Date of Completion
Spring 5-2-2014
Thesis Advisor(s)
Chris Elphick
Honors Major
Biological Sciences
Disciplines
Biology
Abstract
I investigated the effects of visitors on the behavior of two zebra species (Equus grevyi and Equus burchelli) at eight zoos on the East Coast of the United States. I used instantaneous time sampling to record zebra behavior and visitor data. I used these data to run Bayesian hierarchical models and determined that visitors do not negatively affect zebra behavior. This is a positive finding for zoos, since it means that zebras, a highly skittish prey animal, are not disturbed in their exhibits. My data suggest there are behavioral differences between the zebra herds at different zoos, which may be caused by different exhibit designs, as well as different husbandry techniques.
Recommended Citation
Conte, Christine, "Do Visitors Affect Zebra Behavior in Zoos?" (2014). Honors Scholar Theses. 337.
https://digitalcommons.lib.uconn.edu/srhonors_theses/337