Journal de la santé animale et des sciences du comportement

The Behavior of Zoo-housed Little Penguins (Eudyptula minor) When a Visitor Viewing Area Window is Covered

Abstract

Helena Masius

This article examines the behavior of zoo-housed little penguins (E. minor) when the visitor viewing area window is covered. Zoos play an essential role in wildlife conservation, research, and education, and understanding the impact of visitor presence on animal behavior is crucial for improving animal welfare. The study focuses on little penguins, which are known for their unique behaviors and social structures. By covering the visitor viewing area window, we aim to determine whether the presence of visitors influences the penguins' behavior significantly. Observations were conducted over a specified period, recording various behaviors such as foraging, swimming, resting, and social interactions. The results indicated that covering the window resulted in notable changes in the penguins' behavior, suggesting that the presence of visitors does have a significant impact. This study provides valuable insights for zoo management to enhance the welfare of zoo-housed animals by considering the effects of visitor presence.