Animal health and wellbeing

Through membership of BIAZA and EAZA committees, Chester Zoo influences the development of policies and leads on collaborative research projects which actively promote high welfare standards for zoo animals.

With the recent developments in AI technology the practical application of automated tracking and behavioural monitoring software provides solutions for evidence-based management of zoo animals.

Our scientists develop new methodologies to measure animal welfare across a range of species and build on this work to extend to critically endangered species that are often overlooked. 

With such a wide range of species in our care, a translational medicine approach allows us to explore the use of novel treatments in wildlife. Diagnostic and therapeutic options are frequently not directly transferable across species.

• Develop and advise on policy to progress welfare standards across zoos.

• Innovate and advance application of AI technologies in health and welfare monitoring.

• Advance our learning using scientific methods for zoo animal health and welfare.

• Contribute to international scientific investigations on appropriate housing and husbandry standards for zoo animals.

• Develop novel biomarker approaches to support animal well-being, both ex situ and in situ.

• Develop and promote the application of Wildlife Disease Risk Analysis techniques to support decision making in animal health and conservation translocation programmes.

• Contribute to developing the field of wildlife anesthesiology to support wildlife medicine and maximise the safety of medical or conservation interventions. 

• Advance the use of novel treatment and diagnostic options to improve disease outcomes.