The care and prioritization of animal wellbeing in zoos and aquariums is paramount. To effectively assess animal wellbeing, various tools and metrics are utilized. This includes assessments completed by husbandry staff, as their experiences and knowledge of the animals in their care is invaluable. In 2023, the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium updated their animal wellbeing program, including the development of a new assessment tool and tracking process, to better identify and address wellbeing opportunities. By utilizing the expertise and passion of the animal care staff, the zoo was able to create a wellbeing program with strong staff investment and measurable outcomes. …...more
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