Aims

This module aims to introduce students to the science underpinning current captive management techniques that are used to house and care for zoo animals in the UK and around the world. The module will provide an introduction to the history of zoological collections along with the importance of conservation and management. Students will gain insight into current, modern keeping methods exploring physiology, nutrition, behaviour and welfare of a wide range of captive wild animal species.
This module will provide the students with a unique opportunity to learn more about modern zoo animal management and the science that underpins it.

Outline Of Syllabus

This module will begin with a history of zoological menageries in the UK, describing their roles and function. This will be followed by a lecture covering the general topics of legislation and the zoo licensing system, followed by a lecture introducing enclosure design and evaluation. These lectures will form the basis of the lectures, seminars and visits that comprise the majority of the module. The module will be structured such that the lecture/s are family or species specific (e.g. felines, canines, hoof stock, pachyderms, primates etc.) and will cover the major aspects of the science underpinning the management of each family or species in captivity and how they differ. Therefore each set of lectures will cover the following topics:
•       Anatomy and physiology with specific reference to its impact on management.
•       Nutrition.
•       Housing and husbandry with specific reference to enclosure design.
•       Behaviour and its impact on management and enclosure design.
•       Reproduction and breeding with specific reference to the current captive breeding programmes.
•       Animal welfare issues and potential solutions including environmental enrichment and training.

The following families or species that are commonly held in the UK will be covered during the course:
•       Carnivore species (felids and canids).
•       Herbivore species (hoof stock and pachyderms).
•       Primate species (old world, new world and apes).
•       Aquatic mammal species (seals, sea lions and otters).
•       Marsupial species.
•       Other small mammals species
•       Bird species (raptors, parrots, penguins and other exotic birds).
•       Reptile and chelonian species.
•       Amphibian species.
•       Fish species held in aquariums.

The final lectures will cover the role that modern captive collections have to play in conservation and practical welfare assessment in a zoological setting. In addition to lectures there will be:
•       A visit to the Kirkley Hall zoological collection and to the Blue Reef Aquarium in order for the students to see captive animal management in practice.
•       A seminar from a leading expert in environmental enrichment of zoo animals and a seminar from a zoo curator.

Teaching Rationale And Relationship

Lectures to introduce zoo animal management and the science that underpins it. Small group teaching and field trips to allow the development of applied understanding of a range of captive species and specific activities (i.e. Environmental enrichment & curatorship). Project work to allow the development of a critical understanding of a specific species and their housing and husbandry.

Assessment Rationale And Relationship

The exam assesses the knowledge acquisition and the ability to synthesise and produce reasoned answers under time constraints. The case study allows the students to apply what they have learnt in the taught part of the module and to work over time to collect, synthesise and present information. The students' presentational skills are assessed by means of group poster presentations.

Study abroad students may request a take-away exam paper to be returned via NESS.