A new free paper, a VIP at Zoo de Bordeaux Pessac and SiP#155 Quite sleep in birds

A new paper is freely available, a collaboration between SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment, Universidade federal de Minas Gerais, and AnimalConcepts. The article is available open access and you can download it below.

ABSTRACT

While the existence of human–animal relationships dates back thousands of years, the effects of these bonds on animal well-being have only recently been examined in detail. The existing literature demonstrates that factors such as familiar human caregivers and persistent, predictable care may, for example, lower an animal’s fear response and improve overall welfare. The goal of the present study was to analyse how a range of variables, including age, sex, animal species, and previous bonds with a pet could influence the development of human–animal bonds between caregivers and animals at six affiliated zoological facilities. The present study is a survey of 201 animal caregivers focusing on their perception of the bonds shared between themselves and an animal with which they work and any experience with bonds they have with a companion animal at home. All respondents, regardless of the existence of a human–animal bond, also indicated their level of agreement with a series of general statements about human–animal relationships and their effects on animal management and welfare. The present study demonstrates that the type of animal species has a significant effect on the development of bonds between animals and their human caregivers, with a greater percentage of bonds developed between people and other mammalian species, and the smaller percentage of bonds between people and fish or reptiles. Personal identifiers, such as age, sex, or the number of years in the profession, did not have any significant correlation to bond development. In addition, having pets was also not a predictor of caregiver–animal bonds, though previous experiences with animal bonds did indicate a tendency to develop a bond. Overall, surveyed caregivers agreed with positive statements about human–animal relationships and their role in promoting better welfare for animals. Understanding the bonds shared by animal caregivers and the animals for which they are responsible is essential to fostering workplaces that consider the importance of the relationship between humans and animals, and the tangible benefits a positively perceived bond can have for both.

Key Words: human–animal bonds, human–animal interactions, animal welfare, animal care, zoos, aquariums, caregivers

This paper is open access, click HERE for PDF.

On Saturday the 10th of June a VIP visited Zoo de Bordeaux Pessac (ZBP), namely French Secretary of State for Ecology Bérangère Couillard. "I'm very concerned about animal welfare," said Madam Couillard, and learning to think differently in order to do things differently is an approach that resonated with all of us during the conversations and walks around the Zoo while sharing different ideas, projects, and approaches. Sabrina from AnimalConcepts was also at the ZBP during the visit.

"It was a delight to meet Madam Bérangère Couillard and share the work we do together with and at Zoo de Bordeaux Pessac in the space of animal, human, and planetary wellbeing, as well as other work we are involved in around the world, says Director of AnimalConcepts Sabrina Brando, we would like to thank you for your kind attention and look forward to connecting with you again on further discussions and actions for animals, their care and wellbeing."

Learn more about Madam Couillard and follow her work HERE (French site).

INTERBEING

INTERBEING is 4 interconnected platforms & an online community, which continues to grow with new content every week! Another Science into Practice is available on the animal wellbeing platform, as well as new foundations, human, and planetary wellbeing content. Want to learn more? Sign up HERE to access, share, and learn anytime, anywhere.