiences that inspire positive feelings toward animals which lead to conservation behaviors in their visitors. However, concerns regarding the welfare of animals living in zoos present a challenge in creating positive zoo experiences and promoting the conservation agenda and moral authority of these cultural institutions. This research explores connections between zoo visitors’ positive affective responses and their assessments of animal welfare before and after two giraffes were introduced to a group of four giraffes in a multi-species savannah exhibit. A self administered questionnaire was completed by 499 visitors to the Conservation Society of California’s Oakland Zoo. The questionnaire measured visitors’ predispositions, affective responses, and assessments of animal welfare. Results suggest that visitors’ assessments of animal welfare, positive affective experience, and predisposition are positively correlated. Further, visitor assessments of animal welfare are generally more positive after the addition of new giraffes. Although visitors tended to report that the giraffes were very healthy and well cared for, they responded less positively when asked about how happy the giraffes were and how adequately sized their exhibit was. The findings suggest that understanding and improving zoo visitors’ assessments of animal welfare is important in improving positive experiences and conservation education outcomes during a visit to the zoo.
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