The influence of welfare and bonds with animals on the job satisfaction of felid keepers in North America

Abstract

The current study set out to examine the perceptions of felid welfare in zoos and elucidate the factors that influence an individual animal care professional's acceptance and recognition of welfare. A total of 121 felid keepers employed in an Association of Zoos & Aquariums facility were included in analysis. Results demonstrate job satisfaction is directly linked to access to training on welfare topics. The relationship between job satisfaction and the fulfillment of the Five Freedoms is positively correlated. Additionally, overall job satisfaction does not appear to influence the bond with felids, but it does with other zoo animals. Those with lower reported job satisfaction demonstrate an overall lower bond with nonfelids, where this not observed in felids. Participants in this study demonstrate the direct connection between job satisfaction and perceived fulfillment of the Five Freedoms. Participants who were provided access to training and information on animal welfare often demonstrated a higher job satisfaction, more positive perception of their employer, and overall view of zoos meeting the Five Freedoms with captive felids.

The perception of felid welfare by zookeepers in North America and the implications for zoo managers

“…Professional development and continued training on animal welfare practices are not only essential to meet the evolving standards of practice but also to help institutions support a culture of care. The zoo's culture surrounding welfare, particularly for felids, not only increases the quality of life for the animal but also has a direct impact on zookeeper job satisfaction (DeSmet & Ogle, 2022). Additionally, this culture increases compliance as the standards in animal welfare continue to increase (Klein & Bayne, 2007).…”

“…Zookeeper attitudes have also been recognized as a factor influencing welfare in which negative keeper perceptions were correlated with cats exhibiting stereotypic behaviors and other stress behaviors (Vaz et al, 2017). In addition, the understanding of animal welfare and the ability to meet the welfare needs of felids under human care has been correlated with zookeeper job satisfaction ratings (DeSmet & Ogle, 2022). Therefore, it is crucial that zoological managers understand the perceptions of welfare and the concerns regarding animal welfare held by the animal care staff to ensure not only that the needs of the animals are being met, but also the needs of the human professionals.…”

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

“…However, understanding these signs requires caregivers to be experienced and knowledgeable in both recognizing and interpreting them when they are present at not only a species level, but also at an individual level. Nonetheless, subjective caregiver assessments of animal welfare based on the signs they have observed have been demonstrated to be valid, reliable, and effective tools for understanding the welfare states of the animals they care for [209,[216][217][218][219][220]. Caregivers are those most familiar with the individual temperaments of the animals, and thus, are best equipped for both creating and assessing welfare plans in relation to handling and training that respect the consistent individual differences in behavior of the animals they care for [193].…”

“…Modern and professional zoos should look to such cases as examples and seek to implement similar programs within their organizations to create cohesive, modern, and welfare-conscious handling and training procedures for all species. Through PRT methods and through building positive human-animal relationships founded on trust and positive emotions, the perception that caregivers have for their work and the welfare of the animals they work with will in turn improve [218][219][220]…”