Effects of visitor numbers on captive European red squirrels (Sciurus vulgaris ) and impacts on visitor experience

摘要: Visitors to zoological collections can have substantial effects on captive animals that vary according species, enclosure design, visitor proximity, and husbandry methods. One particularly intense form of interaction occurs in immersive exhibits such as walk-through enclosures. Such enclosures are increasingly common but animal behavior currently understudied. Here, the European red squirrels (Sciurus vulgaris) is studied relation numbers a enclosure. We also quantify correlation between squirrel encounters experience. Interaction with humans increased significantly number visitors inside increased. The children present locomotion decreased eating, possibly due disturbance moving away from busy areas. By contrast, adults eating inactivity approaching visitors. positive reinforcement training used by keepers (offering food rewards for coming them allow routine medical checks) meant associated opportunities. Squirrel encounter rate (number seen each group visitors) was affected duration (positive relationships) noise perceived (negative relationship). Encounter positively correlated overall Our results indicate affect this effect influenced It vital visitors, especially children, minimize noise, move slowly enclosure, both sake their own