Thriving is uniquely manifested across different animal species. This chapter emphasises that each species has evolved distinct physiological and psychological mechanisms tailored to their specific environmental interactions, which are crucial for their ability to thrive.

The chapter outlines how these species-specific traits dictate the natural behaviours and cognitive functions of animals, highlighting the importance of understanding these unique characteristics to ensure proper care and welfare in captivity. It discusses the challenges and barriers each species may face in artificial environments and how these can be mitigated to support their well-being.

Furthermore, the chapter explores the concept of ‘thriving’ not just as survival but as a holistic state where an animal’s physiological, psychological, and ecological needs are fully met. This includes the ability to exhibit natural behaviours and interact with the environment in a way that promotes their overall health and vitality.

By providing a detailed analysis of species-specific thriving, this chapter serves as a crucial foundation for developing effective animal welfare practices that are tailored to the unique needs of each species, ensuring that they not only survive but truly thrive in human care.

This chapter highlights the often overlooked or underestimated obstacles that can impede the thriving of animals under human care. This chapter critically examines the internal and external factors that contribute to these pitfalls, providing a nuanced understanding of the multifaceted nature of animal welfare. Key themes include the identification of species-specific and individually specific challenges, the impact of environmental and historical variables, and the strategies for mitigating these issues to enhance animal welfare. The chapter also discusses the importance of comprehensive behavioural and physiological assessments in identifying and overcoming these barriers, emphasising a holistic approach to animal care that goes beyond basic survival to ensure psychological, emotional, and social thriving.

Developed by B. F. Skinner, a prominent Harvard psychologist, operant conditioning distinguishes itself from classical conditioning by focusing on learned behaviours rather than reflexive responses. Skinner’s approach emphasises the impact of external environmental factors over internal psychological states in shaping behaviour. This perspective has been particularly influential in fields such as organisational management, where behaviour modification is often applied to improve workplace dynamics. The chapter further explores how operant conditioning can be utilised in management practices by using reinforcements such as pay raises and promotions to motivate employees. This method does not rely on the internal states like beliefs or motivations but rather on modifying the external environment to achieve desired behavioural outcomes. Overall, this chapter not only delves into the historical and theoretical foundations of operant conditioning but also discusses its practical applications in various settings, providing a thorough understanding of both its principles and utility.

There are complexities that hinder the thriving of animals in both natural and artificial environments. This chapter provides a detailed examination of the obstacles animals face and the strategies employed to mitigate these challenges. Barriers to thriving can be classified into two main types: environmental challenges (the multiplier) and internal challenges (the multiplicand). Environmental challenges include adapting to or changing an environment, while internal challenges focus on species-specific and individually specific causes. Significant emphasis is placed on the concept of the ‘Sordid Six’, which represents key environmental obstacles that animals face in captivity. The chapter also discusses mitigation strategies, termed as the divisor, which are essential for reducing the impact of these barriers and enhancing animal welfare.

Animal curation is a vital and evolving discipline that integrates science, policy, and hands-on care to ensure the highest standards of animal welfare. As the role of zoos, aquaria, sanctuaries, and research facilities expands beyond exhibition to conservation and education, the management of animals under human care has become increasingly scientific. This book provides a comprehensive guide to the organisation, policies, and procedures essential for effective animal care programmes. It emphasises evidence-based practices in husbandry, veterinary care, and facility management while prioritising both animal well-being and staff safety. Through detailed chapters and real-world case studies, readers will explore species-specific needs, ethical considerations, and regulatory compliance. Designed for students and professionals in animal science, welfare, and conservation, this book moves beyond basic care, focusing on the concept of ‘thriving’ rather than mere survival. It is an essential resource for shaping the future of animal management and welfare.

This chapter emphasises the importance of understanding the mental states of animals and the profound impact that care settings can have on their overall health. The chapter discusses how a positive internalisation of external variables by animals can significantly enhance their well-being, even in less than ideal conditions. It highlights the role of care technicians in creating environments that not only provide physical safety and resources but also support the psychological needs of the animals. The narrative integrates scientific observations and behavioural studies to underline the necessity of a holistic approach to animal welfare. Moreover, the chapter includes references to various studies and literature that support the methodologies discussed, ensuring that the approaches to animal welfare are grounded in scientific research. This comprehensive overview serves as a guide for improving the standards of animal care through focused psychological and emotional support.

Organisational culture directly affects the implementation of welfare practices, the effectiveness of communication among staff, and the overall morale within the team. It discusses the importance of a positive, inclusive, and supportive workplace environment that fosters both human and animal well-being. Furthermore, the chapter highlights the challenges and strategies involved in cultivating a culture that upholds high standards of animal care, promotes continuous learning, and encourages ethical behaviour among all staff members. It also examines the impact of leadership styles on the health of the organisational culture and its subsequent effect on animal welfare. This comprehensive analysis provides valuable insights for anyone involved in the management or operation of animal care facilities, offering practical advice on how to enhance organisational culture to better serve both the animals and the people who care for them.

Animal curation is a vital and evolving discipline that integrates science, policy, and hands-on care to ensure the highest standards of animal welfare. As the role of zoos, aquaria, sanctuaries, and research facilities expands beyond exhibition to conservation and education, the management of animals under human care has become increasingly scientific. This book provides a comprehensive guide to the organisation, policies, and procedures essential for effective animal care programmes. It emphasises evidence-based practices in husbandry, veterinary care, and facility management while prioritising both animal well-being and staff safety. Through detailed chapters and real-world case studies, readers will explore species-specific needs, ethical considerations, and regulatory compliance. Designed for students and professionals in animal science, welfare, and conservation, this book moves beyond basic care, focusing on the concept of ‘thriving’ rather than mere survival. It is an essential resource for shaping the future of animal management and welfare.

There are various methodologies to assess the well-being and thriving of animals in care. This chapter provides a comprehensive overview of both behavioural and physiological metrics used to evaluate animal welfare. The chapter begins with the specifics of behavioural assessments, discussing the reliability of observers and the use of anecdotal versus ethological observations to gather meaningful data about animal behaviour. Physiological measures are also extensively covered, including routine veterinary examinations, body condition scoring, and assessments of an animal’s quality of life. These measures are crucial for providing a complete picture of an animal’s health and well-being. The chapter emphasises the need for a holistic approach to animal welfare, integrating both observed behaviours and physiological data to ensure that animals are not just surviving but also truly thriving under human care.

Animal curation is a vital and evolving discipline that integrates science, policy, and hands-on care to ensure the highest standards of animal welfare. As the role of zoos, aquaria, sanctuaries, and research facilities expands beyond exhibition to conservation and education, the management of animals under human care has become increasingly scientific. This book provides a comprehensive guide to the organisation, policies, and procedures essential for effective animal care programmes. It emphasises evidence-based practices in husbandry, veterinary care, and facility management while prioritising both animal well-being and staff safety. Through detailed chapters and real-world case studies, readers will explore species-specific needs, ethical considerations, and regulatory compliance. Designed for students and professionals in animal science, welfare, and conservation, this book moves beyond basic care, focusing on the concept of ‘thriving’ rather than mere survival. It is an essential resource for shaping the future of animal management and welfare.

There are strategies and methodologies employed to enhance animal welfare in environments that are inherently non-natural. This chapter provides a comprehensive analysis of how artificial settings can be adapted to meet the physiological and psychological needs of animals. It discusses the various aspects of artificial environments, such as the limitations imposed by space and the lack of natural stimuli, and how these can be compensated for through innovative design and management practices. Key topics covered include the design of artificial habitats that mimic natural settings, the importance of providing adequate physical movement, cognitive stimulation, and social interactions within these confines. The chapter also addresses the challenges of creating a stimulating environment that can offer animals a semblance of their natural habitat, focusing on the balance between safety, welfare, and the practical limitations of artificial environments. Overall, the chapter emphasises the necessity of thoughtful and scientifically informed approaches to animal care in artificial settings, aiming to provide animals with opportunities to exhibit natural behaviours and lead fulfilling lives despite the constraints of captivity.

The science of animal care and welfare is centred on a comprehensive exploration into the multifaceted aspects of animal welfare.

The book promises to delve deep into the concept of ‘thriving’ versus merely ‘surviving’, offering a fresh perspective on animal welfare that goes beyond basic needs to encompass physical, psychological, emotional, and social thriving. Halloran introduces the ‘Curatio Fundamentorum’, a foundational approach to animal care that is detailed throughout the book.

This introduction not only outlines the structure of the book but also sets the tone for a detailed discussion on the ethical, scientific, and practical aspects of animal welfare. It is designed to equip caregivers, researchers, and policymakers with the knowledge to improve the lives of animals in their care.