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Zoo culture influences keeper-animal attachment
"Understanding what impacts keeper-animal relationships is essential" - Professor Vicky Melfi.
New research explores animal attachment among zookeepers.

Hartpury University's Animal and Agricultural Research Centre has discovered that zoo culture has an influence on the strength of keeper-animal attachment.

Researchers at the university explored levels of animal attachment among zookeepers using the Lexington Attachment to Pets Scale (LAPS). Using data from 180 keepers, researchers found that the keeper's scores regarding their own pets were comparable with the general public, however, the keeper's scores regarding the zoo animals in their care varied significantly by institution.

The variation between scores in different institutions suggests that the culture of each zoo influences the level of attachment between keeper and zoo animal, and this study is the first time zoo culture has been identified.

Published in Zoo Biology, the study also found that the zoo animal attachment LAPS scores were higher in women than men, and no difference in attachment was found between species.

Professor Vicky Melfi, who led the research, explained the importance of the work: “Understanding what impacts keeper-animal relationships is essential, as they impact animal and human wellbeing, as well as the safety of the keepers themselves.

“By understanding what affects the relationship between keepers and their animals, collections can actively work to improve the welfare and wellbeing of the animals in their care while also improving overall job satisfaction among keepers.”

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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.