The Greatest Show (Birds) on Earth: Public Presentations and Their Welfare Impacts on Zoo-Housed Birds

Animal interaction programs (AIPs) are a sub-category of animal-visitor interactions (AVIs) and are increasingly prevalent across accredited zoos worldwide. Although AVIs are being increasingly researched, few studies have explored the welfare implications of AIPs, such as the potential animal welfare impacts of public feedings or public presentations. Bird shows and presentations are among the most2021a advertised AIPs within zoological institutions yet suffer from a lack of empirical studies. This study investigated behavioral and physical measures to assess the welfare of several bird species located at Adelaide Zoo. An ethogram was developed to record behaviors across three comparisons: (1) show days versus non-show days, (2) before and after shows, and (3) show birds versus non-show birds. In addition, feather and body condition scores were recorded and compared across show birds and non-show birds. Multiple comparisons were provided in an attempt to avoid limited and context-specific data, which assisted in a more comprehensive and well-rounded welfare assessment. Show birds demonstrated an increase in abnormal behaviors on show days compared to non-show days, which prompted further comparisons to determine why the increased prevalence of abnormal behaviors was occurring on the days a presentation took place. On presentation days, show birds demonstrated more active, social, and abnormal behaviors pre-show but exhibited an increase in grooming, foraging, and a significant reduction in abnormal behaviors post-show, which could suggest a potential anticipatory effect. In addition, show birds had a closer-to-ideal body condition score and demonstrated significantly less inactive and abnormal behavior compared to non-show birds. The results suggested that public bird shows and presentations have a largely minimal or neutral welfare impact, however, there may be a potential enriching aspect of bird shows and presentations.