Possibilities and Difficulties for Zoos to Conduct Research -From a Keeper’s Perspective

Abstract

　In recent years, research has become increasingly popular in zoos. However, zoos are often faced with the following three problems in efforts to conduct research: (1) insufficient knowledge, (2) budgetary constraints, and (3) insufficient time available. We explored methods for solving these three problems by examining the research efforts of the Chiba Zoological Park. There are three priorities that need to be addressed: (1) Accumulation of experience by hiring dedicated research staff and building a track record of research programs with successful results at the zoo. (2) Obtaining research funding from the city and from various additional sources such as grants and donations. (3) Accumulating a small number of samples over longer timescales. Methods of behavior evaluation can then be undertaken by accumulating a small number of samples over a relatively long period of time, with the aim of collaborating with “family-oriented research institutes.”