ABSTRACT
Evidence-based husbandry is a cornerstone of modern zoos and its implementation allows constant optimisation of husbandry and avoids stagnation of traditional approaches, ultimately leading to improved animal welfare. Behavioural data are a key part of an evidence-based approach, and zookeepers are often ideally placed to collect scientifically and practically meaningful data and to apply this to their husbandry practices. Employing camera traps, utilising existing records, engaging with researchers and students, and designing data collection to align with husbandry routines are tried and tested tools in overcoming the time-resource limitations of a typical keeper role. Zoo culture and attitudes to animal keepers also limit keeper-led behavioural research, which may be overcome by adjusting recruitment, staff training and management to better support these activities. Important challenges, especially accessibility to both reading and publishing scientific literature due to subscription charges and article processing charges, respectively, remain more difficult to overcome.
