Classwork for English

Bertram, B. (2004) ‘Misconceptions about zoos’, Biologist, 51(4), pp.199-206.

Reference journal articles like this.

Conde, D. A., Flesness, N., Colchero, F., Jones, O. R., & Scheuerlein, A. (2011) ‘An emerging role of

zoos to conserve biodiversity’. Science, 331(6023), pp. 1390-1391.

Conway, W. G. (2011) ‘Buying time for wild animals with zoos’, Zoo biology, 30(1), pp. 1-8

Fernandez, E.J., Tamborski, M.A., Pickens, S.R. and Timberlake, W. (2009) ‘Animal–visitor interactions in the modern

zoo: Conflicts and interventions’, Applied Animal Behaviour Science, 120 (1-2), pp.1-8

Hosey, G., Melfi, V. and Pankhurst, S. (2009) Zoo animals: Behaviour, Management and Welfare. Oxford University

Press, New York (USA)

Reference books like this.

Mason, G. J. (2010) ‘Species differences in responses to captivity: stress, welfare and the comparative

method’ Trends in Ecology & Evolution, 25 (12), pp.713-721.

Melfi, V. A. (2009) ‘There are big gaps in our knowledge, and thus approach, to zoo animal welfare: a case for

evidence‐based zoo animal management’, Zoo Biology: Published in affiliation with the American Zoo and

Aquarium Association, 28 (6), pp.574-588.

Reference chapters in books like this.

Paul-Murphy, J., & Molter, C. (2019) ‘Overview of Animal Welfare in Zoos’, In: R. Miller & P.Calle (Eds) Fowler's Zoo

and Wild Animal Medicine Current Therapy Volume 9, Elsevier: Missouri, pp. 64-72.

Quadros et.al. (2014) ‘Zoo visitor effect on mammal behaviour: Does noise matter?’ Applied Animal Behaviour

Science, 156, pp.78-84.

Salas, M. & Manteca, X. (2017) ‘Visitor Effect on Zoo Animals’ Zoo Animal Welfare Education Centre Factsheet.

[Online] Available at: https://www.zawec.org/en/fact-sheets/111-visitor-effect-on-zoo-animals [Last Accessed

Reference reports found on websites like this.

7.06.19

Wickins-Dražilová, D. (2006) ‘Zoo animal welfare’, Journal of agricultural and environmental ethics, 19(1), pp.27-36.

Name:

Class:

Date:

Title:

Critics depict zoos as animal prisons where animals are exploited for entertainment. Discuss the impacts of captivity and human interaction on animal behaviour and welfare. To what extent are the concerns upheld by the scientific community?

Plan for overall structure

Introduction – context and position: While there are issues with zoos, they are currently essential in conservation and education. The scientific community are working at a global and national level to mitigate the negative impacts of captivity on animal welfare

P1. Background: The aims / purpose of zoos

P2. Conservation and Species Protection - the role of zoos

P3. Key issues and concerns related to animal welfare – overview of complexity of the issue

P4. The effect of human visitors on animal behaviour – effect on animal welfare / behaviour and if negative effects can be mitigated

P5. Physical Space and Exhibits – effect on animal welfare / behaviour and if negative effects can be mitigated

Conclusion

Books / chapters of books:

Surname, I. and Surname, I. (Year) Title of the book Place of Publication: Publisher

Surname, I. (Year) ‘Chapter of the book’ In: I. Surname & I. Surname (Eds) Title of the book Place of Publication:

Publisher pp.1 - 18

Journal articles (print/ online)

Surname, I. (Year) ‘The Title of the Article’ The Name of the Journal 1 (1), pp. 1- 18

Reports / articles online

Surname, I. (Year) ‘The Title of the Article or Report’ [Online] The Name of the Organisation or website. Available at:

url [Last Accessed 23.07.19]

Lectures / talks

Surname, I. (Year) ‘The Title of the Lecture or Talk’ [Online] TED Available at: url [Last Accessed 23.07.19]

Type of source:

Book

Reference:

Hosey, G., Melfi, V. and Pankhurst, S. (2009) Zoo animals: Behaviour, Management and Welfare. Oxford University Press: New York

This source is relevant because...

it offers a comprehensive overview of the topic. The books has chapters on several aspects of zoo management in terms of their housing, breeding, feeding, etc. from both welfare and regulation perpectives. Chapter 13 looks at the effects of human visitors on zoo animals, Chapter 10 focusses on the value of zoos in conservation and chapter 14 outlines areas where further research is needed. The book is aimed at those studying or working in the field, so is accessible but research-based.

I found this source by…

Using Google Scholar. I entered the search ‘zoo animal welfare’ and I was able to view the table of contents and the introduction online. I then requested the book from the University Library

Type of source:

Journal

Reference:

Conway, W. G. (2011) ‘Buying time for wild animals with zoos’ Zoo Biology, 30(1), 1-8

This source is relevant because…

it presents the argument that today’s zoos are now the lifeline of a number of species. The article explains that due to human interference and the resulting loss of land and biodiversity, zoos and parks are becoming the only viable way to protect animals. The article presents research from the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums that suggests that greater resource should be invested in the conservation work carried out by zoos and parks. Conway presents and an interesting perspective that while zoos may not be ideal, they may be essential in stopping significant numbers of animal species going extinct due to human activity and climate change.

I found this source by…

Using the online University library using the search terms ‘endangered species + conservation’

Source 3

Reference:

Fernandez, E.J., Tamborski, M.A., Pickens, S.R. and Timberlake, W. (2009) ‘Animal–visitor interactions in the modern zoo: Conflicts and interventions’, Applied Animal Behaviour Science, 120 (1-2), pp.1-8

Make it clear how you have decided that this source is reliable and suitable for academic use. Consider the questions in the box on the left, and state why the source has high reliability.

Source Evaluation

Currency

When was the text published? Are the citations and references used in the text current?

- This article reviews research on about zoo exhibits, animal behaviour, and the impact of humans on animals in zoos. The article was written in 2009, and it covers a significant amount of previous research done in this field, along with make suggestions for improvements which have been implemented in recent years.

- Although the article is 10 years old, research in this field has not changed significantly. The source is therefore appropriate for use.

Authority

Who is the author / organisation? Are they qualified? Is the source peer-reviewed?

- Four researchers contributed to this paper; all have worked in various Departments of Psychology or Psychological and Brain Sciences, working with animal behaviour, in both Indiana and Oklahoma Universities. The lead researcher, Eduardo Fernandez, is currently (as of 2019) an animal welfare scientist linked with Florida Institute of Technology.

- The article is written by academics and is published in a peer-reviewed journal so has high reliability.

Accuracy

Where does the information in the article come from? Are academic conventions used?

- The article references other academic and scientific research throughout, using appropriate academic conventions and style to provide support for their claims. The article is objective and evaluates both the positive and negative effects of human visitors on animal behaviour, and provides suggestions for improvement in zoo conditions.

Your source may be useful for one part of your essay, or several. Copy the relevant part from your essay plan and indicate why / how the information is useful.

- The source uses academic research to support claims, so has high reliability.

Use of Source

Relevant key point from the text

Supporting evidence / example/ data for the key point

This point is useful for paragraph…

Modern zoos have five primary goals: animal welfare, conservation, education of the public and entertainment.

Add the page numbers for your evidence as it will help you find it when you are writing your essay. Make sure you note any secondary citations so that you can reference accurately later.

- p2 -The majority of visitors come for entertainment (Altman, 1998; Reade & Waren, 1996) but without the element of entertainment, zoos would be unable to achieve their other goals. The entertainment factor is essential in generating income and raising awareness of conservation.

- p4 - Anderson et al. (2003); Hosey (2005) – entertainment ensures that visitors visit zoos repeatedly – this generates revenue for conservation and animal care.

- p2 - Anderson et al. (2003); Hosey (2005) – study shows time people spend with animals leads to positive perceptions of animals, which leads to an increased support for conservation projects.

P1. Background: The aims / purpose of zoos

This information is useful as it highlights that while welfare is a goal of zoos, entertainment is essential in making sure zoos have the money to support this.

Visitor effects on animals: Noisy crowds negatively affect animal behaviour: measured by changes in behaviour and physiology.

Changes in behaviour:

· p5 - Mallapur & Chellam (2002) - Leopards increased ‘pacing’ when the zoo was extremely busy. Interpreted as an attempt to maintain distance from visitors, possible attempt to escape.

· p5 - Birke (2002) - Orangutans covered their heads with paper sacks and infants held onto their mothers significantly more with large group of visitors

· p5 - Chamove et al. (1988) - Tamarins, Diana monkeys, ring-tailed lemurs and mandrills - increase in aggression and a decrease in grooming, inactivity when visitors were present.

Changes in physiology:

· p5 - Davis et al, (2005) Spider Monkeys - measure stress by via urinary cortisol levels indicates positive correlation between cortisol levels and visitor numbers.

P4. The effect of human visitors on animal behaviour – effect on animal welfare / behaviour and if negative effects can be mitigated

This information is useful as it provides specific examples of how animal behaviour changes in zoos.

Note if the source is useful for supporting an argument / presenting a counter-argument / providing data or examples.

Modifying animals’ living space / interaction with visitors can mitigate some of the negative effects of human presence.

- Most studies suggest that zoo visitors produce stress, but Margulis et al. (2003); Nimon & Dalziel (1992) suggest that animals may adjust and become accustomed to zoo visitors.as expected.p6- Anderson et al. (2002); Davis et al. (2005) - Exhibits design to be ‘naturalistic’ and provide retreats to give the animals some control in stressful situations.

- p5 - Anderson et al. (2002) - African pygmy goats and Romanov sheep - an increase in ‘petting zoo’ visitors led to aggressive and escape behaviour as the animals found it difficult to form distance from humans. When a retreat space was provided, undesirable behaviours were reduced.

- p6 - Blaney Wells (2004); Wells (2005) - Gorillas - less aggressive and less abnormal behaviour when camouflage netting was installed.

P5. Physical Space and Exhibits – effect on animal welfare / behaviour and if negative effects can be mitigated

This information is useful as it provides evidence through examples that changes to physical space can help improve animal behaviour.

Source 4

Reference:

Conde, D. A., Flesness, N., Colchero, F., Jones, O. R., & Scheuerlein, A. (2011) ‘An emerging role of zoos to conserve biodiversity’. Science, 331(6023), 1390-1391.

Source Evaluation

Currency

When was the text published? Are the citations and references used in the text current?

- This article was written in 2011, containing important points which were shared at the 2010 Convention on Biological Diversity, which is an ongoing treaty between many nations for developing processes of ensuring sustainable biological diversity.

- The article was published within the past 10 years and discusses research findings which are still relevant, so is appropriate for academic use.

Authority

Who is the author / organisation? Are they qualified? Is the source peer-reviewed?

- The leading researcher is a director of science for Species 360, a global non-profit organisation working for zoological research and an associate professor at Max-Planck Odense Center on the Bio-demography of Aging and the Department of Biology at the University of Southern Denmark. The other contributors all come from highly academic backgrounds and work in the field of species protection.

- The article is written by academics, and is published in a well-known academic peer-reviewed journal, so has high reliability.

Accuracy

Where does the information in the article come from? Are academic conventions used?

- The purpose of the article is to examine the options for captive breeding and look at solutions for the loss of biodiversity – many options are considered, giving the source high objectivity. Referencing of data, information and guidelines from respected sources is clear.

- The article is unbiased and uses academic findings and data, so has high reliability.

Use of Source

Relevant key point from the text

Supporting evidence / example/ data for the key point

This point is useful for paragraph…

Captive breeding may be the only way to save some animals by counteracting or reducing the threat of extinction.

- p1 - Thibault et al. (2001) Captive breeding has the potential to protect animal populations against threats like disease or pressure from non-native species (e.g. egg predators on islands) until reintroduction into the wild is possible.

- p1 - Other example of species saved from near extinction:

- Van Dierendonck & Wallis de Vries (1996) - Wild horse

- Belant et al.(2010) - Black footed ferret

- Meretsky et al.(2000) - California Condor

P2. Conservation and Species Protection - the role of zoos

This information is useful as it provides an argument in favour of zoos for conservation.

Captive breeding is not without problems – it may cause other issues, such as hybridisation.

- p1- Barnett et al. (2006) - Facilities need to be in place to avoid technical difficulties such as hybridisation when species are managed together in order to reduce costs.

P2. Conservation and Species Protection - the role of zoos

This information is useful as it provides an argument against zoos for conservation.

Further issues with captive breeding occur when animals are released into the wild; they are more vulnerable to poachers as their survival skills are comprised. However, some zoos are providing animal training programmes to counteract this.

- p1 - Spalton et al. (1999); Morell (2008) - Poaching is a problem when animals are released, for example the reintroduction of Arabian Oryx in central Oman where local communities were not sufficiently involved in conservation.

- p1 - Barnett et al. (2006) - The ability of animals to learn crucial skills that allow them to survive in the wild (e.g., fear of humans or predators) may be compromised.

- p1 – Possible solution - White et al. (2005) – Discusses the establishment of training programs in zoos to prepare animals for survival – eg. Puerto Rican parrots which are unable to escape predators in the wild - problem solved by ‘pre-release aviary-based stimulation and exercise program.’

P2. Conservation and Species Protection - the role of zoos

This information is useful as it provides an argument against zoos for conservation.

Source 5

Reference:

Paul-Murphy, J., & Molter, C. (2019) ‘Overview of Animal Welfare in Zoos’, In: R. Miller & P.Calle (Eds) Fowler's Zoo

and Wild Animal Medicine Current Therapy Volume 9, Elsevier: Missouri, pp. 64-72.

Source Evaluation

Currency

When was the text published? Are the citations and references used in the text current?

This source has very high currency as it was published this year and refers to many changes that have happened very recently. All the data used in the source is from within the past 10 years.

Authority

Who is the author / organisation? Are they qualified? Is the source peer-reviewed?

The authors are reputable researchers and professors at the University of California working in the field of veterinary medicine, giving them strong authority in their field.

Accuracy

Where does the information in the article come from? Are academic conventions used?

- The purpose of the article is to give an overview of what animal welfare means. It also discusses how this is assessed in zoos along with the principles and guidelines that those who work in zoos follow.

- The evidence is reliable as there are clear academic conventions in citing and referencing to other research done in the area; it is therefore suitable for academic use.

Use of Source

Relevant key point from the text

Supporting evidence / example/ data for the key point

This point is useful for paragraph…

A key issue around the discussion of animal welfare is the lack of an international standard, and also disparity between the needs of different animals; this makes the establishment of a ‘standard’ problematic.

- Duncan (1981) – A new perspective of animal welfare is that welfare refers to a characteristic of the individual animal.

- Hill & Broom (2009); Koene (2013) - Animals in zoos come from a variety of backgrounds, with differing life experiences and ability to reaction to challenges. For example, an animal that stays in zoos its whole life and one that is temporarily resident until reintroduced to the wild require different skills or another example of an animal brought into an urban zoo from a semi-free-ranging facility or vice versa.

P3. Key issues and concerns related to animal welfare – overview of complexity of the issue

This information is useful as it provides reasons why the issue is complex.

Efforts have been made to establish a system of measuring animal welfare in captivity: ‘animal-based’ and ‘resource-based’ (Blokhuis 2008).

- p3 - Blokhuis (2008) - ‘Animal-based welfare’ focuses on the physical, behavioural, and mental state of the animals and is measured from the animals’ perspectives, which can be scientifically challenging i.e. mental state.

‘Resource-based welfare’ focuses on natural history such as the amount of space, temperature, diet, and veterinary care.

- Maslow’s hierarchy addressed Animal Rights and results in an animal retaining and encouraging natural abilities. The foundations for survival include physiologic needs for shelter, water, and hygiene. Followed by the animals’ physical health and safety needs. Finally, welfare-related activities, such as social needs, mental stimulation, and choice. www.waza.org/en/site/home p.4

P3. Key issues and concerns related to animal welfare – overview of complexity of the issue

This information is useful as it explains what is being done to address the issue.

One approach to addressing animal welfare is designing animals spaces based on species.

· p3 - Kagan & Veasey (2010) – ‘Exhibit design’ must be species-specific, incorporate appropriate space; environmental enrichment, natural exercise and social interactions with other animals in the location. As outlined in Blokhuis (2008) resource based welfare.

· p5 - Kagan & Veasey (2010) – A priority for the welfare of an animal in captivity is that the animal should be able to perform and behave as they would in a natural environment / the wild.

· p1 - Mench & Kreger (1996) - It is the responsibility of the zoo to demonstrate a current and up to date knowledge of animals’ needs by providing a suitable environment.

P5. Physical Space and Exhibits – effect on animal welfare / behaviour and if negative effects can be mitigated

This information is useful as outlines a possible solution to welfare concerns.

Conclusions drawn from your reading

· There are valid criticisms of zoos – particularly in countries where regulation is weak or unclear, but there is evidence that many zoos have invested research and resources into mitigating against welfare issues.

· Research suggests that there are significant benefits to animal conservation through being kept in captivity.

· The scientific community are very aware of the challenges presented by keeping animals in captivity and are working collaboratively to find solutions.

There is evidence that the situation it is improving all the time due to growing awareness of animal needs and support for conservation projects.

Mark

Source Selection

a) Number and credibility of sources

b) Relevance of sources to title

Source Evaluation and Use of Sources

a) Evaluation of sources

b) Use of sources

Processing text

a) Identification of key relevant points in the text.

b) Identification of relevant supporting evidence provided in the text.

Research and Understanding

a) Evidence of ability to research

b) Evidence of subject knowledge

8 – 10

Distinction

a) All five sources included are reliable and appropriate for academic purposes.

b) Relevance of all texts to the research topic and title is made explicit and is clear.

a) Clear and sound evaluation of the reliability of all sources provided.

b) Clear indication of how all sources will be used in the essay; sources appropriate to support points outlined in essay plan.

a) Demonstrates ability to identify relevant main lines of argument in all three academic texts.

b) Produces effective notes on relevant supporting ideas and details.

a) Clear evidence of ability to find relevant and reliable sources demonstrated; effective search methods used and fully outlined.

b) Demonstrates thorough understanding and coverage of the relevant material and issues.

6 – 7

Merit

a) Reliable sources selected overall; one source may be of lower quality.

b) The relevance of the texts to the research topic and title is made clear.

a) Sound evaluation of the reliability of sources; reasoning and detail may be clearer for some sources than others.

b) Clear indication of how most of the sources will be used in the essay; sources appropriate to support points.

a) Demonstrates ability to identify relevant main lines of argument in academic texts with the majority of points selected.

b) Provides mostly clear supporting information relevant to the main points in a text.

a) Evidence of ability to find relevant and reliable sources demonstrated; effective search methods used and outlined.

b) Demonstrates good understanding and coverage of the relevant material and issues.

4 – 5

Pass

a) Acceptable sources selected; two sources may be of lower quality / lack currency.

b) Texts are relevant to the research topic and title, though link may be less clear in places.

a) Evaluation of the reliability of the sources present, but provides minimal detail which is weak, faulty or repetitive in some areas.

b) Indication of how sources will be used in the essay is generally clear, but may lack detail or relevance in places.

a) Demonstrates some ability to identify main lines of argument in an academic text; a number of points are less clear and/or less relevant than others. May lack detail.

b) Distinguishes supporting details from main points although some supporting evidence may be less clear or relevant.

a) Some evidence of ability to find relevant and reliable sources demonstrated; more than one search method has been used.

b) Demonstrates general knowledge and coverage of some areas but need development.

2 – 3

Below pass

a) Predominantly poor and/or inappropriate material selected with selection appearing to be random.

b) Texts are only generally linked to the topic; the relevance to the title is unclear.

a) Weak / faulty evaluation of the reliability of the sources.

b) Largely unclear how sources will be used to support points in the research essay.

a) Demonstrates limited ability to identify main lines of argument in an academic text; main points are missing, unclear, repetitive or lifted.

b) Attempt to provide supporting information for main points, but largely unclear or repetitive; points are lifted from texts.

a) Lacking evidence of ability to find relevant and reliable source; search method is unclear, inappropriate or repetitive.

b) Demonstrates little or confused understanding of content; student has simply lifted text and / or has only covered one aspect of the title.

0 – 1

Fail

a) Poor and/or inappropriate literature/material selected; required number of sources not included.

b) Texts are unconnected – no obvious focus for the reading.

a) No attempt to evaluate the reliability of sources.

b) Unclear why sources have been selected, and how they will be used in the essay.

a) Does not demonstrate the ability to identify main ideas from an academic text – either academic texts are not used, points are unclear, or are completely lifted.

b) No attempt to provide supporting information; information is missing, irrelevant or inappropriate.

a) No evidence of ability to find relevant and reliable sources demonstrated.

b) Demonstrates no discernible knowledge or understanding.

Raw score

40

39

38

37

36

35

34

33

32

31

30

29

28

27

26

25

24

23

Mark

100%

98%

95%

93%

90%

88%

85%

83%

80%

78%

75%

73%

70%

68%

65%

63%

60%

58%

Raw Score

22

21

20

19

18

17

16

15

14

13

12

11

10

9

8

7

6

5

<4

Mark

55%

53%

50%

48%

45%

43%

40%

38%

35%

33%

30%

28%

25%

23%

20%

18%

15%

13%

0