ABSTRACT
The monotremes and marsupials are a vast group of animals unified by their unique neonatal breeding behaviours. They occupy niches from the aquatic to the arboreal habitat and perform feeding behaviours that range from general omnivorous or grazing strategies to specialised exudivores, folivores, and fungivores. Their behavioural biology is still being uncovered but there have been many advancements over the recent years resulting in successful breeding of, traditionally, hard-to-breed species, like the short-nosed echidna and fat-tailed dunnart. Considering their behavioural biology in husbandry practices can improve welfare and has also been applied as indicators of welfare states in these captive species. A wide array of enrichment options are employed and suggestions have been made here for further opportunities to bring positive welfare to animals in the zoo. Further research topics that would benefit the captive management of monotreme and marsupial species are suggested.
