Abstract

FERNANDEZ, R; QUINTANA, A  and  PAGLIERI, N. ENVIRONMENTAL ENRICHMENT IMPLEMENTATION FOR ANIMAL WELFARE IMPROVEMENT IN NOCTURNAL BIRDS OF PREY AT ASUNCIÓN ZOO. Compend. cienc. vet [online]. 2013, vol.3, n.2, pp.7-12. ISSN 2226-1761.

ABSTRACT With the aim of improving animal welfare in nocturnal birds of prey at the Botanical Garden and Zoo of Asuncion , environmental enrichment was implemented in three different species of birds: owl (Bubo virginianus / Ñacurutú in guarani language) with 5 specimens, eared owl (Asio clamator / ñacurutu -i) 2 specimens and shorteared owl (Pulsatrix perspicillata / urukure ´a guazú) 1 specimen distributed in three cages, regardless sex or age. Three freedoms were evaluated: freedom from hunger or thirst, discomfort, and normal behavior expression. After observation, certain areas were determined that needed an environmental enrichment. Results showed that birds of prey have positively reacted to prey presentation, to hunt them and tearing them as done in wild freedom. Similarly, days in which has been proceeded to exchange raw meat with live prey, the birds continued with normal behavior and showed to be more at ease when fed at dusk. It was also possible to perceive greater comfort with the use of new hangers, it stay longer in new than in old ones.

Keywords : animal welfare; environmental enrichment; owls.

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