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Study reveals insights on zookeeper-animal bond
Vicki Melfi, professor in human-animal interactions at Hartpury University.
Zookeepers draw boundaries with animals in their care to maintain illusions of ‘nature’

The complex relationship that can exist between zookeepers and their animals has been revealed in a new study, led by researchers at the universities of Hartpury, Chester and Bolton.

The study, published in the journal Anthrozoos, explored how zookeepers reflected on their experiences with the different species they care for, while ensuring they work professionally to ensure high standards of care.

It found that zookeepers entered the job “for the love of animals.” However, they drew boundaries with the animals in their care to reduce interference with normal behaviour and to maintain illusions of ‘nature’ in a zoo environment.

Researchers found these behaviours can be difficult to maintain during the relationship for various reasons. For example, if a keeper needed to raise an animal by hand because the mother had abandoned her offspring.

“Our study highlighted that zookeepers are expected to distance themselves from the wild animals they’re working with. Yet many zookeepers interact more with the animals in their care on a daily basis, than many people may do with their pets,” explained Vicki Melfi, professor in human-animal interactions at Hartpury University.

“Zookeepers are expected to give the animals as much love and compassion as they’d give to their pets, but these ‘wild’ animals are not pets so they need to maintain emotional and physical distance. When we asked the zookeepers how they managed to achieve that, what came through consistently was that zookeepers always put the welfare and long-term interest of the animals first.”

Fourteen zookeepers from different establishments in the UK and New Zealand participated in the research. Scientists hope their findings will inform perceptions of the role of the human-animal bond in the management of zoo animals.

“There’s a huge level of humanity displayed by those interviewed in this study, and people who look after animals more widely, by doing the right thing for animal welfare and conservation,” Professor Melfi continued.

“Hopefully, this report will help give due credit to the professionalism and the level of understanding and care of those working within the zoo industry.”

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Vets to run marathon for World Animal Protection

News Story 1
 Two recently graduated veterinary surgeons will be running the London Marathon in April to raise money for the charity World Animal Protection.

Alex Bartlett and Maeve O'Neill plan to run the race together if they are given the same start times.

Dr O'Neill said: "You're always limited in what you can do to help animals, so it is nice to raise money for a charity that helps animals around the world."

Dr Bartlett added: "I have never run a marathon before and am excited to run my first one for such a good cause!"

Both Dr Bartlett and Dr O'Neill have fundraising pages online. 

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News Shorts
BSAVA releases new Guide to Procedures

The British Small Animal Veterinary Association (BSAVA) has published a new edition of its Guide to Procedures for Small Animal Practice.

It has added four new procedures; cystostomy tube placement, endotracheal intubation, point-of-care ultrasound and wet-to-dry dressings.

BSAVA says that it is an essential step-by-step guide to diagnostic and therapeutic procedures performed in practice. The textbook includes new images and illustrations, as well as high-definition videos for use prior to procedures.

Nick Bexfield and Julia Riggs, editors of the new edition, said: "We have built upon the success of the previous editions by responding to the feedback received from the BSAVA readership, and hope this new guide helps to further increase the confidence and accuracy with which these procedures are performed."

Print copies are available in the BSAVA store, with a digital version in the BSAVA library.