The Book - Zoo Animals: Behaviour, Management and Welfare Cites Paignton Zoo

By Philip Knowling 

Paignton, UK - A new book co-written by a Devon-based scientist is set to become the handbook for zoo conservationists of the future.

The book - Zoo Animals: Behaviour, Management and Welfare - has been written by Dr. Vicky Melfi, of the Whitley Wildlife Conservation Trust, Professor Geoff Hosey, from the University of Bolton, and Dr. Sheila Pankhurst, of Anglia Ruskin University.

Published by Oxford University Press, the book fills a gap by providing a comprehensive review of the subject and is said to be the first work of its kind in the world. 

Dr. Melfi said: “The three of us have known each other for years as researchers in the field of zoo biology. As lecturers we knew there was a need for a book which covered a range of topics about animals and how we should manage them in an easy-to-read style, so we approached OUP with the idea.”

The book cites examples of work carried out at Paignton Zoo. The introduction of special timetables showed how enrichment could be done on a daily basis and fitted in around all the other tasks zoo keepers have to do. Dr. Melfi’s work with Abyssinian colobus monkeys, which won a national zoos award in 2004 and the Universities Federation for Animal Welfare (UFAW) Wild Animal Welfare Award in 2005, is also quoted. The work involved training individual colobus monkeys to take fruit juice from syringes, providing a non-invasive and more welfare-friendly method of delivering medication. 

Dr. Melfi said: “The keeping of zoo animals is a vital tool in the conservation of some of the world's most fascinating species. Our book shows how zoos operate on a day-to-day basis, how they play their part in conserving biodiversity and how we can apply our understanding of animal behaviour to the care of zoo animals to ensure they have good welfare.

“The book is aimed at both students and zoo animal professionals. It could become the standard text on zoos for universities and colleges around the world - it has already been adopted as a recommended textbook on Paignton Zoo’s own Masters course and at both the University of Plymouth and the University of Exeter.”

Paignton Zoo Environmental Park is a registered charity. For more information go to www.paigntonzoo.org.uk or ring (01803) 697500.

Paignton Zoo is a member of the British & Irish Association of Zoos & Aquariums (BIAZA). BIAZA represents its member collections and promotes the values of good zoos and aquariums. For further information please telephone 020 7449 6351.

www.paigntonzoo.org.uk
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Paignton Zoo Environmental Park is a registered charity. Registered office: Paignton Zoo Environmental Park, Totnes Road, Paignton, Devon TQ4 7EU. Registration number 792877. Registered charity number 300923. Place of incorporation: Companies House, Cardiff.