The Longevity Legacy: The Challenges of Old Animals in Zoos

Abstract

• As knowledge of husbandry has improved with the keeping of wild animals in zoos over the last 200 years, so longevity has also improved, bringing with it challenges owing to the development of pathologies associated with ageing. In this chapter, the principal skeletal and dental pathologies of aged zoo mammals are described, and the results of previous studies are summarised. Data are presented on pathologies from zoo specimens in National Museums Scotland that were collected over the last 30 years in a range of large mammals, including bears, big cats, great apes, babirusas, and pygmy hippopotamuses. The causes of these pathologies and the possible role of enrichment in reducing their prevalence are discussed. Awareness of the presence of these pathologies and their possible impact on behaviour and welfare is highlighted, as well as the need to monitor and assess individuals effectively, in order to minimise negative welfare.