Physiological stress response in Tamandua tetradactyla to anthropogenic disturbances: management recommendations to preserve animal welfare in zoos

EGUIZÁBAL, G.V.; VILLARREAL, D.P.; PALME, R.; BUSSO, J.M.; SUPERINA, M.

Orlando

Congreso; 6th ISWE Conference; 2017

International Society of Wildlife Endocrinology

Zoo-housed animals are frequently exposed to environmental challenges due to management routines. These are applied on a daily basis (such as feeding and cleaning) or less frequently (such as veterinary examinations and rotations between enclosures), triggering different stress responses. Thus, evaluating these responses is useful to improve management strategies. We assessed Tamandua tetradactyla adrenocortical response to anthropogenic disturbances due to management in Cordoba Zoo. Adult animals (3 ♂ and 3 ♀) were individually housed during autumn. Animals were exposed to the following procedures: weight (day 3) and health status (blood collection, body temperature and biometrics; day 18) checks (10 minutes per procedure), and to rotations (days 10 and 24) between enclosures. Fresh feces were collected daily over a 34 day-period. Fecal glucocorticoid metabolites (FGM; ug/g wet feces) were extracted using methanol (80%) and measured by an 11‐oxoetiocholanolone enzyme immunoassay. Statistical analysis revealed sex (males: 3.7±0.3 > females: 2.5±0.2; P<0.05) and individual differences (P<0.0001). Procedure effects (3 post-procedure days) were assessed by calculating the percentage of change from baseline (pre-procedure) in concentrations of FGM. Weight check did not affect FGM concentrations, but health status check increased them (91% change; P=0.04). First rotation had no effect on FGM concentrations; remarkably, the second rotation increased them (178 % change; P=0.04). Based on our results, sex and identity must be taken into account in order to make an adequate use of FGM measurements as a welfare indicator. Animals responded differently to veterinary examinations; weight check did not affect adrenocortical activity, but health status check was stressful. Although rotations between enclosures may be desirable to offer environmental opportunities for exploring, this practice would increase adrenocortical activity when preceded by a stressful situation. Finally, avoiding continuous unpredictable challenges due to management is recommended to prevent compromising animal welfare.