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Date Submitted
Spring 4-17-2015
Research Mentor and Department
Dr. Amanda Melin
Restricted/Unrestricted
Dissertation/Thesis
Abstract
Visitors presence is known to impact the behavior of zoo animals. For primates in particular, the effect of zoo visitors is considered negative and indicative of stress.
Comparing visitor effect between species can inform zoo organization to improve animal welfare. Animals most sensitive to visitors can be housed where they will be less exposed to visitors.
Research questions
• How do visitors affect animal space use and behavior?
• Are there effect differences between species?
• Can mixed species enclosures be used to compare visitor effect between species?