ABSTRACT
The order Carnivora is a large and diverse group that is often housed in zoological collections. Many in this order tend to be visitor favourites and as so are often flagship species for their habitats, being used to highlight conservation concerns, as well as often being popular species for public talks, “keeper for the day” experiences, and training demonstrations. This makes them very suitable species to meet the conservation, recreation, and educational requirements of the modern zoo. Many in this order, in particular the big cat species, are also popular research subjects, with key studies highlighting the prevalence of abnormal repetitive behaviours and impacts of keeper–animal interactions on welfare. This chapter covers the diverse behavioural biology of this order and considers how the understanding and promotion of key behavioural adaptations, like diet and social structures, can benefit species welfare, husbandry, and reproductive success in zoos.
