ABSTRACT
Zoo-based research can be a valuable tool for animal behaviour science, providing behavioural researchers with unique opportunities to observe, monitor, and study animals that would otherwise be hard to access. Behavioural zoo studies can both be used to answer fundamental scientific questions that contribute to a greater understanding of the natural world, as well as generating and providing scientific evidence with applied aims. In this chapter, we introduce some of the most common applications of zoo-based behavioural research: animal welfare, ex-situ conservation, in-situ conservation, and visitor experience and education. We provide an overview of how research in these areas of applied ethology inform zoo practices and helps them to fulfil their conservation, research, education, and recreation roles. We also briefly consider some of the challenges of conducting behavioural research at the zoo, as well as provide some solutions and future avenues for research.
