Assessment of animal management and habitat characteristics associated with social behavior in bottlenose dolphins across zoological facilities

Bottlenose dolphins are a behaviorally complex, social species that display variety of behaviors. Because this, it is important for zoological facilities to strive ensure animals species-appropriate levels behavior. The current study part the multi-institutional entitled “Towards understanding welfare cetaceans in zoos and aquariums” commonly referred as Cetacean Welfare Study. All participating were accredited by Alliance Marine Mammal Parks Aquariums and/or Association Zoos Aquariums. Behavioral data collected on 47 bottlenose representing two subspecies, Tursiops truncatus aduncus , at 25 facilities. behaviors group related activity ( active ) well interacting with conspecifics interact conspecific examined their relationships both animal management factors habitat characteristics. behavioral state rate positively frequency receiving new forms environmental enrichment. Both inversely random scheduling Additional results suggested was daytime spatial experience males displayed more than females. Overall, techniques such type timing enrichment may be enhance behavior characteristics or size habitat. Information gained from this can help manage programs relation