Welfare and Enrichment of Managed Nocturnal Species, Supported by Technology

Abstract

This paper addresses the potential for technology to support husbandry and enrichment opportunities that enhance the welfare of zoo and sanctuary-housed nocturnal and crepuscular species. This topic was investigated through the medium of a multidisciplinary workshop (Moon Jam) that brought together species experts, zoo designers, Animal-Computer Interaction researchers and post-graduate students in collaborative discussions and design sessions. We explain the context through an examination of existing research and current practices, and report on specific challenges raised and addressed during the Moon Jam, highlighting and discussing key themes that emerged. Finally, we offer a set of guidelines to support the integration of technology into the design of animal husbandry and enrichment that support wellbeing, to advance the best practices in keeping and managing nocturnal and crepuscular animals.

Keywords: animal-computer interaction; armadillo; aye-aye; bushbaby; collaborative design; coral; environmental enrichment; nocturnal; potto; vampire bat.

Figure 1

Living coral exhibit at Greensboro Science Centre. Image courtesy of GSC.

Figure 2

Male and female pottos, juvenile Moholi bushbaby and Malagasy giant jumping rat in London Zoo Nocturnal House. Images courtesy of Laura Carrigan, London Zoo.

Figure 3

Cardboard mock-ups of tunnel system with rotating food dispenser (A) and higher-tech tunnel with microchip program access (B). Images from Moon Jam.

Figure 4

Vampire bat feeding on cow’s blood. Image courtesy of the North Carolina Zoo.

Figure 5

Physical mock-up of compression system comprising blood bags holding cow’s blood. Image from Moon Jam.

Figure 6

Aye-aye features—hands (A), ears (B) and teeth (C). Image courtesy of Paige Bwye.

Figure 7

Aye-aye with cataracts. Image courtesy of Paige Bwye.

Figure 8

Two versions of a food holder—removable plate system and hollow dowel. Images from Moon Jam.

Figure 9

Armadillo claws (A) and tongue (B). Image courtesy of Robert Kelly.

Figure 10

Geriatric southern three-banded armadillo. Photo courtesy of Robert Kelly.

Figure 11

Model of the armadillo investigating a tunnel system with an adjacent play tunnel. Images from Moon Jam.

Figure 12

Husbandry and enrichment design framework for nocturnal species. The purple circular points correspond to the focal points of each species’ brief (the larger the size, the more targeted the brief was to the consideration). Image designed by Tiff Leek.