Zoo Animal Welfare

by Paul Rose, Zoe Newnham, Ian Hickey
January 2026

Zoo Animal Welfare is a comprehensive and evidence-based reference that explores the principles, assessment, and practical application of animal welfare in zoological settings. This book addresses how welfare science can be used to evaluate and improve the physical, psychological, and social well-being of animals kept in zoos and wildlife collections.

The book integrates animal behaviour, veterinary medicine, ethics, and management, providing a multidisciplinary framework for understanding welfare challenges unique to captive wild animals. It examines enclosure design, environmental enrichment, nutrition, social housing, health monitoring, and human–animal interactions as key components of welfare assessment. With a strong focus on practical implementation, Zoo Animal Welfare equips professionals with tools to measure welfare objectively, identify welfare risks, and develop strategies that promote positive welfare states while meeting conservation, education, and management goals.

🔬 What This Book Covers

• Core concepts and frameworks of animal welfare science
• Welfare assessment methods in zoo animals
• Behavioural indicators of stress and well-being
• Enclosure design and environmental enrichment
• Nutrition, health care, and preventive medicine
• Ethical considerations and welfare legislation Welfare-focused zoo management practices

🎓Who This Book Is

• For Zoo and wildlife veterinarians
• Animal welfare scientists
• Zoo managers and animal keepers
• Veterinary and animal science students
• Conservation and wildlife professionals

🐾 Why This Book Matters

Ensuring high welfare standards is fundamental to modern zoological institutions. Zoo Animal Welfare provides the scientific foundation and practical guidance needed to improve animal well-being, support ethical decision-making, and align zoo practices with contemporary welfare expectations.

This book is an essential resource for anyone involved in zoo animal care, welfare assessment, and ethical wildlife management.