The effects of zoo visitors on Quokka (Setonix brachyurus) avoidance behavior in a walk‐through exhibit

摘要: The behavior of zoo animals may be influenced by visitors, with possible implications on animal welfare. We examined the effects presence visitors and visibility free-ranging quokkas (Setonix brachyurus) in preferred areas a walk-through enclosure at Melbourne Zoo, Australia. In controlled experiment, two visitor treatments were randomly imposed: (1) open to as normal ("Open") (2) closed ("Closed"). Treatments imposed for 2-day periods, five replicates each treatment (10 periods total). Instantaneous point sampling camera footage 1-min intervals from 09:00 16:00 hr day recorded location quokkas. Data analyzed using two-factor ANOVA (visitor study area), summary values unit analysis. While was not affected treatment, fewer (p 0.05) between area. reduction quokka when present indicates that least moderately fear provoking this but further research is required examine behaviors stress physiology enclosures, there welfare implications.