The Zoo Scientist

A study published in the Journal of Zoo and Aquarium Research (JZAR) investigated whether the location and topic of giraffe-themed educational signs influenced visitor engagement: 👨👦👦More visitors looked at the signs when placed in front of giraffe house rather than the zoo entrance. 👨👦👦Signs featuring general information about giraffe biology were viewed for longer than those with conservation and habitat information. 👨👦👦Visitors with children spent less time looking at signs. 👨👦👦Applications to zoo education and interpretation materials. --- Read paper (open access): https://lnkd.in/eqh5jbsc --- #ZooResearch #zooeducation #zoovisit #EnvironmentalEducation

❕ Job Vacancies: 1️⃣Coexistence Scientist (Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden). 2️⃣Conservation Impact Manager (Houston Zoo). 3️⃣Lecturer/Animal Behaviour and Welfare Project Manager (Bristol Zoological Society/Bristol Zoo Project). Deadline: March 24. --- Details: https://lnkd.in/gyXfBPt --- #ZooCareers #ZooJobs

Zoos Victoria's successful conservation breeding programme for the Baw Baw frog has resulted in the release of over 3,000 frogs and froglets into the forests of the Baw Baw plateau, in Victoria, Australia. 🐸 This species is Critically Endangered, with fewer than 500 individuals remaining in the wild, due to habitat loss and the deadly chytridiomycosis disease, caused by the chytrid fungus. The release of zoo-bred animals aims to boost the wild population and is a key part of the collaborative conservation plan for the species. Read more: https://lnkd.in/gsN_UdN5 #ZooConservation #Reintroductions #ConservationBreeding #Frogs #Herpetology #ZoosVictoria

❕ Job Vacancies: 1️⃣Jefe/a de Comportamiento Animal (Bioparque Buinzoo). 2️⃣Rocky Mountain Field Technician (Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance). Deadline: March 19. 3️⃣Grasslands Field Technician (Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance). Deadline: March 20. 4️⃣Conservation Science Coordinator - Maternity cover (Twycross Zoo). Deadline: March 28. 5️⃣Animal and Plant Director (Chester Zoo). --- Details: https://lnkd.in/gyXfBPt --- #ZooCareers #ZooJobs

A case study published in Zoo Biology assessed the effect of a visual barrier removal on the behaviour of two zoo-housed Bald Eagles: 🦅Before visual barrier (two large doors) was removed, the two eagles could not see approaching zoo visitors. 🦅After visual barrier removal: more even use of enclosure (both birds), reduction in gular fluttering/panting and increased resting (one bird). 🦅As eagles have acute vision, improving visual access to their surroundings while in human care may have a positive impact on their behaviour and welfare. --- Read paper: https://lnkd.in/eHGts2be --- #ZooResearch #animalwelfare #baldeagle #birdofprey

❕ Job Vacancies: 1️⃣Assistant Conservation Project Officer - Native Biodiversity (The Royal Zoological Society of Scotland Highland Wildlife Park). Deadline: March 3. 2️⃣Post Doctoral Fellow Ex/In Situ Louisiana Pinesnake Conservation (Memphis Zoo). 3️⃣Research Pinesnake Technician (Memphis Zoo). 4️⃣Research and Conservation Intern - Paid (Georgia Aquarium). 5️⃣Watershed Conservation Assistant (Tennessee Aquarium). Deadline: March 18. --- Details: https://lnkd.in/gyXfBPt --- #ZooCareers #ZooJobs

The activity and social behaviours of a pair of zoo-housed Wreathed Hornbills was investigated in a study published in the Journal of Zoological and Botanical Gardens MDPI: ✔️Potential behavioural indicators of pair compatibility: proximity, vocalisations, courtship display. ✔️Male: higher activity, exploration, and frequency of courtship behaviours.  ✔️Courtship behaviours: associated with perching at elevated positions, decreased when birds in close proximity or inactive. ✔️Visitor effect: Higher perches preferred during peak visitor times. ✔️Behaviours investigated may indicate pair compatibility but further research needed for validation. ✔️Enclosure design: Species’ natural behavioural ecology needs to be considered. --- Read paper (open access): https://lnkd.in/eGuDfv-u --- #ZooResearch #hornbill #exsitu #AnimalBehavior

❕ Career Opportunities: 1️⃣Post Doctoral Fellow in Ex/In Situ Conservation - Felids, Primates or elephants (Memphis Zoo). 2️⃣Conservation and Research Intern - Paid (Dublin Zoo). --- Details: https://lnkd.in/gyXfBPt --- #ZooCareers #ZooJobs

A study in the new issue of Journal of Zoo and Aquarium Research (JZAR) investigated the susceptibility of seven genera of pigs and peccaries to African Swine Fever (ASF): 🐽Susceptibility assessed using macrophages from peripheral blood mononuclear cells of different species. 🐽Suidae: all species of pigs were susceptible to ASF, including highly threatened Asian wild pigs (e.g. Visayan warty pig). 🐽Tayassuidae (peccaries): Macrophages did not support ASFV replication - susceptibility is unlikely. 🐽Applications to health management of both in situ and ex situ populations. --- Read paper (open access): https://lnkd.in/eVxyVzQr --- #ZooResearch #AnimalHealth #wildpig #suidae #AfricanSwineFever

⚠️Abstract submissions are now open for the BIAZA Research Conference 2025, which will take place at Chester Zoo on July 8 - 9. 👩🏫Submit your abstract by March 28 for the opportunity to present your research at this student-friendly conference, which brings together zoo professionals, students, and academics for two days of all things #ZooScience. More information: https://lnkd.in/e4d79Khc