Behavioural biology and zoo animal welfare: For the future

Animal welfare assessment is a challenging area of zoo and aquarium animal husbandry, but one that is essential for the continued survival of viable, sustainable ex-situ populations. Animal welfare refers to the internal, subjective state of the individual, and includes psychological, physiological, and behavioural constructs. An animal’s welfare needs can be assessed through frameworks that consider animal-based measures, environmental-based measures, and mental states. Assessment of welfare within the zoo and aquarium needs to utilise available knowledge and accessible tools for welfare monitoring and apply these in a meaningful manner for the benefit of the individuals housed in ex-situ facilities. This chapter aims to further emergent areas of animal welfare science and concepts to provide useful discussion for “where should welfare go” in the zoo and aquarium of the future when behavioural biology is a central consideration to guide welfare practice.