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JAVIER ALMUNIA, PHD (JA), SPAIN
Loro Parque Foundation (LPF) - Marine Mammals;
Vice Chair of European Association for Marine Mammals (EAAM)
LPF is funding a European Cortisol Study, because few data on stress
levels are available. Also some behavioural studies were funded.
With an animal welfare survey, where the trainers have to answer
questions about defined animals on a regular basis, they want to
find an animal welfare index based on subjective perceptions. Also
a long-term program on bioacoustics is still running.
DR. JOHANNA MORITZ (JM), GERMANY
Representative of Bavarian authority for animal health and food safety
Officials are not experts so they have to rely on information provided
by the zoos. Animal welfare is a constitutional aim in Germany i.e.
high ranked. Even expert opinions are very controversial, i.e. also
difference protocols have to be read and considered by authorities.
There is a strong pressure from ngos against circuses and partly
zoos. Communication between authorities and animal holding
institutions is sometimes difficult. In these cases a more respectful
relationship would be desirable. Animal welfare indicators would
provide an objective base and a great help for decision making of
authorities.
DR. KATRIN BAUMGARTNER (KB), GERMANY
Veterinarian in Nuremberg Zoo,
Chair of animal welfare committee of the EAAM
Zoo vets nowadays are strongly involved in research and animal
welfare. The long-term care of zoo animals needs preventive
medicine as well as medical training. This gives us the possibility
to use diagnostics on a regular basis and to participate in research
projects. Hair and saliva cortisol studies in polar bears and dolphins
shall help to understand the state of welfare in these animals.
Nutrition is another welfare matter. Therefore the zoo collaborates
with Zurich University conducting several nutrition studies and
regular food analyses. The control and treatment of offspring often
already in very young stages as an early intervention is another
matter of animal welfare. Considering Maslow’s “Hierarchy of
Needs” it becomes clear, that the zoo veterinarian can play a
fundamental role in the welfare status of an animal.
Summary of a Q & A Panel and a consecutive
discussion of different working groups
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| Summary of a Q & A Panel and a consecutive discussion of different working groups