Comparing Data Collection Tools for Zoo Management Decision-Making: A Case Study Examining Behavioral Measures of Humboldt Penguin Bond Strength

Abstract

Systematic data collection has become increasingly important in zoos as it facilitates evidence-based decision-making. Here, we describe the results of a two-year study on exhibit use and pair-bonding in a colony of Humboldt penguins. We used two different data collection apps to evaluate their effectiveness and suitability for evaluating pair-bond strength. Data were collected using instantaneous scan sampling and all-occurrence sampling 2–3 times per week for 2 years for a total of nearly 240 h of observation (19 h with one system and 219 h with the other system). The activity patterns (in particular, time spent in the water) differed amongst penguins and between the two data collection tools. Patterns of courtship-related behaviors varied tremendously across individuals. The longer pairs had been bonded, the more time they spent in close proximity. We highlight two important considerations for institutions aiming to collect such systematic data. First, it is critical to interpret all findings in context by incorporating husbandry details and keeper insights to highlight explanations that may not be readily apparent from the data. Second, one must explore all aspects of any data collection system before committing to its use—system setup, ease of data collection, format and accessibility of exported data. Not doing so may negate the value of systematic data collection by limiting the use and interpretability of the data.

The Benefits of Increased Space and Habitat Complexity for the Welfare of Zoo-Housed King Penguins (Aptenodytes patagonicus)

“…On land, the king penguins showed notable differences in locomotor and inactive behaviors between the two habitats. The most frequent behavior we observed was standing, which is consistent with penguins in other studies [17,46,47]. Inactivity is also the most common behavior of wild king penguins during the breeding season [44].…”

“…Some individuals consistently changed their proximity both to king penguins and other species between the two habitats, whereas other individuals showed opposite trends depending on the identity of the species in proximity. In one study, aquarium-housed Humboldt penguins showed significant variation in how much time different pairs spent in proximity to their mates [47]. One of the limitations of this study is that we did not identify the individuals to whom focal penguins were in proximity, so we cannot comment on how their social networks or pair bonds could have affected proximity patterns.…”

Breeding behavior analysis in a large captive colony of African penguins (Spheniscus demersus) and its implications for population management and conservation

“…Furthermore, the research focusing specifically on pair bond duration in wild African penguins is scarce 16 , 36 . Galante and Margulis 29 describe pair bonds in captive Humboldt penguins, primarily focusing on behaviors indicating pair-bond strength. In captive African penguins, Modesto et al 27 provide some insight into partner changes as they explore extra-pair mating in their genetic studies, while Baciadonna et al 28 describe pair bonds in the context of vocal partner recognition.…”

Comparison of animal welfare assessment tools and methodologies: need for an effective approach for captive elephants in Asia

“…The tool is continuously updated across iOS, Android, and Windows platforms. ZooMonitor has been adopted by over 200 institutions ( 72 ) and used in pygmy hippos ( Choeropsis liberiensis ) ( 73 ), penguins (Spheniscidae) ( 74 , 75 ), chimpanzees ( Pan troglodytes ) ( 76 ), Madagascar giant hognose snakes ( Leioheterodon madagascariensis ) ( 77 ), tigers ( Panthera tigris ) ( 78 ), elephants ( 79 ), Japanese macaques ( Macaca fuscata ) ( 80 ), and others.…”