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In recent years, there has been much research into the individual effects of enclosure complexity and visitor presence on captive animal welfare. However, the inter-linkages between enclosure complexity and visitor presence and their combined influence on the welfare of large carnivores like Asiatic lions (Panthera leo persica) remains poorly understood. We compared the welfare status of 41 Asiatic lions housed in three types of enclosure, viz., off-display (N = 17), zoo-safari (N = 4), and on-display (N = 2) at Sakkarbaug zoological park. We scored enclosures based on their species-appropriateness of their design and levels of exposure to visitors. To measure the welfare impacts, we recorded the behaviour patterns of captive Asiatic lions between March 2015- January 2016, spanning 30 observation days per animal. We recorded both positive and negative welfare markers for study subjects, viz., behaviour diversity, spread of participation index, along with measures of stereotypy, and the activity budget of the study subjects. Zoo-safari and off-display enclosures were more featurerich and species-appropriate than the on-display enclosures. On-display enclosures had significantly higher levels of visitor presence as compared to zoo-safari enclosures, while the off-display enclosures had no visitors. Zoosafari and off-display enclosures accorded captive Asiatic lions sufficient withdrawal areas, which was unavailable at the on-display enclosures. Subjects housed at off-display and zoo-safari enclosures had similar behaviour patterns and welfare indices (species-typical behaviour diversity, enclosure usage patterns, and aberrant repetitive behaviours). In contrast, the behavioural welfare indices differed significantly across visitor levels in the low-complexity on-display enclosures. Animals housed in high complexity enclosures with minimal (zoo-safari) or no visitor presence (off-display) display overall better levels of positive welfare markers(behaviour diversity and uniform enclosure usage) than animals housed in low complexity enclosures with high visitor presence. Therefore, Asiatic lions housed in poorly designed on-display enclosures do not have access to the complex, feature-rich, large enclosures available to their conspecifics housed in the off-display and zoo-safari enclosures. Our results indicate that enclosure complexity is the most important factor affecting most of the welfare markers recorded in this study, while visitor presence primarily affected enclosure usage. Our findings showcase the importance of enclosure complexity and novelty in preventing and offsetting the repercussions of captivity and visitor presence in Asiatic lions.

Correlation of Vaginal Cytology, Estrous Behaviour and Faecal Hormone for Assessment of Reproductive Health Status in Captive Common Leopard (Panthera pardus fusca).

Effect of a Food Enrichment and a Variable Feeding Time on the Behavioural Welfare of Rescued Leopards (Panthera pardus) at an Indian Rescue Centre.

Populations of Asian elephants (Elephas maximus) have been declining in the wild, mostly due to the habitat loss and conflicts with humans. The elephants under human care thus become a very important source and opportunity to study this species, as well as for the future conservation efforts through captive breeding and conservation programs. Although a lot of work has been done on the reproductive physiology of Asian elephants, there is a limited information available on the detailed anatomy of the reproductive tract. Endoscopy offers a direct visual observation of internal organs and examination of anatomy in live animals. We examined urogenital tracts of 30 female Asian elephants under standing sedation, with the flexible endoscope. The examinations were carried out as part of urogenital tract health assessment, and treatment of infections and pathologies. The distances of different parts from the external vulva opening, were measured. Detailed description of the visual anatomy of each of the urogenital tract parts through endoscope has been provided in this study.

A recent report by the Secretariat of CITES has highlighted the world-class standards of animal care and treatment at Vantara in Jamnagar.

The Supreme Court today noted that no contravention of law has been reported by the SIT as against Vantara and the complaints stand closed.

The Lear’s macaw Anodorhynchus leari is a globally threatened species, native to the sandstone cliffs of the Caatinga biome in northeastern region of Bahia, Brazil. The population in Canudos consists of a large breeding subpopulation and is protected by the local authorities. In August 2022 and January/February 2025, we obtained the first documented records of white aberrant feathers in three apparent breeding adults of the endangered Lear’s macaw during short visits to the breeding grounds. Here, we provide photographic records from the field along with other anecdotal observations concerning reproductive behavior, adding unpublished information from captive individuals to complement possible knowledge gaps about the breeding biology and sexual behavior of the species.

Rescued animals, including leopards, often experience stress from routine husbandry practices such as feeding, movement, and regrouping. Positive Reinforcement Training (PRT) has emerged as a valuable tool for reducing stress and enhancing the welfare of captive animals.

Modern zoological institutions are no longer constrained by the traditional notion of simply displaying animals for public viewing.

The impact of food anticipatory behaviours on animal welfare is an intriguing area of research in captive biology, particularly in felids.