Animal disability and welfare: Prevalence, perception, and practice in zoological organisations

Research on animal disability (defined here as the loss of a critical adaptation that impacts the animal's stability, mobility, typical behaviour, or perception) remains limited, often focusing on individual case studies or a narrow range of taxa, particularly mammals. This reflects broader taxonomic biases in behaviour and welfare sciences, which may contribute to differences in the care and management of disabilities across species in human care. Zoological organisations offer an ideal opportunity to research animal disability, yet the prevalence of disability and related care practices has not been previously documented. To address this, a survey was shared with organisations accredited through the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) to assess the prevalence and taxa of animals with disabilities, explore care staff perceptions of disabled animal welfare, and document modifications provided to animals with disabilities. There were 115 respondents, representing 45 organisations (approximately 19% of AZA-accredited organisations). All but one organisation (98% of organisations surveyed) reported having an animal with a disability in their care, suggesting that animals with disabilities may be common in zoological organisations. Animals with disabilities were reported from all vertebrate groups as well as arachnids, insects, and other invertebrates. Birds, mammals, and reptiles were the most likely to receive care and management modifications for their disability. Animal care staff perceived the welfare of animals with disabilities as similar to animals without disabilities. These data can serve as a foundation for future research on animal disability that can inform strategies to enhance welfare for animals in human care.