Post by Jeff on Aug 30, 2006 22:36:19 GMT -5
Sept. 26, 2005 — Zoo animals often seem to ignore the presence of human visitors, but new research suggests that is not always the case for captive gorillas, which repeatedly become agitated and anxious when large numbers of people approach their exhibit.
The research, published in the current journal Applied Animal Behavior Science, is the first analysis on the influence of visitors on the behavior and welfare of zoo-housed gorillas.
"We noticed more behaviors suggestive of relaxation, such as increased resting, during low visitor density, and more behaviors suggestive of agitation, such as repetitive rocking, group-directed aggression and self-grooming during high visitor density," said the study's author, Deborah L. Wells.
The research, published in the current journal Applied Animal Behavior Science, is the first analysis on the influence of visitors on the behavior and welfare of zoo-housed gorillas.
"We noticed more behaviors suggestive of relaxation, such as increased resting, during low visitor density, and more behaviors suggestive of agitation, such as repetitive rocking, group-directed aggression and self-grooming during high visitor density," said the study's author, Deborah L. Wells.