This chapter delves into the various physiological measures that can be used to gauge the thriving status of animals, emphasising the importance of routine veterinary examinations, body condition scoring, and quality of life assessments. It discusses the integration of these measures into a comprehensive animal welfare strategy, ensuring that each animal receives the necessary care tailored to its specific physiological needs. The chapter also highlights the implications of these practices for improving animal welfare, advocating for a science-based approach to animal care that aligns with the latest research and ethical standards in the field. This abstract provides a concise overview of the chapter’s focus on the critical role of physiological health in the overall welfare of animals, underscoring the necessity for ongoing research and adaptive care practices to enhance the quality of life for animals in human care.

There exists a multifaceted concept of thriving as opposed to mere survival in animal care. The chapter begins by establishing a foundational understanding of what it means for animals to truly thrive, emphasising that thriving encompasses not only physical health but also psychological, emotional, and social well-being.

The chapter further explores the various aspects of thriving. It discusses physical thriving through adequate nutrition and exercise, psychological thriving through mental stimulation and problem-solving activities, emotional thriving via positive interactions and stable environments, and social thriving through healthy relationships within species groups.

Additionally, the chapter introduces Vicino and Miller’s Five Opportunities to Thrive, which provide a structured approach to evaluating and enhancing animal welfare. These opportunities include ensuring safety, facilitating natural behaviours, promoting positive states, preventing negative states, and fostering growth and development. This framework serves as a guide for care technicians to create environments that support all dimensions of animal welfare.

Overall, this chapter sets the stage for a deeper understanding of animal welfare, advocating for a holistic approach to animal care that goes beyond basic needs to ensure animals lead fulfilling lives.

There is a critical role that environmental factors play in the thriving of animals. This chapter emphasises the distinction between natural and artificial environments and their respective impacts on animal welfare. It discusses the importance of habitat, the degree of physical movement possible, cognitive stimulation, social dynamics, and the intrinsic rewards that environments can provide. Further, it addresses the challenges and compensations associated with artificial environments. The narrative includes discussions on the limitations imposed by artificial settings and the innovative ways these can be mitigated to simulate natural habitats as closely as possible. The chapter concludes by stressing the importance of designing environments that cater to the specific needs of different animal species, thereby ensuring their psychological and physical thriving. The implications of these environmental factors are profound, suggesting that the well-being of animals is heavily influenced by the quality and design of their surroundings.

This chapter serves as a metaphor for the meticulous and informed approach required in animal curation, emphasising that both disciplines are sciences that benefit from empirical knowledge and careful planning.

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.