BIAZA Mammal Working Group Annual Conference 2018
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2018
BIAZA Mammal Working Group
Annual Conference
Tuesday 9th October 2018 19:00– Icebreaker @ Zoorassic, Dublin Zoo
Wednesday 10th October 2017 - DAY 1
8:00 Registration / Tea & Coffee
8.45 Welcome and introduction to the MWG and Matthew Webb / Dublin
Subgroups Zoo rep.
House keeping
9:00 Step in to the Light Zoe Grose
The addition of UV-B Light to a gorilla Bristol Zoo Gardens
enclosure
9.30 The Effect of artificial UV light on captive Samuel Morris
primate behaviour Paignton Zoo
10.00 Elephant calf training and herd births at Dublin Gerry Creighton
zoo Dublin Zoo
10:30 Setting up a successful training session, Kim Wilkins
common problems and trouble shooting. Yorkshire Wildlife Park
11:00 Tea Break
11:30 Mending Moby Vicky Buller
Wildwood
12.00 A study relating to Giraffes falling or going Helen Clarke and Alan
down and substrates involved. Duffy
Dublin Zoo
12:30 Monitoring Rumen pH in Common Eland using Jen Quayle
Indwelling Rumen Bolus Sensors Knowsley Safari Park
13.00 BIAZA Research Committee Update Jo Newbolt & Louise Bell
WWCT & Myerscough
13:10 Lunch
13.45 Dublin Zoo Animal Section Tours Dublin Zoo Team Leaders
14:45 80 Years of Indian Rhinos at Whipsnade Zoo Graeme Williamson
ZSL Whipsnade Zoo
15.15 Last Year’s Winner – Hoof Stock Subgroup:
Javan Species Recovery Programme Conservation Grant Awards
Elephant Subgroup – Asian elephant MWG Subgroups
conservation in Assam
Carnivore Subgroup – Himalayan Otter
Network
Small Mammal Subgroup – Save Vietnam
Wildlife
Primate Subgroup – Little Fire Face Project
16:15 EAZA Keynote Speaker Neil Bemment
Gorilla EEP EAZA Great Ape TAG
16:45 Best Presentation Award / Raffle and Silent MWG Committee
Auction
17:15 End
19:00 Evening Event – Dublin Zoo Dinner Zoorassic - Dublin Zoo
Thursday 11th October 2017 - DAY 2
8:30 Registration / Tea & Coffee
8:45 Welcome Matthew Webb
9.00 First Impressions Count Tony Dobbs
Twycross Zoo
9:30 Rodrigues Fruit Bat contraception trial at Laura Davies
Chester Zoo Chester Zoo
10:00 An integrated approach to managing Jo Reynard / Robert
Entamoeba Histolytica in multiple species of Rouse
primates within a zoological collection. Paignton Zoo
10:30 Tea Break
Xenarthra Symposium
11:00 Digestive Anatomy of Xenarthra Andrew Beer
Diets and nutritional requirements of RZSS
Xenarthra
11:20 Husbandry and management of Two Mark Kenward
toed/fingered Sloths Drusilla’s
11:40 Husbandry and Management of Tamandua Kelly-Anne Kelleher -
Zoolokal & Mark Kenward -
Drusilla’s
12:00 Husbandry and Management of Giant Allan Galway – MWG &
Anteaters Mark Kenward – Drusilla’s
12.20 Husbandry and Management of Armadillos Rob Harland
ZSL London
12:40 Claw Malformation in captive sloths. Mark Kenward
Husbandry and management of sloths Drusilla’s
13:00 Lunch
13.45 Dublin Zoo Animal Section Tours Dublin Zoo Team Leaders
14:45 10 Minute Talks
Microchipping and sexing a Giant Anteater Laura Knowles – ZSL
(Myrmecophaga tridactyla) through positive
reinforcement Hayley Potter – Woburn
BIAZA reintroduction advisory group Steve Goodwin – ZSL
Evolution of box training at ZSL London
The Effects of an Enclosure Move on the Bridget Johnson –
Behaviour of Amur Tigers Knowsley
The Effects of Temporary Separation on the Sarah Armstrong –
Behaviours of a Captive Herd of African Knowsley
Elephants, Loxodonta africana: A Case
Study
Settling in a new pack of African hunting Steve Merrick-white –
dogs at ZSL Whipsnade Zoo Whipsnade
Introduction to the Great Ape Welfare group Dr Susannah Thorpe – Uni
of Birmingham
Crate training cat for transport. Linda Frew - Belfast
16:05 Best Presentation, Best Poster & Raffle MWG Committee
17:00 EndWednesday 10th October 2018 - DAY 1
Step in to the Light
Subject: The addition of UV-B Light to a gorilla enclosure.
The project is looking at enclosure use before and after UV-B lighting was installed. The gorillas
where also trained to have voluntary blood samples taken at various points in the year to check the
D3 levels in their blood with varying success.
The Effect of artificial UV light on captive primate behaviour
Samuel Morris 1,2, Ignatius-Roy Hillcoat-Nalletamy 1,3 and Holly Farmer 1
1
Whitley Wildlife Conservation Trust (Paignton Zoo), Totnes Road, Paignton, Devon,
2
College of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Exeter,
3
Department of Life Sciences, Imperial College London
There is a great disparity between ultraviolet (UVB) light levels experienced by captive animals and
their wild counterparts. To determine ambient UVB light levels and potential UV exposure for the 24
primate species at Paignton Zoo, UK, we recorded UV levels at each enclosure three times daily for
15 days, four times over the year. We also investigated the influence of artificial UVB for three
primate species (brown spider monkey, Ateles hybridus; Geoldi’s monkey, Callimico goeldii and ring
tailed lemur, Lemur catta), focusing on behavioural responses and enclosure use. For A. hybridus
(1.3), the effects of four combinations of UVA and UVB bulbs had been researched in 2017. This year
we tested two additional conditions by providing UVB and a spotlight in the winter months and
adding a heat source to the UVB and spotlight zone, to further encourage UV exposure. Significantly
more time was spent inside and under the lights in the final condition compared to other conditions
(P=0.05). The group also spent significantly less time inside during the summer months (Pour training stalls. We have seen elephants sleep deeply, lying down, curled around each other.
More than anything we have learned how little we know about these extraordinary animals. We, at
Dublin Zoo hope to keep changing and developing as our herd grows. This presentation will show the
benefits achieved through protective contact training on elephants’ terms within a multigenerational
family unit. We believe that we have only started the process of maintaining a viable, sustainable
and thriving population of zoo elephants.
Setting up a successful training session, common problems and trouble shooting.
Subject: Husbandry training
Many people experience problems when training, sometimes this can be through inexperience,
overlooking an issue, trouble with conspecifics or ‘hitting the wall’. The presentation will address
these topics, discuss how to overcome them and offer opportunity to discuss some problems that
individuals may be experiencing.
Mending Moby
Subject: Serious hind leg fracture repair and rehabilitation in a young Eurasian grey wolf
Here at Wildwood Escot, we have a pack of two-year-old Eurasian grey wolves. Providing the best
possible health care for our animals is of utmost importance however we also need to consider the
overall welfare of treating an animal even if it means euthanasia is the most ethical solution. One
morning in February 2018, the keepers noticed that Moby, a male, had a severe limp on his rear left
leg and wasn’t weight bearing. Over 48 hours it failed to improve so the decision was taken to
separate him from the rest of the pack in order to dart and sedate him. An x-ray followed showing a
full and complete fracture to both the tibia and the fibula, the vet had already warned us of this
being the worst-case scenario regarding a wolf as it is a major injury to treat in even a domestic dog
who can be handled and kept on solitary cage rest. We initially thought we had no option except
euthanasia, as we had to consider the immediate repair of the fracture. Also, other considerations
would be; the implications of separating Moby from the rest of the pack, his subsequent re-
introduction, how this would affect pack dynamics as well as his physical rehabilitation. However,
after talking to an orthopaedic veterinary surgeon in Exeter we decided to go on the journey of
attempting to repair and rehabilitate Moby. It was a calculated risk, but the rehabilitation was more
successful than we had hoped, and Moby reintegrated with the pack well. We are glad we decided
to take the opportunity to attempt to repair the fracture and although every situation is different,
we wanted to share our story of Moby with other collections as we certainly learnt a lot from the
experience.
A Study Relating to Giraffes falling or going down and substrates involved
Subject: Based on information gathered from collections experienced in incidents of fallen giraffes.
The presentation will show case information gathered from a detailed questionnaire sent to various
zoos who have dealt with incidents of fallen giraffes, or giraffes that have gone down and have been
unable to get back. Focus of the study will examine substrates used in each scenario.Monitoring Rumen pH in Common Eland using Indwelling Rumen Bolus Sensors
Subject: Nutrition
Ruminal acidosis is a common condition in dairy cattle associated with the feeding of a high volume
of concentrate feeds. The incidence in zoo ruminants in unknown but it is thought to be a factor in
poor utilisation of food in wasting syndromes and peracute mortality syndromes, as well as being
linked to ruminitis, bacterial hepatitis, lung abscesses and laminitis in various species.
Following a review of records from routine post mortem examinations, a number of conditions were
found that could be associated with ruminal acidosis in a variety of our antelope species. To
investigate this we have been trialling the use of rumen bolus pH sensors in Eland. The presentation
will describe the practicalities of administering the bolus and downloading data, and our findings of
the effects of feeding different diets on both average rumen pH, and the degree of variation in
rumen pH, in this species.
BIAZA Research Committee Update
Subject: Update on BRC, current research and priority areas
Lou and Jo will present an update on the activities and roles of the BIAZA Research Committee and
on the 20th anniversary conference at Living Coasts, South Devon College and Paignton Zoo.
Findings will be presented on relevant and interesting studies which were presented at the
conference including the use of UV for primates, nutritional findings and welfare assessment.
Update on priority research areas and an appeal to all focus groups on collating lists of priority areas
which can be updated on the BIAZA website and for academic links.
80 Years of Indian Rhinos at Whipsnade Zoo
Subject: Asian rhino
History of Asian rhino from the first arrival of ‘Hush’ and ‘Hash’ in 1935, who were gifted by HM The
King, King George V, presented by the Maharajah of Nepal to ZSL. Going through the decades of
births and transfers to the present-day demonstrating husbandry and welfare changes of rhino care.
Conservation Grant Awards
Last Year’s Winner
o Javan Species Recovery Programme
Elephant subgroup
o Asian Elephant Conservation in Assam
Carnivores subgroup
o Himalayan Otter Network
Small mammals’ subgroup
o Save Vietnams Wildlife
Primates subgroup
o Little Fire Face ProjectGorilla EEP
Subject: Population Management
"The Gorilla EEP (EAZA Ex situ Programme) was initiated in the mid 1980s and is one first European
cooperative breeding programmes. At that time gorillas and indeed all of the 'great apes'
(orangutans and chimpanzees) and the 'lesser apes" (gibbons) were managed under the auspices of
the Federation of Zoo's (now BIAZA) Anthropoid Ape Advisory Panel (AAAP), and latterly by the B&I
Ape TAG when under the Joint Management of Species Committee. All B&I apes became integrated
with their respective EEPs in the mid 1990s. The Gorilla International Stud Book is collated by
Frankfurt Zoo, Germany while the role of EEP Co-ordinator is supported by Apenheul Primate Park.
the Netherlands. This talk will cover the current status of the Gorilla EEP and the challenges it faces
in the future."
Thursday 11th October 2018 - DAY 2
First Impressions Count…
Subject: Processes of primate introductions
With more and more collections keeping their primates in larger, more natural groups the need to
introduce animal’s together, especially new animals into existing and established groups, is
becoming more common.
If introductions aren’t managed correctly the results can range from unsuccessful to catastrophic…
This talk will go through some of the principles of introductions that we have learnt at Twycross Zoo
through our own experiences, using these experiences as examples of how it can be done and what
can potentially go wrong.
Rodrigues Fruit Bat contraception trial at Chester Zoo
Subject: Rodrigues Fruit Bat breeding management
There has been an extremely successful breeding colony of Rodrigues Fruit Bats at Chester Zoo since
1998. With a total of 213 individuals recorded in the colony in March 2018.
Rodrigues Fruit Bats are endemic to the island of Rodrigues near Mauritius. These bats are classified
by the IUCN as an endangered species. In the 1970s, the wild population was just 75 individuals in
total. It is for this reason that this species is one of Chester Zoo’s conservation projects with much
money and resources invested in in situ conservation efforts. These are helping restore the
population and have since proven highly effective. The ex situ safety net breeding programme at the
zoo has also been extremely successful with many groups of bats exported to other collections
across Europe to create new colonies.
Having a hugely successful breeding comes with its own challenges. In order to manage the
population of Rodrigues Fruit Bats a contraceptive trial to implant 80 female bats was carried out.This talk will describe the process involved in contracepting the selected bats. From catching the
bats to processing and implanting the individuals. The talk will discuss some of the challenges faced
during the process and what results to be expected from the next bat catch in 6 months’ time.
An integrated approach to managing Entamoeba Histolytica in multiple species of primates within
a zoological collection.
Subject: A combination of medical treatments, biosecurity and disinfection protocols used to control
and reduce Entamoeba histolytica in a collection.
In this zoological collection E. histolytica has been responsible for mortality and morbidity of
multiple endangered primates including King Colobus (Colobus polykomos) and Brown spider
Monkey (Ateles hybridus). Clinical cases and detection of the organism in faeces has increased in
recent years culminating in a number of deaths and sick animals needing hospitalisation. The
unpalatability of metronidazole made medication compliance difficult in sick animals and the
resistant nature of the organism makes it difficult to eradicate in the environment. An integrated
approach involving the veterinary department and mammal department was used to resolve the
problem, utilising a novel phenol based disinfectant Interkokask ®, reverse biosecurity of non-
infected groups to prevent spread, biosecurity measures on infected groups and a protocol of
regular treatment using paromomycin. In 2018 no mortality or morbidity has been attributed to E.
histolytica demonstrating the success of these measures.
Xenarthra Symposium
Xenarthra – Management of Husbandry and Nutrition
The presentation will include an overview of the digestive anatomy of members of the Xenarthra
and how this links to digestive strategies and feeding guidelines for these species in captivity.
Example diets will be included. Husbandry Management will look at aspects of enclosure design for
ease of animal movement and management of reproduction and enrichment.
Husbandry and management of Two toed/fingered Sloths
Subject: Choloepus didactylus & hoffmanni
An overview of the husbandry and management of captive sloths including:
• Environmental considerations
• Enclosure furnishing
• General husbandry and handrearing.
Husbandry and management of tamandua
Subject: Tamandua tetradactyla
An overview of the husbandry and management of tamandua including:
• Food presentation
• Environmental considerations
• Enclosure furnishing
• Enrichment• Operant conditioning including ultrasound.
The husbandry and management of giant anteater
Subject: Giant anteater husbandry and management
An overview of the husbandry of giant anteater including exhibit design and being kept in a mixed
species exhibit
The husbandry and management of armadillos
Subject: Chaetophractus villosus
An overview of the husbandry of large hairy armadillos including their use as educational
ambassadors.
Claw Malformation in Captive Two Toed/Fingered Sloth
Subject: Choloepus didactylus & hoffmanni
An overview of the care of claw injuries and deformities in sloths and the reasons for them and what
can be done to improve this.
10 Minute presentations
Microchipping and sexing a Giant Anteater (Myrmecophaga tridactyla) through positive
reinforcement
Subject: Animal Training
A positive reinforcement training programme was set up in order to microchip and sex a baby
anteater without the use of restraint. Training began by encouraging interaction between the
anteater and keepers through hand feeding. A modified crate was then introduced to allow the
keepers to get the animal use to touch in a safe manner. Once she was comfortable with being
touched and pinched, a blunt needle and shaver were introduced for de-sensitisation. The clipper
was first introduced by allowing Raya to become de-sensitised to the noise. After two sessions the
clipper was placed on her left arm to de-sensitise to the vibrations. She showed no reaction to the
blunt needle. On the day of the procedure, a small patch of hair was shaved and a local anaesthetic
applied. The microchip was inserted without a flinch! The puncture wound was repaired with glue
with no issues were seen during the healing process. This method was also used to sex the individual
successfully.
BIAZA reintroduction advisory group
Subject: Hi from RAG!
Just a quick introduction to the RAG, why it has been formed, aims and how to get in touchEvolution of box training at ZSL
Subject: Training/ Induction for general anaesthesia
A review of the techniques used at ZSL over the years when capturing Small Mammals for general
anaesthesia, from netting, boxing, modified boxes to our current custom designed and built
induction device, allowing us to reduce or remove the need for manual restraint of the animal.
Using the device in place of a normal box keepers can quickly train animals into it, allowing the vets
to use the device as an induction chamber and oversee the animal for general anaesthesia.
The presentation will Compare the speed of acclimatisation to the device, reduced stress levels,
veterinary feedback, repeatability, training perspectives and future applications.
The Effects of an Enclosure Move on the Behaviour of Amur Tigers
Subject: Enclosure move
Two female Amur tigers (Panthera tigris altacia) were moved from a small, basic enclosure to a large,
complex enclosure within one collection. Focal sampling was used to investigate how their
behaviour differed in each enclosure. Significant differences in behaviour were observed, in
particular the frequency of resting, social interaction and pacing. We discuss how collecting
behavioural data before and after an enclosure move can help evaluate a new enclosure a lead to
further welfare improvements for the animals concerned and future occupants of the enclosure.
The Effects of Temporary Separation on the Behaviours of a Captive Herd of African Elephants,
Loxodonta africana: A Case Study
Subject: Animal transport
We undertook a research project looking at the effects of temporary separation of a captive
elephant herd. The results have implications for all transports of social species. Abstract follows:
Elephants are highly intelligent animals with a huge capacity for social cognition, with females
especially living in large, long-lived related herds. In captivity, it is extremely difficult to meet
all of their needs, but improvements are continually being made. In response to a change in
guidelines and one collection wanting to improve welfare for their elephants, the decision
was made for four female African Elephants (Loxodonta africana) to relocate to a different
facility. As the worlds’ largest land mammal, many safety (both elephant and keeper), welfare
and logistical considerations had to be undertaken. The elephants travelled in two pairs,
based on those with the strongest social bonds. The order in which the pairs were sent was
based on their response to positive reinforcement training. As a result of this there was a
short gap in between transports to focus on the two remaining elephants’ further
habituation to their transport crates and allow for the heat of Summer.
This study used focal behavioural sampling to investigate the change in behaviours; both
social and individual, of these two remaining females when their herd temporarily reduced
from four individuals to two. Significant changes in behaviour included an increase in both
human-audible vocalisations and temporal gland secretions. The elephants, although mostly
unrelated and living in an ‘unnatural’ captive setting, still had the same signs of separationstress as would a highly-related, wild herd, and exhibited behaviours consistent with in situ
studies.
Settling in a new pack of African hunting dogs at ZSL Whipsnade Zoo
Subject: New exhibit and husbandry practices
How a new pack of 0.5 African hunting dogs have settled in to their new exhibit. Covering aspects of
husbandry as well as incorporating training and enrichment.
Introduction to the Great Ape Welfare group (GAWg)
The aim of this session is to introduce the Great Ape Welfare group. I will talk about how it came to
be formed, current activities and our aspirations for the future. It will be an informal session and I
welcome questions, comments and suggestions for how GAWg can help improve great ape welfare
and linked research and conservation.
Crate training cat for transport.
Subject: Temmincks golden cat.
Techniques used, and problems faced and solved when crate training golden cat for transportation.You can also read
