Effects of Visitor Interactions on Zoo Animals During the COVID-19 Pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic brought about significant changes in various aspects of life, including the daily routines of zoo animals. While humans had to adapt to lockdowns and social distancing, zoo animals also had to make adjustments due to the sudden absence of crowds of visitors. A study published in 2022 shed light on how primates reacted to this shift, focusing on the behavior of bonobos, chimpanzees, western lowland gorillas, and olive baboons.

The research conducted at Twycross Zoo and Knowsley Safari in the UK revealed interesting findings about the impact of the absence and return of visitors on primate behavior. Bonobos and gorillas spent less time alone when visitors returned to the zoo, indicating a change in social interactions. Chimpanzees were observed to eat more and engage with their enclosures when zoos reopened, suggesting increased activity levels. On the other hand, olive baboons exhibited less sexual and dominance behavior in the presence of visitors and showed a preference for approaching visitor cars over ranger vehicles during closure periods.

It is essential to consider whether these behavioral changes in zoo animals were positive or negative outcomes of the absence and return of visitors. While the presence of visitors seemed to stimulate chimpanzees and baboons, it raised concerns about disrupting the resting patterns of gorillas, naturally more sedentary animals. However, the ability of gorillas to adjust the parts of their enclosures they spent time in indicated their adaptability to environmental changes. Zoo animal welfare researcher Ellen Williams emphasized the importance of enabling animals to actively adapt to their environments for their welfare.

The study highlighted the complexity of visitor interactions on zoo animals and the need to consider both positive and negative effects. The researchers identified a visitor number threshold for olive baboons, beyond which the animals became less active and stimulated by passing cars in the safari park. This data is crucial for animal welfare researchers, as it underscores the varied impacts visitors can have on wildlife, ranging from companionship and safety to annoyance and threats.

As zoos and parks continue to navigate post-pandemic operations, it is imperative to consider the effects of visitor interactions on animal behavior and welfare. The researchers emphasized the importance of designing environments that allow animals to adapt and manage disruptions caused by visitor presence. Looking ahead, future studies should explore the impact of visitor numbers on a wider range of species across different settings to gain a comprehensive understanding of animal responses.

The study on the effects of visitor interactions on zoo animals during the COVID-19 pandemic offers valuable insights into the behavioral changes observed in primates in response to the absence and return of crowds. By assessing the positive and negative impacts of visitor presence on animal welfare, researchers can inform better practices in managing zoo environments and ensuring the well-being of captive wildlife.