Casting the Net Widely for Change in Animal Welfare: The Plight of Birds in Zoos, Ex Situ Conservation, and Conservation Fieldwork

Abstract

This paper discusses paradoxes in our relationship to and treatment of birds in captive and conservation contexts. The paper identifies modern and new challenges that arise from declining bird numbers worldwide. Such challenges have partly changed zoos into providers of insurance populations specifically for species at risk of extinction. They have also accelerated fieldwork projects, but by using advanced technological tools and in increasing numbers, contradictorily, they may cause serious harm to the very birds studied for conservation purposes. In practice, very few avian species have any notable protection or guarantee of good treatment. The paper first deals with shortcomings of identifying problematic avian behavior in captive birds. It then brings together specific cases of field studies and captive breeding for conservation in which major welfare deficits are identified. Indeed, the paper argues that avian welfare is now an urgent task. This is not just because of declining bird numbers but because of investment in new technologies in field studies that may have introduced additional stressors and put at risk bird survival. While the paper documents a substantial number of peer-reviewed papers criticizing practices counter to modern welfare standards, they have by and large not led to changes in some practices. Some solutions are suggested that could be readily implemented and, to my knowledge, have never been considered under a welfare model before.

Training in the Dark: Using Target Training for Non-Invasive Application and Validation of Accelerometer Devices for an Endangered Primate (Nycticebus bengalensis)

“…Still, we suggest that researchers use additional validation techniques in the field (e.g., videos and behavioural observations) to further support the findings as some behaviours (e.g., locomotion) might change between in situ and ex situ conditions. Researchers might also consider alternatives to accelerometers and other loggers where ethical issues may arise [ 36 ]. We highlight the importance of species-specific validation of accelerometer data that should be conducted in a non-invasive environment to reduce the stress of captive animals.…”

Handling and Training of Wild Animals: Evidence and Ethics-Based Approaches and Best Practices in the Modern Zoo

“…The historical, standard, and traditional method for handling laboratory pigeons involves restraining the bird upside-down in a cup for weighing [58]. Other aversive methods are often used for the handling of smaller and skittish birds such as relying on flight distance to move animals or physically cornering and grabbing animals for health checks [151]. Such standards are outdated, do not provide the birds with opportunities for choice and control, and involve handling methods that are stressful for the animal, and are not conducive to positive human-animal relationships [152].…”

Review of the Effects of Enclosure Complexity and Design on the Behaviour and Physiology of Zoo Animals

“…Many species in the wild form polyspecific associations [ 72 , 73 ]. Although mixed-species bird exhibits are present in many zoos [ 49 , 74 ], the number of mixed-species exhibits are only increasing for some groups of animals, such as mammals (one may refer to [ 75 ], a site with lists of mixed-species exhibits of carnivores in European zoos). However, the effects of maintaining mixed-species exhibits need to be investigated, since some negative effects can occur such as a decrease in breeding success due to disturbance/competition or frequent changes in composition of species/individuals [ 76 ].…”