Evaluation of enclosure design, with focus on wild and domesticated herbivores in Swedish zoos

Sammanfattning: What is the meaning of zoos today? Some states that they are used for conservation and education, while other believes it’s a place for entertainment. When evaluating factors such as animal welfare and ability to perform natural behaviours, enclosure design is an important factor. Lack of natural settings and unsuitable diets may cause stereotypic behaviours and aggression towards other individuals. No recent study has been made regarding enclosure design in Swedish zoos. This study focused on wild and domesticated herbivores from the order Perissodactyla, Artiodactyla and Proboscidea. Questionnaires and direct observation were used to evaluate enclosure design and fulfilment of the regulation set by the Swedish Board of Agriculture concerning keeping animals at zoo (SJVFS 2009:92, Dnr L 108). Seven zoos located in the middle and south of Sweden were included in the study and a total of 76 enclosures were assessed. Major part of the enclosures had natural settings and species-specific diets. Almost all of the enclosures had great ability for species-specific foraging and social contact. All zoos suffered from health problems, but had management plans to reduce current health problems. Feed enrichments were used in the major part of the enclosures and stereotypic behaviours were not present in any of the enclosures. Overall, Swedish zoos have enclosures with great possibility for both wild and domesticated herbivores to perform social and species-specific foraging behaviours. However, there should be an increased focus on animals held in temporary enclosures in order to improve their welfare and reduce the risk of developing stereotypic behaviours.