Multi-zoo research

Many research projects require data collection from more than one zoo and were possible Dublin Zoo is happy to assist. In 2010, we contributed data for the following:

• A Master’s study was conducted into to effect of positive reinforcement training on zoo tigers in three zoos in Ireland and the U.K.
• An EEP-approved and BIAZA-approved study into the causes of neonatal deaths in white-crowned mangabeys in zoos.
• Research into the diets of white-faced sakis in zoos across Europe
• A questionnaire to establish husbandry guidelines for Sulawesi-crested macaques.
• An EEP-approved study into host-parasite interaction and environmental factors in scimitar-horned oryx with a possible application for wildlife conservation.
• A BIAZA study into the nutritional guidelines of lemurs
• A European study was conducted to establish a body scoring system for white rhinos in zoos.

In 2010, Dublin Zoo provided funding and samples for genetic testing of tigers in European Zoos to ascertain if animals are pure Sumatran or Amur tigers and not hybrids. This research is vital to ensure zoo breeding programmes maintain viable breeding programmes of both Sumatran and Amur tigers.

In 2008, Dublin Zoo provided red panda faeces for a European study and in 2010 a paper was published from the results of this paper -
Bertelsen M.F., Meyland-Smith F., Willesen J.L., Jefferies R., Morgan E.R., Monrad J. (2010) Diversity and prevalence of metastrongyloid nematodes infecting the red panda (Ailurus fulgens) in European zoos Veterinary Parasitology, 172 (3-4), pp. 299-304.