Zoos are an invaluable source of data for researchers with the results of zoo research having positive implications for improving captive husbandry, breeding of endangered species, knowledge of the habits of difficult to study in the wild species and our understanding of the natural history and biology of the species we keep. If you are wondering how research with our animals (all of which is unobtrusive and carried out under the guidance of our ethical review committee), or are looking for inspiration for your own university project, below is a list of all of our ongoing and previous research projects:
| Year | Authors | Level | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 | Barbanera, F., Moretti, B., Al-Sheikhly, O. F., Guerrini, M., Theng, M., Gupta, B. K., Haba, M. K., Khan, W. A. & Khan, A. A. | PhD | Phylogeography of the smooth coated otter (Lutrogale perspicillata): distinct evolutionary lineages and hybridization with the Asian small clawed otter (Aonyx cinereus) |
| 2017 | Dibb, A. | Msc | Foraging preferences of 6 habitat generalist bird species |
| 2018 | Baker, H. | Bsc | Human audiences and captive chimpanzees: a study on the effect of visitors and the impact it creates on their behaviour. Is their welfare compromised? |
| 2018 | Samuel, A. | Bsc | How do captive ring tailed lemurs respond to unfamiliar (visitors) and familiar (keepers) humans in a walk through enclosure? |
| 2018 | Paleira Rebelo, E. M. | Msc | Management, quality of life and veterinary care in ageing zoo animals |
| 2018 | Attree, E. & Collins, M. | Msc | Coprological survey of gastrointestinal parasites in canine carnivores |
| 2018 | Bellward, L. | PhD | Interactive technology use with captive great apes |
| 2018 | Hooper, E. | Msc | Enriching the Lives of Wolves (Canis lupus) |
| 2018 | Eckley, L. | PhD | Avian malaria in zoos - research survey |
| 2018 | Dibb, J & Dunn, J. | Bsc | An evaluation of semi-wild and captive populations of barbary macaques |
| 2018 | Oliver, L. | Bsc | An evaluation of public opinions of education and interpretation methods used in zoos |
| 2018 | Halligan, J. | Bsc | Ambient temperature modulates locomotion in the Linnaeus’s two-toed sloth (Choloepus didactylus) |
| 2018 | Saliveros, A. & McAusland, F. | Msc | Social Learning and Anti-Predator Behaviour in Otters (subfamily Lutrinae) |
| 2019 | Richardson, S. | Bsc | How does the presence of zoo visitors affect chimpanzee (pan troglodytes) behaviour and welfare? |
| 2019 | Harris, B. | Bsc | Investigating grief and bereavement behaviour in response to the death or removal of cohabiting individuals in captive apes. |
| 2019 | Chissick, E. | Bsc | Visitor effects on the enclosure use and activity of tufted capuchins |
| 2019 | Wouldham, C. | Bsc | Environment and visitor number effects on faecal cortisol levels and behaviour in captive cheetahs. |
| 2019 | Wilder, M., Aldred, L & Rennie, K. | Internal | Do consumers understand the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil certification process and associated Trademark scheme |
| 2019 (ongoing) | Wilder, M., Trevethick, C., Tamburrini, N., White, J., Williamson, J., Collins, J., Reale, A. & Easter, S. | Internal | Can long term social network analysis be used to aid with implementing preemptive captive management processes and husbandry alternations to combat seasonal stressors in a group of captive chimpanzees |
| 2019 | O'Malley, O. | Msc | Food presentation methods for fish-eating ESB/EEP species held in BIAZA collections |
| 2019 | Doris, D. | Bsc | Is there a difference in stress levels (with cortisol as an indicator) between cloud rats living individually and those in a group? |
| 2019 | Hammerton, R. | MPhil | Keeper perceptions of captive primate diets: Nutritional and welfare perspectives |
| 2019 | Bartlett, H. | Bsc | An Investigation into the Incidence of Dystocia and Follicular Stasis in Bearded Dragons (Pogona) |
| 2019 | Loram, J. | Diploma | The difference between normal and abnormal behaviours in captive and wild ring-tailed lemurs |
| 2019 | Couto, H. | Msc | The role of the amphibian species held in modern zoo collections and quantifying their conservation impact |
| 2020 (ongoing) | Wilder, M. | Internal | Cholesterol granuloma in meerkats and the ability to decrease risk through dietary changes |
| 2020 (ongoing) | Wilder, M., Jay, M., Johnson, A., Gant, A., Gauld, K., Bullock, S., Swift, B., Haymes, J., Beasley, S., Marriott, I. & Codd, C. | Internal | Can long term social network analysis be used to aid with implementing pre-emptive captive management processes and husbandry alterations to combat seasonal stressors in a group of captive giraffes, including but not limited to animal movements and introductions |
| 2020 | Roberts, I. | Bsc | Observational analysis of the effect of enclosure and rearing condition on space utilisation by captive chimpanzees |
| 2020 | Hernandez-Colinam A., Eckley, L., Loez, J & Baylis, M. | MSc | Avian Malaria in UK Zoos, Aquariums and Wildlife Parks |
| 2020 | Mede, J. | Professional | Red panda amdoparvovirus infection |
| 2020 | Haynes, C. | MSc | Evaluating Factors for Captive Breeding of Reptiles |
| 2020 | Gosden, S. | BSc | Keeper perceptions on whole vs chopped diets |
| 2020 | Collins, J. | Diploma | Evaluating the Nocturnal Activity Levels and Enclosure Use in 2 family groups of Spix’s Night Monkeys (Aotus vociferans) |
| 2021 | Sturaro, A. | MSc | An estimate of cases of urolithiasis in giraffes (Giraffa camelopardalis) and risk factors associated with the disease in European zoos. |
| 2021 | Corbett, C. | MSc | The influence of management factors on the adrenal activity of captive ambassador cheetahs (Acinonyx jubatus). |
| 2021 | Wilder, M. | Internal | The importance of privacy for white clawed crayfish in retreat selection in captivity |
| 2021 | Wilder, M. | Internal | An impact evaluation of the new Bug Garden exhibit on feelings about invertebrates and their conservation |
| 2021 | Rasmussen, L. | PhD | A genetic approach to Cotton Top Tamarin conservation |
| 2021 | Bearchell, E. | BSc | An investigation into whether one to one animal experiences with Meerkats stimulates a stress response in the animal/s taking part, based on behavioural observations and cortisol levels in faecal samples |
| 2021 | Britton, O. | BSc | Cortisol level analysis in wild cat species of Kentish zoos |
