Using Species-Specific Protocols for the Welfare Assessment of Elephants in the Skopje Zoo

Abstract Providing good animal welfare standards is very important for wild animals in captivity, especially zoos. Therefore, the aim of this study was to perform a assessment elephants Skopje Zoo using species-specific protocols. Two specific protocols were used and combined more unified approach. These focused on elephant’s day-time behaviour, including Qualitative Behaviour Assessment (QBA), as well following sections: nutrition, physical health, environment, behaviour management. Data collected from Asian African that housed together, Zoo. Both species observed three consecutive days, during which time QBA performed they their daytime behaviour. Feeding (42% African, 34% elephant) anticipatory (35% 22% predominantly behaviours both elephants, stereotypic (30%) elephant. Concerning QBA, ‘uncomfortable’ (296 Asian, 234 elephants) ‘relaxed’ (271 280 most dominant descriptors elephants. The data indicated health. Regular feeding enrichment, environmental enrichment recommended. There room improvement concerning management practices