An examination of husbandry training in zoos: A scoping review
Year: 2025
Type: article
Study design: Systematic Review
Abstract: The modern zoo has been characterised by the use of cooperative care training techniques to manage husbandry procedures. However, limited reviews or information are available in the peer-reviewed published literature about these techniques. In this review we examined the peer-reviewed literature exploring these training procedures, discovered which species were lacking research, and how different species responded to this training. Initially three online scientific databases were searched to locate papers for review. Once found, the PRISMA-ScR format was followed using the Covidence review tool to identify publications for inclusion, resulting in a final review of 20 papers. In all included papers, food rewards were offered as positive reinforcers. None of the included papers utilised coercion and all successfully trained the goal behaviour. Over half of the studies were carried out in the USA. Training sessions lasting less than 20 minutes every 1 to 2 days were most common. Studies were typically no more than 20 weeks. Training via shaping, often in conjunction with clicker training, were the most frequently used techniques. Over half of the trained behaviours were intended to ease animal handling, with others assisting sample collection and medical treatment. Several knowledge gaps were identified within this topic as well as a strong bias towards training mammals. However, the few papers on non-mammal species illustrate the generality of reward-based training methods across taxa. Implications for future research are considered, including increased demonstrations across a variety of species and examinations of training challenges encountered.
Source: Applied Animal Behaviour Science
Institution: The University of Adelaide
Language: English
Subfield: Small Animals
Field: Veterinary
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
Estimated APC paid: $3,220
OpenAlex ID: W4413860296