Personality of killer whales (Orcinus orca) is related to welfare and subjective well-being

Questionnaires are very useful tools when it comes to assessing zoo based animal measures and caretakers of these animals (such as keepers, trainers veterinarians) in the best position provide accurate answers assessments. Our goal was (a) empirically demonstrate utility a welfare questionnaire (b) examine relationship between three constructs: personality, subjective well-being ratings, sample killer whales (Orcinus orca) (n = 26). For this purpose, we applied 4-factor personality structure previously species, 4-item questionnaire, designed 39-item questionnaire. The composed by positive negative indicators related social environmental interactions, physical health condition, presence species-typical stereotypical behaviors, capacity accept situations, relationships with conspecifics humans, among others. Each whale rated an average 12.5 raters. mean interrater reliability for questionnaires high, Principal Components Analysis Regularized Exploratory Factor Analysis, revealed one six factors, respectively. We found some correlations constructs, instance, Extraversion (r 0.62, 95% CI 0.02−0.06) Dominance 0.61, 95 % 0.03−0.09) were associated factor, while negatively Abnormal -0.73, −0.13 −0.06) Nervousness -0.66, 0.06−0.17) showed reliable valid results. Thus, our research represents first empirical evidence cetaceans through use multi-trait Therefore, facilities housing could gradually monitor intervene if needed. Finally, closely resembled previous primates, which indicate possible evolutionary convergence Orders.