Beyond the Exhibit: Addressing the Welfare of Feeder Animals in Zoological Institutions

Feeder animals-live animals such as mice, fish and invertebrates used as feed for other species-often far exceed the number of exhibit animals at zoological institutions. While there are extensive species-specific guidelines for the care of exhibit animals, the guidelines that exist for animals used as feed are brief and offer relatively few species-specific recommendations. This state of affairs increases the risk of compromised welfare-which is especially concerning given growing evidence of sentience in fish and some invertebrates. As zoological institutions continue to advance toward evidence-based, welfare-focused practices, it is imperative that institutions recognize and address the welfare of feeder animals. Current and future generations of scientists need to focus on validating welfare indicators for common feeder species, developing welfare assessments for feeder animals, and routinely monitoring and refining practices to enhance the welfare of feeder animals. Given the sheer volume of feeder animals used across institutions, even modest improvements could have a profound cumulative impact on animal welfare.