animal kingdom research project

Everything We Know About What’s Coming to Disney’s Animal Kingdom (Latest Updates)

By: Author Heather Thomas

Published: April 4, 2024 Updated: April 4, 2024

Animal Kingdom is about to embark on another expansion – and we are extremely excited to see what all that entails.

The previous large-scale project at Animal Kingdom brought us Pandora, and from the looks of what Disney has released so far, this next project will be equally spectacular.

Let’s get into everything we know about what’s coming to Disney’s Animal Kingdom …

In this article

What we know so far

Disney is just wrapping up a multi-year reworking of Epcot, and now it looks like Animal Kingdom (and Magic Kingdom) are next in line for some serious construction.

Need to get caught up on what’s happening at Epcot? Check out our Epcot Updates post for the latest news .

That means things will likely get a bit worse before they get better. But here’s the deal – the construction at Animal Kingdom probably won’t throw us for the same loop as it did at Epcot.

Why? Because it looks like the work will be happening in one corner of the park, not smack in the middle or right at the entrance like we saw with those giant green walls at Epcot.

Not gonna to lie, we are more than happy about that because although we love the way Epcot looks now, those walls made navigating the entire park a nightmare that we’d prefer not to have to go through again, thankyouverymuch.

As of right now, what Disney has said about what’s coming to Animal Kingdom is fairly limited, but here’s what they have released so far:

This is a re-imagining of DinoLand U.S.A.

Unlike Pandora which was the addition of a brand-new land to Animal Kingdom, Disney has said that what they have planned next is a reimagining of the current area of the park known as DinoLand U.S.A.

To be honest, that makes sense as the kitschy roadside attraction vibe (which is intentional, by the way) always seemed to confuse those unfamiliar with the backstory.

We are not DinoLand haters, though, so we are a little sad. But we also recognize that maybe it is time for a refresh, especially since the closure of Primeval Whirl gave guests one less reason to venture over to that section of the park.

Here’s what is currently in DinoLand and our best guesses as to what will happen to it. Remember, these are just guesses and nothing is official until Disney confirms it:

Attractions:

• The Boneyard : Likely being replaced
• Fossil Fun Games : Likely being replaced
• Finding Nemo: The Big Blue…and Beyond! : This is far enough away from the core of DinoLand that we think it won’t be impacted by construction (hopefully)
• TriceraTop Spin : Likely being replaced
• DINOSAUR: Likely being reimagined into an Indiana Jones-themed ride
• Restaurantosaurus : Possibly being rethemed
• Dino-Bite Snacks : TBD
• Trilo-Bites : TBD
• Corn-ivores : TBD
• Chester & Hester’s Dinosaur Treasures: TBD
• The Dino Institute Shop: TBD

Name for the new land

As of right now, Disney has only referred to this area as being a “Tropical Americas-themed” land. We imagine they will come up with something catchier and reveal it later this year, possibly at the D23 Expo in August.

But, while we don’t have a name, Disney has said that they are hoping to bring both elements of Encanto and Indiana Jones to this part of the park.

Opening date

Alas, everything is likely years from completion. But, we are hopeful that we’ll see it before we are too old to enjoy it. Just kidding. Kind of. If we had to guess, maybe 2027 or 2028? Or 2050? But those are just guesses.

Concept art

Disney has shown us some concept art. So although we don’t have the full details, we can get a decent idea what their goal is:

As you can see, they look to be capitalizing on the lush environment of Animal Kingdom to help them really lean into that “Tropical Americas” vibe.

For reference, in the top-right corner appears to be where DINOSAUR is currently located.

Attractions

Disney has yet to confirm too many details and while it can be difficult to tell too much from the art, it does appear as if DINOSAUR will be re-themed into an Indiana Jones ride, which is understandable considering Disneyland already has an Indy attraction which utilizes the same track system and basic layout as the DINOSAUR version at Animal Kingdom.

Beyond that, several buildings do give us an “Encanto” vibe (especially this house from a 3D model Disney released video of which looks to be the Casa Madrigal) with plenty of florals and lush landscaping – but Disney hasn’t said specifically how they are incorporating Encanto or what other attractions we might see.

Although Disney has revealed absolutely nothing about possibilities for new restaurants, the DinoLand section of the park does currently have a quick service restaurant and several carts and counters where you can get snacks, so we expect to see at least close to an equal number of options when the final details are released.

Tropical Americas News and Updates

Imagineers took to Instagram to reveal a little bit of what’s behind the curtains – including a 3D model of what they are working on for Animal Kingdom. Plus, they revealed that they’ve recently taken a trip to the Yucatán Peninsula in Mexico to study the culture, art, and archeology of the Maya.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Walt Disney Imagineering (@waltdisneyimagineering)

September 2023

Although Disney hinted at the possibility of something coming back in 2022, the first formal announcement of the reimagining of DinoLand U.S.A. was made at the 2023 D23 Expo.

Here’s what they said:

At Destination D23 2023, it was announced that Walt Disney Imagineering is planning to reimagine Dinoland U.S.A. at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park into a new land inspired by a region sometimes referred to as “tropical Americas.”

As part of their research, Imagineers are looking at some of the most biodiverse areas on the planet in the regions just north and south of the equator in the Western Hemisphere – the northern part of South America, stretching up into Central America.

New experiences inspired by “Encanto” – the Academy Award-winning Walt Disney Animation Studios film – and the fan-favorite adventurer Indiana Jones are being considered for the reimagined land at Disney’s Animal Kingdom.

• Read more on the Disney Parks Blog

September 2022

The first we heard about a possible re-theming of DinoLand U.S.A. was at the 2022 D23 Expo. At that time, Disney spoke of their ideas as still being in the blue sky phase, but that they were looking at possibly bringing Moana or Zootopia elements to the park. During that presentation, there was no mention of Tropical Americas, Encanto, or Indiana Jones.

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• Recent Posts

• Everything We Know About What’s Coming to Disney’s Animal Kingdom (Latest Updates) - April 4, 2024
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Imagineers Begin Concept and Design Work on Tropical Americas Area Coming to Disney’s Animal Kingdom

After a Tropical Americas area was teased to replace DinoLand U.S.A. at Disney’s Animal Kingdom , Imagineering has revealed that concept and design work is underway for the project.

What’s happening:

• The Walt Disney Imagineering Instagram account has shared a look at a research trip that Imagineers took to the Yucatán Peninsula as they prepare for the Tropical Americas project for Disney’s Animal Kingdom.
• While the possibilities for the current DinoLand U.S.A. area were first discussed during a 2022 D23 Expo presentation, Disney Experiences chairman Josh D'Amaro  elaborated on plans  (including the Tropical Americas concept) at Destination D23 last year.
• Experiences inspired by Encanto  and Indiana Jones  are expected to be part of the area.
• News that the project is moving forward also comes as Disney recently reached a settlement agreement with the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District — a development that Iger called a “win-win,” adding that it would “actually enable us to pursue the kinds of significant investment in our Florida parks.”
• Meanwhile, Disney is also expected to begin the permit process for another long-teased project: the “Beyond Big Thunder” expansion at Magic Kingdom .

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Walt Disney Imagineering (@waltdisneyimagineering)

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How do animals respond to eclipses? Help NASA find out.

A massive citizen science project will study how the animal kingdom reacts to April 8’s total solar eclipse. Here’s how and where to partake.

Tens of millions of sky-gazers are expected to watch the total solar eclipse above North America on April 8. Cheers, shrieks, and cries will welcome totality—the few fleeting minutes when day turns to haunting dusk. But humans won’t be the only species affected.  

The early onset of darkness disrupts animals’ circadian rhythms, sparking a possible chorus of owl hoots, cricket chirps, or even coyote calls, depending on the eclipse-viewing location. For centuries, biologists and spectators have shared stories about how animals respond to eclipses , yet few formal studies have tested this. NASA hopes to change that this year—and you could help.

Through the citizen-science project Eclipse Soundscapes , NASA is studying how these interstellar marvels impact the animal kingdom. Eclipse enthusiasts have a host of ways to participate : recording data, analyzing audio, or submitting their own multisensory observations, says Henry Trae Winter III, co-lead on the Eclipse Soundscapes project and chief scientist and co-founder of the ARISA Lab .

The project, inspired by a similar citizen-science study from the 1932 eclipse over New England, centers on how crickets respond to the event’s false dusk. These insects, which are largely dispersed across the U.S.’s path of totality from Texas to Maine , provide an ideal opportunity for widespread comparison. “If there’s something different in the south than the north, we can pull out why,” says Winter, noting they can analyze everything from temperature differences to eclipse duration (which will begin approximately 1:45 p.m. to about 4:30 p.m. EST) to analyze varying reactions. This intel could help scientists model how future weather events like storms could impact animals.

( 2024 will be huge for astrotourism—here’s how to plan your trip .)

While Eclipse Soundscapes focuses on crickets, which Winter says eclipse-chasers could hear any place that’s above 55 degrees Fahrenheit on eclipse day, the team’s massive data set—expected to be among the largest soundscapes recordings in history—will be free and open to the public.

To partake as an Eclipse Soundscapes observer, Winter suggests avoiding large-scale eclipse gatherings where crowd chatter will drown out critter sounds. Instead, eavesdrop on the animal kingdom via wild and more remote natural spaces—such as these five wildlife-packed getaways along April 8’s path of totality.

Ouachita National Forest, Arkansas

Arkansas ’ stretch of the 1.8-million-acre Ouachita National Forest , a mosaic of streams, peaks, rivers, and dense pine forests, brims with wildlife, including many species that could audibly respond to the area’s four minutes of totality. Listen for the barred owl, known for its “ who cooks for you ” call, or the long-eared owl, which often communicates via low hoots . Crickets will likely also join the eclipse symphony, as could the forest’s numerous bands of coyotes .

Cache River State Natural Area, Illinois

This swampy, 18,000-acre getaway in southern Illinois is known for its frogs , which experts say could get particularly noisy on eclipse day. Listen for bird-voiced tree frogs, southern leopard frogs, and bullfrogs, or watch for foxes and opossums , which could make unusual midday appearances. Travelers may enjoy these sounds throughout the park, but for a particularly unique totality seat, join Cache Bayou Outfitters’ solar-eclipse kayak trip .

Cuyahoga Valley National Park, Ohio

Cuyahoga Valley National Park’s thick oak, hickory, and beech forests will see roughly 3.5 minutes of totality on April 8. These dusky skies could kick off a harmony of animal calls, from frogs and toads, which reappear here in the early spring months, to the barn, barred, or great horned owls. For a multisensory perch, hit the Beaver Marsh , a former trash heap turned biodiverse wetland habitat with numerous frogs, turtles, birds, and its namesake and nocturnal beavers—which scientists say could skitter out from their daytime abodes as the skies dim.

( It was a toxic wasteland. Now it’s a national park .)

Letchworth State Park, New York

Birds are among the most boisterous animals during solar eclipses . The darkness may stimulate their urge to roost, increase their activity levels, or alter their song patterns. Watch and listen to the avian eclipse responses from one of New York State’s best birding locales, Letchworth State Park , which will experience around three minutes of totality. This patchwork of soaring cliffs, maples and beeches, and thunderous waterfalls, known as the “Grand Canyon of the East,” is a state Bird Conservation Area , as well as an Audubon Important Bird Area . It’s home to dozens of avian species, including turkey vultures and great horned owls, as well as beavers and river otters, which may emerge during totality near the Genesee riverbanks.

Congress Avenue Bridge, Austin

For a unique eclipse-response experiment, head to Congress Avenue Bridge in Austin . From spring to late fall, this concrete link over Lady Bird Lake is home to an estimated 1.5 million Mexican free-tailed bats—the largest urban bat population in North America. Experts say the area’s nearly two minutes of totality’s darkness could see throngs of the winged mammals swooping out to the east for their feasts.

( Bats are the real superheroes of the animal world. Here's why .)

Related Topics

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December 15, 2021

Researchers make major discovery in the animal kingdom

by Louisiana State University

Researchers recently made a major discovery—14 new species of shrews, which is the largest number of new mammals described in a scientific paper since 1931. After a decade-long journey taking inventory of Indonesian shrews living on the island of Sulawesi, a group of scientists led by LSU mammologist Jake Esselstyn has identified 14 new endemic species.

The findings are detailed in the recently published paper, "Fourteen New, Endemic Species of Shrew (Genus Crocidura) from Sulawesi Reveal a Spectacular Island Radiation," in a new issue of the Bulletin of the American Museum of Natural History .

Joining Esselstyn's research journey was current LSU doctoral student Heru Handika and LSU alumnus Mark Swanson, along with Anang Achmadi from the Indonesian Institute of Sciences in Cibinong, Indonesia; Thomas Giarla from Siena College in Loudonville, N.Y.; and Kevin Rowe from Museums Victoria in Melbourne, Australia.

"It's an exciting discovery, but was frustrating at times," said Esselstyn, curator of mammals at the LSU Museum of Natural Science and associate professor in the Department of Biological Sciences. "Usually, we discover one new species at a time, and there is a big thrill that comes from it. But in this case, it was overwhelming because for the first several years, we couldn't figure out how many species there were."

A clearer picture began to emerge once the research team examined an extensive collection of genetic and morphological data from new specimens they collected between 2010 and 2018, combined with old specimens collected in 1916. In total, the group examined nearly 1,400 specimens, and they recognized 21 species on Sulawesi, including the 14 new species. The known diversity of shrews on Sulawesi is now three times more than is known from any other island.

Shrews are a diverse group of mammals—461 species have been identified so far—and they have a nearly global distribution. These small insectivorous animals are closer relatives to hedgehogs and moles than to any other mammals.

This discovery is a major milestone in Esselstyn's research. He first became interested in testing ecological and evolutionary hypotheses that might explain shrew diversity in Indonesia when he was a graduate student at the University of Kansas. After finishing his degree, Esselstyn and Achmadi began capturing shrews on the island in 2010, and they soon realized there were too many undocumented species to test those ideas.

Now that he feels he has a handle on the shrew diversity of the island, Esselstyn is interested in exploring the geographic, geological and biological factors that have contributed to Sulawesi's extraordinary biodiversity.

"Taxonomy serves as the foundation of so much biological research and conservation effort. When we don't know how many species there are or where they live, our capacity to understand and preserve life is severely limited. It's essential that we document and name that diversity," Esselstyn said. "If we can make discoveries of this many new species in relatively well-known groups like mammals, imagine what the undocumented diversity is like in less conspicuous organisms."

Provided by Louisiana State University

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• Published: 15 September 2021

Anatomy in the animal kingdom

Communications Biology volume  4 , Article number:  1082 ( 2021 ) Cite this article

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Examining the anatomy of an organism opens up a whole world of exploration into the function of its body, its evolution, and how it interacts with the biotic and abiotic elements in its environment. On the cusp of new advances in technology that have furthered this exploration, the editors at Communications Biology have gathered a Collection of our exciting research in organismal anatomy to highlight the possibilities of this field yet to come.

Data exploration is the initial step of any new scientific analysis. Getting a “feel” for your data can inform and direct more formalised statistical approaches, or encourage future experiments. When considering organismal biology, the anatomy of the animal, plant or microbe is the data, and exploration happens through observations.

For hundreds of years, biologists have been using anatomical insight to learn more about the world surrounding us. Some of the most influential scientific discoveries of the past are based on observing organism anatomy--the basis for the evolution by natural selection popularised by Charles Darwin 1 (with due credit to Alfred Russel Wallace), Owen’s naming of Dinosauria 2 , or Mendel’s demonstration of genetic inheritance. Without detailed, insightful observations of the world around them, these discoveries could not be made.

For hundreds of years, biologists have been using anatomical insight to learn more about the world surrounding us. Some of the most influential scientific discoveries of the past are based on observing organism anatomy.

Whilst the most immediate observations might occur on a macroscopic level, such as examining a fossil or living creature in its natural habitat, anatomical observations are not limited to this wide lens. Using modern advances in technology, we can look beyond the surface level structures of an organism, delve deeper into its anatomy, and make inferences about the evolution of its function. Computed tomography, scanning electron microscopy or synchrotron scanning are becoming commonplace methods in anatomical research in observing organisms from both modern and deep time. Combinations of these methods are enabling researchers to ask questions that were previously unanswerable, such as the fine details of venom delivery in snakes 3 , or the importance of fully understanding anatomical constraint before inferring function in fossil vertebrates 4 .

Communications Biology appreciates the value of anatomical research in the modern age, and has created a collection of some of our published manuscripts highlighting anatomical structures and the inferences they yield. Our published papers span palaeontological studies enabling phylogenetic and functional inference, studies of extant systems with significant genetic or ecological context, and structural analyses of microscopic details focussing on the biological function of organisms, plus many more assembled together by our editors in our Anatomy Collection. We welcome further submissions featuring anatomical research across all species, especially for those highlighting functional or ecological analyses.

Darwin, C & Murray, J. On the Origin of Species by Means of Natural Selection, or, The Preservation of Favoured Races in the Struggle for Life (J. Murray, 1859).

Owen, R. Report on British fossil reptiles. Part II. Rep. British Assoc. Adv. Sci. 11 , 60–204 (1842).

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Cleuren, S. G. C., Parker, W. M. G., Richards, H. L., Hocking, D. P. & Evans, A. R. Sharp and fully loaded: 3D tissue reconstruction reveals how snake fangs stay deadly during fang replacement. J. Anat. 00 , 1–10 (2021).

Manafzadeh, A. R. & Gatesy, S. M. Paleobiological reconstructions of articular function require all six degrees of freedom. J. Anat. 00 , 1–9 (2021).

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150+ Zoology Project Ideas: Explore Animal Kingdom

Zoology, the study of the animal kingdom, is a captivating field that enables us to unravel the mysteries of the natural world. Engaging in zoology project ideas can be a rewarding way to delve into this scientific realm, gaining hands-on experience and a deeper understanding of the creatures we share our planet with. 

In this blog, we’ll explore a variety of zoology project ideas, guide you on how to choose the right project, offer tips for success, and showcase examples of successful projects.

Types of Zoology Projects

Table of Contents

Research Projects

Study of Animal Behavior: Investigate the behavior patterns of a particular species, shedding light on their social interactions, mating rituals, and daily routines.

• Taxonomy and Classification: Explore the world of taxonomy by identifying and classifying new or existing species.
• Endangered Species Conservation: Contribute to the preservation of endangered species by researching their habitats and threats.
• Evolutionary Biology: Study the evolution of a specific animal group, tracing their lineage through the ages.

Observation and Field Studies

• Bird Watching and Bird Identification: Observe and document bird species in your local area, noting their migration patterns and habitats.
• Marine Life Observation: Dive into the underwater world, studying marine life like coral reefs, fish, and other aquatic organisms.
• Insect Collection and Observation: Collect, identify, and document the behavior of insects in your region.

Experimental Projects

• Animal Physiology Experiments: Investigate the physiological aspects of animals, such as their metabolism, respiration, or sensory perception.
• Genetics and DNA Analysis: Explore the genetic makeup of a species, perhaps focusing on a particular gene or mutation.
• Environmental Impact Studies: Analyze the impact of human activities on local ecosystems and propose solutions for conservation.

How to Choose the Right Zoology Project Ideas?

Selecting the right zoology project is crucial for your enjoyment and success. Consider the following factors:

• Interests and Passions: Opt for a project that aligns with your interests and passions, as it will keep you motivated and engaged.
• Available Resources: Ensure you have access to the necessary equipment and research materials.
• Project Complexity and Scope: Choose a project that matches your level of expertise and the available time.
• Alignment with Academic Goals: If the project is for a school or college, ensure it aligns with your academic goals and curriculum.

150+ Zoology Project Ideas: Category-Wise

Animal behavior and ethology.

• Mating Behavior of Peacocks: Investigate the courtship and mating rituals of peacocks.
• Foraging Habits of Ant Colonies: Study how ants locate, transport, and store food.
• Communication in Dolphins: Explore how dolphins use sound signals for communication.
• Nesting Behavior of Sea Turtles: Monitor and document sea turtle nesting patterns.
• Sleep Patterns in Bats: Investigate the sleep patterns and behaviors of different bat species.

Taxonomy and Classification

• New Species Discovery: Identify and classify a new or unidentified species.
• Comparative Anatomy of Mammals: Compare the anatomical features of different mammal species.
• Phylogenetic Analysis: Construct a phylogenetic tree for a group of related species.
• Insect Taxonomy: Study and classify local insect species.
• Plant-Animal Interactions: Examine the interactions between specific plant species and the animals that rely on them.

Conservation and Ecology

• Impact of Invasive Species: Investigate the effects of invasive species on local ecosystems.
• Habitat Restoration: Participate in habitat restoration projects for endangered species.
• Wildlife Corridor Evaluation: Assess the effectiveness of wildlife corridors in maintaining genetic diversity.
• Climate Change and Wildlife: Study the impact of climate change on local wildlife populations.
• Biodiversity Hotspots: Identify and protect biodiversity hotspots in your region.

Evolutionary Biology

• Fossil Analysis: Analyze fossils to trace the evolution of a particular group of animals.
• Comparative Embryology: Study the embryonic development of different species to identify evolutionary relationships.
• Adaptive Radiation: Investigate instances of adaptive radiation in different animal groups.
• Hybridization Studies: Examine hybridization between closely related species.
• Vestigial Organs in Animals: Investigate the presence and function of vestigial organs in various animals.
• Migration of Monarch Butterflies: Track the migration patterns of monarch butterflies.
• Urban Wildlife Surveys: Study the adaptation of wildlife in urban environments.
• Dolphin and Whale Watching: Observe and identify marine mammals off the coast.
• Rainforest Canopy Exploration: Investigate the biodiversity in the rainforest canopy.
• Herpetology: Reptile and Amphibian Surveys: Conduct surveys to document reptile and amphibian populations.
• Effects of Pollution on Aquatic Life: Examine the impact of pollution on aquatic ecosystems.
• Plant-Animal Mutualism Experiments: Study mutualistic relationships between plants and animals.
• Animal Sensory Perception: Investigate the sensory perception of a specific animal.
• Animal Respiration Rates: Measure the respiration rates of different animals.
• Migratory Bird Navigation Experiments: Research how migratory birds navigate during their long journeys.

Genetics and Molecular Biology

• DNA Barcoding: Use DNA barcoding to identify species and analyze genetic diversity.
• Genetic Mapping of a Population: Create genetic maps to understand population genetics.
• Gene Expression in Fish: Study gene expression in fish exposed to different environmental conditions.
• Inheritance Patterns in Insects: Investigate Mendelian genetics in insect populations.
• CRISPR-Cas9 in Model Organisms: Experiment with gene editing in model organisms.

Animal Physiology

• Hibernation in Bears: Study the physiological adaptations of bears during hibernation.
• Circulatory System of Birds: Explore the unique circulatory systems of birds.
• Thermoregulation in Reptiles: Investigate how reptiles regulate their body temperature.
• Neurobiology of Invertebrates: Study the nervous systems of invertebrates.
• Endocrine System and Reproduction: Investigate hormonal regulation of reproduction in animals.

Human-Animal Interaction

• Animal-Assisted Therapy: Examine the therapeutic benefits of interactions between animals and humans.
• Zoos and Animal Welfare: Assess the welfare of animals in captivity at zoos.
• Pet Behavior and Training: Study pet behavior and effective training methods.
• Wildlife Rehabilitation: Participate in wildlife rehabilitation and release programs.
• The Impact of Domestic Cats on Bird Populations: Research the effects of outdoor cats on local bird populations.

Wildlife Health and Disease

• Parasite Ecology: Investigate the interactions between parasites and their host species.
• Zoonotic Disease Transmission: Study diseases that can be transmitted between animals and humans.
• Wildlife Vaccination Programs: Develop and assess vaccination programs for wildlife.
• Behavioral Responses to Disease: Examine how animals change their behavior when infected.
• Antibiotic Resistance in Wildlife: Investigate antibiotic resistance in wildlife populations.

Animal Nutrition and Diet

• Feeding Preferences in Insects: Study the feeding preferences of different insect species.
• Herbivore Digestive Systems: Investigate the digestive systems of herbivorous animals.
• Feeding Strategies in Birds: Examine the feeding strategies of various bird species.
• Predator-Prey Interactions: Observe and document predator-prey interactions in the wild.
• Gut Microbiota in Animals: Study the role of gut microbiota in animal nutrition.

Reproductive Biology

• Sexual Selection in Frogs: Investigate the role of sexual selection in frog mating behaviors.
• Egg-Laying Patterns in Fish: Examine the timing and location of fish egg laying.
• Mating Systems in Insects: Study the different mating systems found in insect populations.
• Reproductive Strategies in Marine Invertebrates: Investigate the diversity of reproductive strategies in marine invertebrates.
• Parental Care in Birds: Document and analyze parental care behaviors in bird species.

Animal Cognition and Intelligence

• Problem-Solving in Mammals: Test the problem-solving abilities of mammals using puzzles and tasks.
• Tool Use in Birds: Study instances of tool use in different bird species.
• Memory in Insects: Investigate the memory capabilities of insects in learning tasks.
• Social Learning in Primates: Observe how primates learn from social interactions.
• Language and Communication in Animals: Examine communication and language use in animals, such as primates and dolphins.

Animal Adaptations

• Camouflage in Reptiles: Explore the mechanisms of camouflage in reptiles.
• Desert Adaptations in Mammals: Study how mammals adapt to arid desert environments.
• Arctic Animal Adaptations: Investigate how Arctic animals survive in extreme cold conditions.
• Amphibious Adaptations: Examine adaptations in animals that can live both on land and in water.
• Aquatic Adaptations in Birds: Study adaptations in birds for aquatic lifestyles.

Animal Sounds and Communication

• Bioacoustics in Bats: Analyze the echolocation calls and communication of bats.
• Songbird Communication: Investigate the songs and calls of songbirds and their role in communication.
• Whale Songs and Behavior: Study the songs and behaviors of whales, including humpback and killer whales.
• Insect Sound Production: Explore the sounds produced by insects, such as crickets and cicadas.
• Communication in Social Insects: Examine the chemical and tactile communication in social insects like ants and bees.

Endangered Species and Conservation

• Conservation Breeding Programs: Participate in breeding programs for endangered species.
• Habitat Restoration for Amphibians: Restore habitats for endangered amphibians.
• Rhino Anti-Poaching Efforts: Work on anti-poaching initiatives to protect rhinoceros populations.
• Monitoring Rare Bird Species: Conduct surveys to monitor and protect rare bird species.
• Sea Turtle Nesting Beach Protection: Protect sea turtle nesting sites through conservation efforts.

Zoology in Art and Culture

• Wildlife Photography Project: Create a portfolio of wildlife photographs.
• Zoological Illustrations: Create artistic illustrations of various animal species.
• Animal Symbolism in Mythology: Explore the cultural and symbolic significance of animals in myths and legends.
• Animal-Inspired Fashion: Design fashion items inspired by animal patterns or characteristics.
• Zoological Sculpture Exhibition: Create sculptures representing different animal species.

Paleontology and Fossils

• Dinosaur Bone Excavation: Join a paleontological team to excavate dinosaur bones.
• Fossil Preparation and Cleaning: Learn the techniques of fossil preparation.
• Fossil Identification: Identify and catalog fossils in local rock formations.
• Amber Inclusions Study: Examine ancient insects and organisms preserved in amber.
• Trace Fossils and Footprints: Investigate trace fossils, including dinosaur footprints and burrows.

Animal Welfare and Ethics

• Animal Welfare Legislation Analysis: Research and evaluate the effectiveness of animal welfare laws.
• Rescue and Rehabilitation of Wildlife: Work with wildlife rehabilitation centers to care for injured or orphaned animals.
• Animal Rights Advocacy: Engage in campaigns and advocacy for the rights and well-being of animals.
• Ethical Considerations in Animal Research: Explore the ethical implications of scientific research involving animals.
• Pet Overpopulation Solutions: Investigate and propose solutions to address pet overpopulation issues.

Zoology in Education

• Zoology Educational Videos: Create educational videos about various aspects of zoology.
• Animal Dissection Projects: Conduct dissection projects for educational purposes.
• Zoology Museum Exhibits: Develop exhibits for a zoology museum or educational institution.
• Interactive Wildlife Workshops: Organize workshops to teach students and the public about wildlife conservation.
• Zoology Curriculum Development: Create a zoology curriculum for schools or educational programs.

Insect Biology

• Insect Migration Patterns: Study the migration patterns of insects like monarch butterflies.
• Insect-Plant Interactions: Investigate the mutualistic or parasitic relationships between insects and plants.
• Ant Colony Behavior: Analyze the social structure and behavior of ant colonies.
• Bee Foraging Behavior: Study the foraging behavior of bees and their impact on pollination.
• Insect Flight Mechanics: Explore the physics and mechanics of insect flight.

Aquatic Biology

• Coral Reef Health Assessment: Assess the health of coral reefs and their associated ecosystems.
• Marine Ecosystem Food Webs: Investigate the food web dynamics in marine ecosystems.
• Freshwater Fish Diversity: Survey and document the diversity of freshwater fish species in local rivers.
• Microplastic Impact on Aquatic Life: Study the effects of microplastic pollution on aquatic organisms.
• Estuarine Ecosystem Dynamics: Examine the ecological interactions in estuarine environments.

Ornithology

• Raptor Migration Monitoring: Monitor and record the migrations of raptors, such as hawks and eagles.
• Nesting and Breeding Behavior of Songbirds: Study the nesting behaviors and breeding success of songbirds.
• Waterfowl Ecology: Investigate the ecology and migratory patterns of waterfowl.
• Owl Diet Analysis: Analyze the diet of owls by examining their pellets and prey remains.
• Penguin Behavior and Conservation: Research the behavior and conservation status of penguin species.
• Bat Roosting and Behavior: Study bat roosting sites and their daily behavior.
• Carnivore Predation Patterns: Investigate the hunting and predation patterns of carnivorous mammals.
• Primate Social Structure: Observe and document the social structures of primate groups.
• Rodent Ecology and Population Dynamics: Analyze the ecology and population fluctuations of local rodent species.
• Marine Mammal Vocalizations: Research the vocalizations and communication of marine mammals.

Invertebrate Zoology

• Jellyfish Blooms: Monitor and study jellyfish populations and their ecological impact.
• Crustacean Molting Behavior: Investigate the molting process in crustaceans like crabs and lobsters.
• Squid and Cephalopod Behavior: Study the behavior and intelligence of cephalopods.
• Freshwater Snail Distribution: Survey the distribution of freshwater snail species in different aquatic habitats.
• Mantis Shrimp Color Vision: Explore the remarkable color vision of mantis shrimp.

Zoology and Technology

• Wildlife Tracking with GPS: Use GPS technology to track the movement and behavior of animals.
• Camera Traps for Wildlife Monitoring: Set up camera traps to capture wildlife in their natural habitats.
• Virtual Reality Zoology: Design educational VR experiences to explore the animal world.
• Bioinformatics and Genomic Analysis: Apply bioinformatics tools to analyze genetic data.
• 3D Printing of Animal Models: Create 3D-printed models of different animal species for educational purposes.

Plant and Animal Interactions

• Pollinator Gardens: Design and maintain a garden to attract and support pollinators.
• Seed Dispersal Mechanisms: Investigate the various methods plants use to disperse their seeds.
• Ant-Plant Mutualisms: Study the mutualistic relationships between ants and certain plant species.
• Herbivore-Induced Plant Defenses: Analyze how plants respond to herbivore attacks.
• Parasitic Plants and Their Hosts: Explore the interactions between parasitic plants and their host species.
• Butterfly Garden Project: Create a garden to attract and observe various butterfly species.
• Aquatic Insect Communities: Study the diversity of aquatic insects in streams and rivers.
• Insect Biocontrol: Investigate the use of beneficial insects for pest control in agriculture.
• Firefly Behavior and Synchronization: Research the behavior and synchronization of fireflies.
• Insect Pollinators and Crop Yield: Examine the role of insect pollinators in crop production.

Amphibians and Reptiles

• Amphibian Chytrid Fungus Research: Study the chytrid fungus and its impact on amphibian populations.
• Reptile Coloration and Camouflage: Investigate the coloration and camouflage strategies of reptiles.
• Amphibian Vocalizations: Record and analyze the calls of frogs and toads.
• Reptile Diversity in Different Habitats: Document the reptile species found in various ecosystems.
• Salamander Migration Patterns: Track the migration patterns of salamanders in your region.

Human Impact on Wildlife

• Roadkill and Wildlife Mortality: Analyze the impact of roads on wildlife mortality.
• Urbanization and Bird Nesting Success: Study how urban environments affect bird nesting success.
• Noise Pollution and Bird Communication: Investigate the effects of noise pollution on bird communication.
• Light Pollution and Nocturnal Animals: Explore how artificial light impacts nocturnal wildlife .
• Hunting and Wildlife Population Management: Research the effects of hunting on wildlife populations.

How to Get Started With Zoology Project Ideas?

Once you’ve chosen your project, it’s time to get started:

• Define Your Research Question or Objective: Clearly define what you want to investigate or achieve with your project.
• Create a Research Plan and Timeline: Outline the steps, set milestones, and establish a realistic timeline for your project.
• Gather Necessary Equipment and Materials: Ensure you have all the tools and resources required for your research.
• Seek Guidance from Professors or Experts: Consult with mentors, professors, or experts in the field to refine your project plan and methodology.

Executing Your Zoology Project

With your project plan in place, you can now proceed with the research:

• Data Collection and Recording: Accurately record your observations, measurements, and data.
• Data Analysis and Interpretation: Analyze your findings and draw meaningful conclusions.
• Troubleshooting and Adapting: Be prepared to encounter challenges and adapt your methods if necessary.
• Documenting Your Findings: Keep a detailed journal or lab notebook, ensuring your findings are well-documented.

Tips for Success Zoology Projects

Here are some valuable tips to ensure your zoology project is a success:

• Stay Organized: Maintain meticulous records, and organize your data and materials.
• Collaborate with Peers or Experts: Collaborative efforts often lead to better results and innovative ideas.
• Keep a Detailed Journal: Document your progress, thoughts, and setbacks in a journal.
• Be Patient and Persistent: Research can be challenging, so remain patient and persistent in your pursuits.

Examples of Successful Zoology Projects

Let’s take a look at a few examples of remarkable zoology projects:

Case Study 1: Understanding Bird Migration

A student conducts a year-long study on the migratory patterns of a specific bird species, revealing new information about their routes and behaviors.

Case Study 2: The Genetic Diversity of Frogs

Another student investigates the genetic diversity of local frog populations, contributing to conservation efforts.

Case Study 3: Coral Reefs and Climate Change

A team of researchers studies the impact of climate change on coral reefs, offering insights into their resilience and vulnerability.

Zoology projects offer an exciting way to explore the animal kingdom and contribute to scientific knowledge. By choosing the right zoology project ideas, diligently executing your research, and effectively sharing your findings, you can make a meaningful impact in the field of zoology. The world of animals is waiting to be discovered, and you can be at the forefront of this exploration.

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Research Projects

Zoo research facilitates translocation of critically endangered black rhinos back to northern kenya.

February 19, 2024

In a boost for rhino conservation, 21 critically endangered black rhinos were translocated back to Loisaba, northern Kenya, where they have been extinct for half a century. This translocation was facilitated by technology and research methodologies developed by  Chester Zoo , as part of their long-term research into rhino hormone monitoring.

Researchers from Smithsonian Zoo Develop New Technique for Coral Cryopreservation

September 18, 2023

Great news for coral conservation, as a new technique for cryopreserving and reviving entire coral fragments has been developed by researchers from Smithsonian’s National Zoo and several universities. This methodology facilitates the quick collection and preservation of coral fragments, which can be a vital tool in securing coral biodiversity and genetic diversity .

Oregon Zoo’s Polar Bear is Helping Researchers Test & Refine Technology for I n Situ Research

January 27, 2023

The " Burr on Furr " device is a new prototype technology designed to help researchers tracking the difficult-to-observe polar bears in their natural environment. A polar bear at Oregon Zoo is playing an important role in the development of this technology, by helping researchers test and refine it prior to its use on in situ animals.

Zoo-Supported Research Project Aims to Understand Elephant Bull Movements in Botswana

December 19, 2022

An in situ research project led by Elephants for Africa , and supported by several zoos, aims to shed light on the movements of male elephants in Makgadikgadi Pans National Park, Botswana. Ten bulls will be outfitted with satellite trackers , and their movement patterns studied, to understand where they are spending their time while travelling through. This information can help reducing poaching and human-wildlife conflicts.

Canadian Zoo Gives Home to Rescued Polar Bears & Conducts Research to Advance Ex Situ & In Situ Management of the Species

November 2, 2022

The Assiniboine Park & Zoo, in Manitoba (Canada), currently houses nine polar bears that were found orphaned in the wild with minimal chance of survival. These bears lost their mothers due to natural circumstances or human-wildlife conflicts , a common occurrence in the north of Manitoba . The zoo's " Leatherdale International Polar Bear Conservation Centre " provides a home to those bears while educating visitors, supporting conservation , and conducting research with applications to the management of polar bears in human care and in the wild. 

Researchers Decode Complete Genome of the Aldabra Giant Tortoise Thanks to Decades-Old Animal at Zoo Zürich

October 14, 2022.

Researchers from the University of Zurich & partners have decoded the genome of the Aldabra giant tortoise , thanks to a decades-old tortoise housed at Zoo Zürich . This new information is vital to determine genetic diversity in the populations of this species, aiding breeding and reintroduction programmes, and further research on the lifespan and age of these animals.

Data from Species360 ZIMS Shows Slow to No Aging in Some Testudines

July 1, 2022

Groundbreaking new research by Species360 and the University of Southern Denmark found that some species, like turtles and tortoises , exhibit slow to negligible aging in favourable conditions. Using data from Zoological Information Management System (ZIMS) , they found that 75% of the 52 studied zoo-housed testudines showed extremely slow aging, with 80% of them exhibiting slower aging than modern humans.

US Rhinos Fitted With Activity Trackers

June 6, 2022

Some of the rhinos at Disney's Animal Kingdom  have been fitted with activity trackers , part of a multi-institutional, US-wide, research project. The diurnal and nocturnal  activities,, walking and running   patterns, and enclosure use will all be monitored thanks to the GPS and accelerometers in the trackers. This research will have applications to rhino management and husbandry in human care.

Cryoperservation of Rare Species for Conservation

May 24, 2022

A team of scientists from Chester Zoo and experts on animal reproduction have founded Nature's SAFE : one of the largest living biobanks in Europe. Tissue samples are cryogenically frozen and stored, so they can be used to generate sperm and eggs i n the future, aiding conservation efforts. They already have stored multiple cell types from over 100 threatened species, with dozens of contributions from Chester Zoo itself!

Sounds of Asian Elephants Revealed by Zoo Research

April 20, 2022

A ’ trumpet ’, a ‘ rumble ’, a ‘ roar ’ and a ‘ chirp ’: the four sounds  of Asian elephants, detected in a research project at ZSL Whipsnade Zoo . Acoustic loggers were used alongside behavioural observation s to learn more about Asian elephant communication, with potential applications to elephant research & conservation in the wild . 

Numbat Genome Sequenced With Perth Zoo's Help

March 7, 2022

In a  world's first , the genome  of the endangered numbat  has been sequenced by scientists from the The University of Western Australia . The numbat sample used for sequencing was provided by Perth Zoo , the only institution breeding this species under a successful ex situ programme that has seen the release of over 220  individuals into the wild .

Melbourne Zoo's Blood Bank is Great Tool for Animal Care & Research

March 5, 2022

Melbourne Zoo's blood serum bank keeps over 18,000 samples, some of them from the 1990s. As a collection of blood of zoo  and wild  animals from a wide range of taxonomic groups, it not only facilitates animal care and health management but it is also a great tool for scientific research .

World's First Pilot Study of EEHV Vaccine is Now Underway!

February 4, 2022

Now underway is the world's first pilot study of a new vaccine against the Elephant endotheliotropic herpesvirus (EEHV) - a major threat against captive and wild Asian elephants ! Developed by Chester Zoo & University of Surrey , this new vaccine showed encouraging initial results in the trials. This study is also supported by other zoos, highlighting the importance of zoo research  to the conservation of wild populations.

2022 Polar Bear Research Masterplan Released

January 27, 2022

The  Polar Bears International  and the  Association of Zoos and Aquariums 's Polar Bear Species Survival Plan  have released the 2022 Polar Bear Research Masterplan . This document provides guidance for research on this species in zoos and aquariums, including priority topics and contributions to in situ research.

Zoo Snow Leopards Participating in Study To Facilitate Conservation Efforts for their Wild Counterparts

December 19, 2021

The technology and methodologies used in research & conservation efforts for wild animals are often developed, tested & optimised with the help of their zoo-housed counterparts...

The snow leopards at Korkeasaaren eläintarha are participating in a study led by Snow Leopard Trust , which aims to determine the accuracy of using camera images to survey the population of wild snow leopards.

Findings of Largest-Ever Cetacean Welfare Study Have Been Published!

September 15, 2021

The findings of the largest-ever cetacean welfare study have been published! This study, led by University of California Irvine , Chicago Zoological Society/ Brookfield Zoo and University of Florida , analysed data on bottlenose dolphins, beluga whales & white-sided dolphins from 43 institutions in seven countries.

This study provides new findings, information and tools to enhance cetacean welfare, including a new app " ZooPhysioTrak ", a database of health and welfare biomarkers to assist institutions with their assessments.

Photo: Georgia Aquarium

"Library of DNA" Stored Underground at Antwerp Zoo

May 25, 2021

Safely kept underground at Antwerp Zoo is a Biobank , containing all sorts of samples from a variety of species. This "library of DNA", which can be preserved in "super freezers" for a very long time, is a very important research tool that can help conservation efforts for threatened species.

Rotterdam Zoo is "Field Lab" for Technological Innovations

May 10, 2021

The  Diergaarde Blijdorp/Rotterdam Zoo is a "field lab" for  Technische Universiteit Delft , providing the grounds for testing technological innovations in water management and green energy production. Some of the projects include energy production from polluted water ponds, wastewater purification using plants and rainwater storage and reusing.

Scientific Breakthrough with the Production of the First Female Bison Pregnancy Using Sex-Sorted Sperm 

May 2, 2021

A team of researchers achieved a scientific breakthrough by producing the first ever female bison pregnancy via artificial insemination using sex-sorted sperm. This achievement is the result of a partnership between  Toronto Zoo  and  University of Saskatchewan , which aims to facilitate conservation breeding efforts for the wood bison by increasing the number of females in herds.

Rotterdam Zoo & Wageningen University Collaborating on Research on Asian Elephant Genetic Health

April 16, 2021

The Rotterdam Zoo  &  Wageningen University  are collaborating on a large-scale research study on the genetic health of captive and wild Asian elephants, a project that has just been awarded a grant by  NWO (Dutch Research Council)..

Rotterdam Zoo manages the EAZA Ex-Situ Programme (EEP) for the Asian elephant and this research will help informing conservation efforts for this endangered species.

Brookfield Zoo's Wild Dolphin Research Program is the Longest-Running in the World

April 5, 2021

The Sarasota Dolphin Research Program has been running for 50 years - the world's longest-running study of wild dolphins. Both the research programme and the Sarasota dolphin population are used as models for other dolphin research & conservation programmes.

The programme has been operated by Chicago Zoological Society/Brookfield Zoo since 1989.

Research at French Zoo Helping to Refine Robot for Penguin Research in the Wild

March 16, 2021

A research project at Parc zoologique de Paris , with CNRS & Institut Pluridisciplinaire Hubert Curien - IPHC , is assessing the behavioural response of the zoo-housed Humboldt penguins to two remotely controlled robots. The aim is to refine the design of the robots, so they can be used to approach and study penguin populations in the natural habitat.

Research on Zoo Elephants Helping to Reduce Human-Wildlife Conflicts in the Wild

February 26, 2021

Zoo Research for In-Situ Conservation! The elephants at  ZSL Whipsnade Zoo  are an integral part of a project that is developing technology to reduce human-wildlife conflicts in Africa & Asia.

A database of thermal images from the zoo-housed elephants is being used to set up cameras to recognise elephants based on their body heat. These cameras can detect nearby elephants, at day or night, and send an alert!

Perspective: "Unleashing the conservation potential of captive parrots by enabling wild behaviours"

January 27, 2021

Our own director Ricardo and his PhD supervisor, Dr. Jackie Chappell, wrote a perspective piece on the importance of enabling natural behaviours in captive parrots, not only for animal welfare in captivity but also for the conservation of their wild counterparts! This is part of Ricardo's PhD research at the University of Birmingham.

First Evidence of Biofluorescence in Tasmanian Devils Documented by Zoo Researchers

December 16, 2020

The researchers at The Toledo Zoo documented what is believed to be the first evidence of biofluorescence in Tasmanian devils. Despite the exciting findings, there is much we don't know about this phenomenon in this species and further research is required!

Loro Parque Supports Research for Threatened Ray Species

October 14, 2020

🌊Loro Parque supports in-situ research for the mantelina, a threatened ray species. The acoustic tagging of some wild individuals, which took place last week, will allow researchers to find out more about the species' habitat use in the Canary Islands.

Younger Singaporeans More Likely to Support Conservation - WRS Survey

October 2, 2020

A survey conducted by Wildlife Reserves Singapore (WRS) found that younger Singaporeans are more likely to support conservation efforts... ☑️Ages 16-24: 50% claimed to support conservation efforts; ☑️Ages 45-54: only 20% claimed to do so. ☑️61% claimed the biggest barrier to support conservation was not knowing where to begin. ☑️WRS suggests volunteering to start with!

☑️61% of visitors to WRS zoos learned new facts about animals during visits. ☑️31% of the visiting children showed increased interest in caring for biodiversity.

Zoo-Supported Project by Polar Bears International is Monitoring Polar Bear Movements & Sea Ice Extensions

July 24, 2020

Supported by several zoos, Polar Bears International is tracking the polar bear movements and sea ice extensions in Hudson Bay. This research is fundamental to further understand how polar bears are coping with the on-going melting of the sea ice, caused by climate change.

Zoo-Supported Research is Allowing to Track & Study Red Pandas in the Wild

June 08, 2020

As part of a long-term monitoring initiative by Red Panda Network, 10 red pandas were fitted with GPS collars and are being tracked in the forests of Ilam (in the border between Nepal and India). This research is a result of a collaboration between several institutions, including the government of Nepal,  Rotterdam Zoo & others, and will allow to learn more about the ecology of this endangered species.

Sun Bear ExSitu Research: Priority Topics

June 02, 2020

If you are interested in doing research on sun bears, have a look at this list of priority topics you can focus on... This document was put together by Free the Bears & the IUCN Bear Specialist Group, with support from partners.

Zoo Attendance Increases with Number, Size and Rareness of Animals

February 05, 2020

A new published study showed that zoos that house more and larger animals have greater attendance, which then results in greater contributions to in-situ conservation! Unusual species and proximity to large populations also positively impacts attendance...

This study was the result of a collaboration between Trinity College Dublin, Species360 & National University of Ireland, Galway, and provides valuable information for zoos to manage (and potentially improve) their attendance.

Living Coasts' New Partnership and Project for the Protection of Torbay's Seagrass Meadows

January 28, 2020

Zoo Conservation, Research and Education in Action at Wild Planet Trust's Living Coasts! In partnership with Valeport, this project aims to protect Torbay's seagrass meadows, the wildlife-rich "underwater gardens" with an important function in fighting climate change, via scientific research and public education!

"Boom Boom Boom": Researchers Record New Crocodile Vocalisation at Australian Wildlife Park

December 08, 2019

What do crocodiles say? A team of researchers has recorded a new vocalisation while studying the saltwater crocodiles at Hartley's Crocodile Adventures. The "boom boom boom"-like sound seems to be associated with displays but its meaning is still unknown. Learning more about crocodile communication will help improving management in captivity and mitigating human-wildlife conflicts in the wild.

Data Provided By Zoos and Aquariums Vital for Species Conservation: Wildlife Experts Say

December 02, 2019

Zoos and aquariums are holders and contributors of extensive data and knowledge on the biology of many taxa - a vital tool in wildlife conservation. How are these data helping to save species? Wildlife experts explain it, in the following video, by Species360.

Mystic Aquarium's Research Programme Advancing Knowledge and Conservation on Beluga Whales

November 20, 2019

Once approved by the relevant authorities, five beluga whales will be transferred from Marineland (Canada) to the Mystic Aquarium (US), to join their three beluga whales in their conservation-focused research programme on this species.

"Beluga studies at Sea Research Foundation advance knowledge of immune responses (i.e., to infections, toxins, and other stressors), indicators of health (i.e., general and reproduction and behavior), hearing and sound issues, diving physiology, and non-invasive study techniques."

Enclosure Design Tool: Enabling Wildtype Behaviours in Captive Animals

November 08, 2019

Did you know the "Chimpanzee Eden" enclosure at Twycross Zoo, featured in the photo, was designed in collaboration with the University of Birmingham​, under the “ Enclosure Design Tool (EDT) ” project? The structural complexity within was designed to encourage specific wildtype behaviours and research showed it was successful at doing so! Our director Ricardo’s PhD project also falls under the EDT project and it aims at developing an extension of it to Parrot species, in collaboration with other zoo partners!

Zoo Elephants Helping to Develop Warning Thermal Camera System to Reduce Human-Wildlife Conflicts

November 05, 2019

The elephants at ZSL Whipsnade Zoo​ are helping Arribada conservation tech initiative to develop a warning thermal camera system, which will be used to warn communities of nearby elephants and reduce the risk of injuries and consequent human-wildlife conflicts. Another example of how zoo animals contribute to the conservation of their wild counterparts! 

New Research Shows More Birds in Indonesian Households than in the Wild

September 20, 2019

New study, by Manchester Metropolitan University and Chester Zoo, showed there are potentially more birds in households in Indonesia than in the wild, which is threatening the future survival of wild song bird populations.

The EAZA's  Silent Forest Campaign  has been running since October 2017, fundraising for Asian song bird conservation and undertaking educational and awareness activities.

How Can Sound Impact Visitor Experience in the Zoo?

May 14, 2019

The power of sound... New research aims to find out if zoo visitors would get more out of their visit if they listened more carefully! Bristol Zoo Gardens and Paignton Zoo are involved in this exciting project.

New Study Shows Major Role Zoos & Aquariums Play in Improving Our Knowledge of Species Demographics!

April 30, 2019

A new paper by Species360 shows a massive gap in our knowledge of species demographics, vital for effective conservation strategies, and highlights the major role zoos and aquariums have in filling this gap.

San Diego Zoo May Have Found Reason For White Rhino's Low Fertility!

April 11, 2019

Researchers from San Diego Zoo may have found the reason behind low fertility in southern white rhinos, which is related to the gut microbiome in females. These findings may not only help boosting captive population numbers in this subspecies (classified as "Vulnerable" to extinction) but also help saving the northern white rhino, another subspecies, which is facing the risk of immediate extinction as there are only two (old) females left in the world.

New Study Highlights Conservation Potential of World Aquariums!

March 04, 2019

A new study by Species360, in partnership with IUCN Species Survival Commission and other institutions, highlights the great conservation potential of world aquariums, which hold 21% of coral species vulnerable to climate change.

Study by the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland Sheds New Light on the Scottish Wildcat's Plight and Offers Hope for its Future

December 20, 2018

The Royal Zoological Society of Scotland, or RZSS, conducted an invaluable study which ultimately concluded that there are few Scottish wildcats left in the wilds of Scotland that showcase the necessary physical and genetic standards that inarguably distinguish them from domestic feral cats. It concretely illustrated the extent of hybridization between Scottish wildcats and their domestic counterparts. The study also concluded, on a more positive note, that these desired characteristics are by far more prominent in captive populations. This gives the Scottish wildcat hope for the future. The survival of the Scottish wildcat and its already limited gene pool now arguably rests in the hands of institutions, such as the RZSS, that will increase the genetic diversity of this dwindling species through captive breeding programs. 

EAZA Research: Why and How?

December 17, 2018

Research, both in the wild and captivity, is one of the main roles of modern zoos & aquariums, and EAZA members are involved in very important scientific studies. Find out how 👇

Ground-Breaking Cognitive Enrichment Device Developed for Captive Gorillas!

November 25, 2018

A collaboration between Bristol Zoo Gardens and the University of Bristol has resulted in a ground-breaking new computer technology, integrated with cognitive animal enrichment. This device does not only allow researchers to further investigate the way great apes solve problems, but also has the potential to enhance the welfare of these animals in captivity.

Portuguese Aquarium Funds Two Research Projects on Threatened Marine Species!

November 21, 2018

The Oceanário de Lisboa and Oceano Azul Foundation (Portugal) have just contributed with €150K to two research projects: (1) the "Whale Tales Project", awarded with €50K, is focussed on the poorly studied habitat use of the threatened (i.e. "Vulnerable") sperm whale in Madeira Islands; (2) the "Eel Trek" project, which received €100K, studies the complex migratory behaviour of the critically endangered European eel.  Both these studies will be of great use to the conservation of these threatened species and therefore the financial contribution of these institutions is of great importance for scientific research and wildlife conservation.

Photo: Sperm Whale in Azores Islands, by Hiroya Minakuchi

BIAZA Handbook of Zoo & Aquarium Research

October 02, 2018

Have a look at the BIAZA's research resources, useful for any zoo science enthusiast, including the must-read "BIAZA Handbook of Zoo & Aquarium Research".

Mating Seasonality of Zoo Carnivores Similar to their Wild Counterparts!

June 05, 2018

Researchers from the University of Zurich have studied 150.000 birth records for more than 100 zoo-housed (carnivore) species, helping to understand more about the biology of these species. It was found that, for most of the species, seasonality was very similar between zoo-housed animals and their wild counterparts.

Keeping and sharing data are key tasks of an effective zoo management, and they are made easier by Species360's ZIMS tool!

Measuring Dolphin Welfare in Captvitiy

May 28, 2018

A research project has tried to understand a little bit of the dolphins' perspective to their lives in captivity. The results showed that dolphins look forward to interact with their human caretakers, which suggests that better human-animal relationships result in better animal welfare.

Chester Zoo's Research: PhD student Studying Behaviour of African Dogs, Using their Poo!

May 27, 2018

"A lot of my time has been spent surrounded by dog poo in the lab"... These are the words of Chester Zoo's conservation scholar, Rhiannon Bolton, a PhD student from the University of Liverpool that has been studying the social behaviour of the African painted dogs at the zoo! Because all #ZooScience is amazing, even when it involves a lot of poo.

Zoos as Science Boosters

March 28, 2018

"Zoos as Science Boosters" is our new article, featured by ZooSpensefull! We discussed why the contribution of zoos to science is so important to animal welfare, wildlife conservation and to our general knowledge on the natural world.

Zoo-Coordinated Project Helping to Save the Last Harbour Porpoises in the Baltic Sea

February 24, 2018

Sambah - Static Acoustic Monitoring of the Baltic Sea Harbour Porpoise, a project coordinated by Kolmården Wildlife Park and supported by other zoos and institutions, has been responsible for vital research on wild harbour porpoises. The Head of Research at this zoo had been researching the communication of the zoo's bottlenose dolphins for years, and that research was found to have important applications to track and survey harbour porpoises in the wild. Another example of zoos' vital contributions to in-situ research and conservation.

New Study Announced on Behaviour and Welfare of Captive Marine Mammals

January 15, 2018

A new study, announced by Chicago Zoological Society, will investigate the effects of habitat, enrichment and training on the behaviour and welfare of captive marine mammals. Using "Fitbit" devices to track and monitor the movement and behaviour of the animals, this study will include 300 dolphins and 20 beluga whales from 44 institutions.

New Lemur Species Found Thanks to Omaha Zoo's Genetics Lab

January 13, 2018

Did you know that 24 of the 113 lemur species were found by Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium? The Groves' dwarf lemur is the species that was recently identified, thanks to this zoo's Conservation Genetics lab. Another example of the contribution of zoos to research and conservation.

Sumatran Rhino's Past Revealed After Scientists Sequenced their Genome

December 15, 2017

The Sumatran rhino genome has been sequenced, with help from Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden. This new evidence suggests that the population size and genetic diversity in this species declined drastically thousands of years ago, making them vulnerable to later human pressures.

Research Projects on Conservation of Sharks and Rays Funded By Portuguese Aquarium

December 07, 2017

Oceanário de Lisboa and Oceano Azul Foundation have funded three research projects on the conservation of sharks and rays. These three projects were awarded €100.000 after being selected out of 23 applications, and they include a variety of subjects, from habitats and ecosystems to technology and social sciences.

Brazilian Zoo Partners with Local Institutions to Research Noise Levels in Animal Enclosures

November 23, 2017

Zoológico de Brasília has partnered with a local university (UniCEUB) and Instituto Brasília Ambiental - IBRAM to investigate the noise produced by visitors within the zoo. The aims are to identify how much the animals are exposed to noise and develop structures in the enclosure to protect them from it. First results suggest that a glass barrier in the rhino enclosure reduced the noise intensity level by 21 decibels.

Photo: © Toninho Tavares/Agência Brasília

"Data Science and Zoos & Aquariums", by Species360

November 08, 2017

Modern zoos and aquariums play an important role in preserving the world's declining biodiversity! To succeed, the world's zoo and aquarium community must work together, keep good records/data and share information and expertise with each other.

"5 Ways Your Zoo Uses Science Everyday" by Cleveland Metroparks Zoo

September 17, 2017

Zoo science at its finest... From behaviour to building capacity, Cleveland Metroparks Zoo shows us 5 ways zoos use science everyday!

Attempted Artificial Insemination of Southern White Rhino at San Diego Safari Park

August 04, 2017

Artificial insemination has been attempted on a southern white rhino, at San Diego Zoo Safari Park. This is part of a collaborative project to develop assisted reproductive techniques for the critically endangered northern white rhino. There are only three of these left in the world, and these news represent a big step for their conservation.

Activity of Cincinnati Zoo's Penguins is Being Monitored Using a Fit-Bit Like Device!

July 15, 2017

Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden is monitoring the time their penguins spend in water, by using an activity tracker device that is similar to a fit-bit. The idea is to identify what can be done to tackle the bumblefoot problem these animals are prone to develop.

Study on Zoo Animals Helps Understanding Lateralisation of Splay Behaviour in Giraffes

June 27, 2017

By studying zoo animals, we can more easily learn about the natural world. Svoke (2017) has studied the lateralisation of splay posture in giraffes, using individuals housed at Zoo Atlanta.

British University and Zoo Working Together to Improve the Welfare of Captive Apes!

June 08, 2017

Partnerships between zoos and academic institutions are vital not only for animal welfare but also wildlife conservation. This video shows the collaboration between the University of Birmingham and Twycross Zoo, which have created a computer program that helps developing zoo enclosures that simulate the physical and mental environment apes face in the wild.

Dallas Zoo is Investigating the Sleeping Habits of Their Elephants

May 31, 2017

Fascinating research project going on at  Dallas Zoo , on the behaviour and sleeping patterns of elephants.

Underwater Touchscreen Developed to Study Dolphin Inteligence

May 30, 2017

A team of researchers from Hunter College and The Rockefeller University, in partnership with the National Aquarium (US), has developed an underwater touchscreen to study the communication of dolphins. The researchers hope this technology will not only help them learning more about these highly social marine mammals, but will also work as enrichment in captivity.

Science Team at Cincinnati Zoo is Working to Understand Reproduction of Captive Polar Bears!

March 27, 2017

CREW, the science team at Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden is doing vital research on the reproduction of polar bears. This research is vital not only to improve breeding success of captive polar bears but also to ensure there is a future for these animals in the wild.

Copenhagen Zoo: The Importance of Zoo Research for Animal Management & Health

March 21, 2017

Copenhagen Zoo's scientific work is focussed on three main fields of study: animal behaviour, population biology and zoological medicine. Watch the video below for an explanation of why this research is so important for the management and health of the animals under their care.

WWCT and Dartmoor Zoo Join University of Cambridge in their "Conservation Evidence" Project

March 13, 2017

Whitley Wildlife Conservation Trust and Dartmoor Zoological Park have joined the University of Cambridge in their "Conservation Evidence" project, which aims to support conservation and zoo-husbandry with strong, science-based, evidence!

Pangolin Day: WAZA Project Aims to Study Ecology of Pangolins!

February 18, 2017

Happy World Pangolin Day!

Pangolins are considered to be the most trafficked wild mammal, A World Association of Zoos and Aquariums project, implemented by National University of Singapore, aims to study the habitat preference and spatial ecology of pangolins in Singapore. This knowledge is vital to improve conservation efforts to save these animals in the wild.

#WorldPangolinDay

Photo: © Wildlife Reserves Singapore

Productive 2015 for AZA

February 15, 2017

The Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) had a productive 2015, with lots of conservation and research work done, and plenty of achievements! $28 million spent on research, with 48% and 43% of this funding being towards conservation and animal welfare, respectively.

"Tinder for Orangutans": Modern Romance for Great Apes?

February 11, 2017

"Tinder for orangutans" is a project by Apenheul primate park, that aims to (digitally) find a suitable partner for an 11-year-old female orangutan. She is shown pictures (on a tablet) of several males in the international breeding programme for the species, and then the researchers look for cues that suggest she has a preference for some of the males. Modern romance for great apes?

Research on Captive Polar Bear Helps Protecting Species in the Wild

February 10, 2017

Research on the energetic demands of polar bears is being conducted at San Diego Zoo, which will help conservationists understand the impacts of climate change on wild polar bears.

A great example that shows how research on zoo animals can be vital to protect their wild counterparts.

Using Astrophysics Analysis Techniques to Monitor Threatened Species & Habitats

February 08, 2017

Conservation is a multidisciplinary science and astrophysics also plays its role! Researchers from Liverpool John Moores University (LJMU), with support from Knowsley Safari Park, are studying the application of astrophysics analysis techniques in the monitoring of threatened species and habitats.  

Most Mammals Live Longer in Zoos than in the Wild

November 07, 2016

An international team of researchers has investigated the life expectancy of over 50 mammalian species and their results suggest over 80% of these animals live longer in captivity.

Photo: © Flamingo Land Resort

New Behaviour Seen In Flamingos Thanks To Research in Captivity

October 20, 2016

A research project at WWT Slimbridge Wetland Centre, on captive flamingos, has allowed to document a behaviour that has never been recorded in these birds: some individuals have been seen barging into other individuals while these weren't doing anything. The purpose of this behaviour is currently unknown.

"Edinburgh Zoo earns its stripes through tiger research" by Chris McCal

October 14, 2016

Edinburgh Zoo is on the news again! This article explains how this zoo (as part of the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS)) is involved in highly important research and conservation work for several cat species - from exotic tigers to the UK native Scottish wildcat.

Photo: © Edinburgh Zoo

The fourth annual seal survey is underway!

August 10, 2016

The fourth annual survey of the Thames Estuary's seals is underway, and the conservationists running the project want to hear from interested local people to get involved with both hands-on assistance and reporting seal sightings. In previous years this study has measured the growing grey seal population as well monitoring the potential for conflict with harbour seals.

Cincinnati Zoo's Research on Pallas's Cat is Helping to Increase Their Breeding Success

August 11, 2016

William Swanson, Director of Research at Center for Research of Endangered Wildlife (by Cincinnati Zoo) explains their vital research to increase the breeding success of the Pallas's Cat ( Otocolobus manul) in captivity.

Zoos Are Working to Better Understand the Behaviour of Red Pandas

August 01, 2016

The red panda ( Ailurus fulgens ) is an Endangered species (IUCN Red List), mostly threatened by habitat loss and trapping. A WAZA research project, implemented by Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park, aims to investigate the behaviour, especially breeding biology, of red pandas in captivity and in the wild. This zoo has also been successful at releasing four animals back into the wild.

WAZA - Researching Monitor Lizards and Fighting Illegal Trade

July 22, 2016

This WAZA project, implemented by Kölner Zoo, aims to breed and research monitor lizards ( Varanus spp.). Only few of these species successfully breed in captivity and only more research can increase their reproductive success. Also, this zoo works with TRAFFIC and WWF, and often houses individuals that have been confiscated from illegal wildlife trade.

Brookfield Zoo Studies Activity Levels of Captive Dolphins

June 02, 2016

Brookfield Zoo has partnered with a mechanical engineer from the University of Michigan, and with the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute, to investigate the activity levels of the captive dolphins under their care. 

By attaching a D-tag (Digital Acoustic Recording Tag) to the body of the animals, using small suction cups, the researchers can collect data on the locomotion, behaviour & physiology of the animals.

The marine mammal care team at the zoo has to train the animals to use, and get used to, these devices. This information is very useful to monitor the daily activity of each individual and to understand better the life of these animals underwater.

ZSL: Developing Technology to Save Wildlife

May 25, 2016

The Zoological Society of London (ZSL) is developing tools that can help them (and other conservationists) researching threatened species and their habitats.

Some of this new technology includes satellite-enabled camera traps, a multi-sensor alarm system against poaching, SMART technology (Spatial Monitoring And Reporting Tool) and MATAKI (tracking technology).

Stress in Captive VS Wild Cetaceans

May 02, 2016

Research by Proie (2013) suggests there are no significant differences in cortisol levels (measure of stress) between wild and captive Atlantic bottlenose dolphins ( Tursiops truncatus ) and beluga whales ( Delphinapterus Leucas ), when captive husbandry methodology is not used during sampling.

When this methodology is used, then cortisol levels are higher in the wild counterparts. This research suggests animals of these two species are not more stressed when in captivity. However, an increase of cortisol levels in wild animals may have arised during sampling, which could have skewed the results. The use of non-invasive techniques to measure cortisol is recommended in the future, to further support these results.

© Photo by Chicago Zoological Society

Researchers at Brookfield Zoo Investigate Activity of Captive Giraffes

April 13, 2016

The Animal Welfare Research team at Brookfield Zoo is investigating the activity levels, and their seasonal changes, of captive giraffes. 

As giraffes are from warmer climates, North american zoos usually provide them with indoor and outdoor enclosures. That way, the animals are kept safe from harsh winters. However, researchers now want to compare how much time they spend standing up and lying down, during the winter (indoors) and the summer (outdoors).

They are using the "Giraffe FitBit©" device - a data logger with an accelerometer, which gives information about the position of the giraffe (lying down or standing up). This technology is the same as the one seen in smartphones, used to change the screen view when the phone is tilted. 

Black Bears at Oregon Zoo are Helping Scientists to Understand Locomotion of Plantigrades

March 31, 2016

R esearchers are investigating the locomotion of plantigrades - animals that walk with their toes and metatarsals flat on the ground (e.g. bears). Little is known about this type of locomotion, and this new research will hopefully help understanding the evolution of flat-footed movement.

"Locomotion is a fundamental aspect of survival in all animals. It's required for finding food, catching prey, avoiding predators and finding mates. Determining the way animals move can help us to understand how they utilize their habitats to perform these required behaviors. In bears, there are only eight living species, but they occupy a wide range of ecological niches, and therefore by studying the way they have evolved to move in these different habitats, we can help to understand how their ecosystems need to be preserved to maintain their natural locomotor patterns." said Katie Shine, responsible for this research.

Shine has been studying grizzly bears, but she now wants to compare her findings with other bear species. Oregon Zoo is helping Shine in her study: keepers are leading the zoo's black bears on a runway equiped with sensors, providing Shine with valuable data. 

Cincinnati Zoo: Helping Scientists Assessing the Body Condition of polar Bears in the Wild

March 09, 2016

Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden has partnered with Polar Bears International, universities and other zoos to carry on the Body Condition Project. This project aims to develop tools to non-invasively assess the body condition of polar bears.

By using a Body Condition Index, scientists can visually assess polar bears in the field. This data, if continuously collected, will allow scientists to monitor the condition of each individual and the response of the whole population to the loss of sea ice due to climate change.

Captive polar bears are a great source of information for researchers, who can then apply their findings to wild individuals.

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The Animal Kingdom Activities

Animal life cycles.

The video and quiz will teach students all about animal life cycles!

• From studyjams.scholastic.com
• Added January 27, 2016
• Tags research discovery

Adaptations

The video will teach students how animals adapt in their various ecosystems! 

Invertebrates

This activity will teach students key concepts about invertebrates. 

Vertebrates

The activity will teach students all about vertebrates in the animal kingdom! 

The activities will help teach high school students the concept of evolution! 

• From serendip.brynmawr.edu
• Added September 24, 2015

This activity focuses on teaching students a lesson about taxonomy. Students will learn about the different specifications and classifications! 

• From biologycorner.com
• Added September 11, 2015

Teach Your Fish to Walk

Through this activity students will be able to recreate an evolutionary milestone in their own room! This activity will teach them about evolution and fossils!

• From popsci.com
• Added March 25, 2015
• Tags Under the Sea discovery

Check out this enchanting world of animals! Create your own personalized animal character and explore what this fascinating world has to offer!

• From animaljam.com
• Added March 22, 2013
• Tags behavior exploration discovery

North American Forest Animals: What kind of animal is this?

Check out all the different types of animals that inhabit the North American forests! Can you put them in the right category? Play this game now to find out!

• From sheppardsoftware.com
• Tags North America Forest

African River Animals

Play this game to place each of these different African River animals in their right category!

• Tags Africa

Backyard Animals

Do you know which animals belong in which category! Play this game to test your animal categorization skills!

Decomposers

Find out which kinds of animals are decomposers and how they help out our environment!

• Tags environment

Carnivores, Herbivore, and Omnivores

Some animals eat only plants, some eat only other animals, and some eat both! Find out how to distinguish between these three groups of animals!

• Tags predator prey

Animal Jigsaw Puzzle

Do you which animals are endangered? Find out by doing these cool jigsaw puzzles!

• Tags endangered

What is a food chain? A food chain is a sequence of who eats whom in a given community along with all of the producers and decomposers! Find out more about what a food chain is!

• Tags environment habitat

Endangered Animals Activity

Do you know what endangered species of animals are? Find out from this activity which animals has been listed as endangered species from all over the world and what you can do to help!

Reptiles Crossword Puzzle

What season are reptile offspring usually born? What do reptiles use to smell? Give up? Do this cool reptile crossword puzzle to find out more and expand your knowledge about reptiles!

• From whenwecrosswords.com
• Tags discovery

Did you know that the ostrich is the tallest and heaviest of all birds? Learn more fun facts about the ostrich and watch it in action! Then, you can show off this amazing bird to your…

• From kids.nationalgeographic.com

Indian Peafowl

View amazing pictures of the peafowl, watch these animals in action, and make e-cards for your friends!

• Tags behavior

Snowy Plovers

iew interesting facts about these small shorebirds, make e-cards for friends, and learn where they live!

View interesting facts on flamingos, create e-cards, and learn where these amazing creatures live!

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Animal Studies and School Project Ideas

From Science Fair Project Ideas on Mammals to Experiments About Insects

David Williams / EyeEm / Getty Images

• Cell Biology
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• B.A., Biology, Emory University
• A.S., Nursing, Chattahoochee Technical College

Animal research is important for understanding various biological processes in animals , humans included. Scientists study animals in order to learn ways for improving their agricultural health, our methods of wildlife preservation, and even the potential for human companionship. These studies also take advantage of certain animal and human similarities to discover new methods for improving human health.

Learning From Animals

Researching animals to improve human health is possible because animal behavior experiments study disease development and transmission as well as animal viruses . Both of these fields of study help researchers to understand how disease interacts between and within animals.

We can also learn about humans by observing normal and abnormal behavior in non-human animals, or behavioral studies. The following animal project ideas help to introduce animal behavioral study in many different species. Be sure to get permission from your instructor before beginning any animal science projects or behavioral experiments, as some science fairs prohibit these. Select a single species of animal to study from each subset, if not specified, for best results.

Amphibian and Fish Project Ideas

• Does temperature affect tadpole growth?
• Do water pH levels affect tadpole growth?
• Does water temperature affect amphibian respiration?
• Does magnetism affect limb regeneration in newts?
• Does water temperature affect fish color?
• Does the size of a population of fish affect individual growth?
• Does music affect fish activity?
• Does the amount of light affect fish activity?

Bird Project Ideas

• What species of plants attract hummingbirds?
• How does temperature affect bird migration patterns?
• What factors increase egg production?
• Do different bird species prefer different colors of birdseed?
• Do birds prefer to eat in a group or alone?
• Do birds prefer one type of habitat over another?
• How does deforestation affect bird nesting?
• How do birds interact with manmade structures?
• Can birds be taught to sing a certain tune?

Insect Project Ideas

• How does temperature affect the growth of butterflies?
• How does light affect ants?
• Do different colors attract or repel insects?
• How does air pollution affect insects?
• How do insects adapt to pesticides?
• Do magnetic fields affect insects?
• Does soil acidity affect insects?
• Do insects prefer the food of a certain color?
• Do insects behave differently in populations of different sizes?
• What factors cause crickets to chirp more often?
• What substances do mosquitoes find attractive or repellent?

Mammal Project Ideas

• Does light variation affect mammal sleep habits?
• Do cats or dogs have better night vision?
• Does music affect an animal's mood?
• Do bird sounds affect cat behavior?
• Which mammal sense has the greatest effect on short-term memory?
• Does dog saliva have antimicrobial properties?
• Does colored water affect mammal drinking habits?
• What factors influence how many hours a cat sleeps in a day?

Science Experiments and Models

Performing science experiments and constructing models are fun and exciting ways to learn about science and supplement studies. Try making a model of the lungs or a DNA model using candy for these animal experiments.

• Biology Science Fair Project Ideas
• 8th Grade Science Fair Project Ideas
• 23 Ideas for Science Experiments Using Plants
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• Household Product Testing Science Fair Projects
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• Sports Science Fair Project Ideas
• 6th Grade Science Fair Projects
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• Acid & Base Science Fair Project Ideas
• Middle School Science Experiments
• Plant and Soil Chemistry Science Projects
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Wildlife Intelligence Project

About the Wildlife Intelligence Project

As our planet faces unprecedented challenges, including the loss of precious wildlife and ecosystems, animals continue to adapt to their surroundings to find new ways to thrive—just like us. The more we understand about wildlife and their intelligence, the more we can reflect on our place and purpose within the natural world.

Inspired by the groundbreaking work of Dr. Jane Goodall and the Templeton Prize, the National Geographic Society conducted a rigorous global search to find three of the best emerging early-career scientists whose work seeks to answer questions and provide us with better insights into the minds and behaviors of animals—and what drives their decisions.

Each of the three individuals will be named a National Geographic Explorer and welcomed into the global National Geographic Explorer community.

Watch the Video

About the researchers.

The following three projects were selected for the Wildlife Intelligence Project.

Mauricio Cantor

The ecology and evolution of cultural and cooperative behavior among dolphins and humans..

Mauricio Cantor is a Brazilian biologist researching how cognitively advanced animals behave in a changing world by understanding the dynamics of social, cultural and ecological systems. His research focuses on the emergence of patterns and strategies in animal societies, specifically on cetaceans due to their behavioral diversity, learning ability and complex social systems. Mauricio is currently an assistant professor at Oregon State University and the head of the Lab for Animal Behavioural Interaction Research In The Ocean (LABIRINTO). He is also adjunct faculty at two universities in Brazil where he teaches and supervises ocean behavioral ecology.

One of the few cases of human-wildlife cooperation has been identified in separate cultural fishing practices involving both wild dolphins and humans. Emerging independently in Brazil, Myanmar and India, net-casting fishers and dolphins work together to catch fish, which benefits both the humans and wild dolphins. This unique human-wildlife interaction raises the key questions of how cooperative behaviors evolve in the wild and why this interaction is rare among different species. Working in these three places in the world where this cooperation still exists, Mauricio and his team will test if the same behavior has evolved in all three study locations; if the nature of all human-dolphin interactions is cooperative; and if there are specific ecological conditions that have contributed to the evolution of this human-dolphin cooperation. This project will also train local collaborators to establish long-term monitor ing of each human-dolphin system and will work to raise global awareness of the rare and declining cooperation between wild animals and humans.

Felicity Muth

How does ecology shape cognition an exploration with wild bees..

Felicity Muth is a researcher interested in animal behavior and cognition, focusing on aspects of learning and memory that have a clear function in the natural world. Working primarily with bumblebees, Felicity is the head of the Muth Lab and an assistant professor of animal behavior and cognition at the University of Texas at Austin. Felicity is a strong science communicator and has participated in interviews with NPR’s “Science Friday” and local news stations about bee cognition and the challenges faced by women in science. Felicity also recently published a children’s book on bee diversity titled “Am I Even a Bee?”.

An animal’s environment and ecology play a key role in shaping both their physical and cognitive traits. Bees have complex behavior, but their cognitive processes are easily identified, making them a key candidate to address the question of how environmental factors affect physical and cognitive traits. Working with wild bees from rural Nevada and California, Felicity will study how the surrounding environment affects how bees learn and make decisions. Felicity will start by making comparisons within bumblebee colonies to determine how diet contributes to cognitive differences within the colony among the foragers, queens and foraging queens. She will then make a broader comparison across multiple bee species to study how diet drives cognitive differences across bee species. Despite the crisis faced by pollinators, our knowledge of bee behavior is limited to honey bees and two species of bumblebees. With over 4,000 species of native bees in North America, the team aims to bring attention to bees beyond their roles as pollinators, highlight the vast biodiversity of bees and build empathy by showing how their cognitive abilities have evolved under environmental pressure.

Tiago Falótico

Capuchin cultures.

Tiago Falótico is a Brazilian primatologist and ethologist researching the behavior, social learning and culture of wild primates. Since 2007, Tiago has been working with the wild capuchin monkeys in Serra da Capivara National Park in Brazil’s Northeast region to investigate their tool use behavior. Tiago is a Young Investigator Fellow at the University of São Paulo and the co-founder of the Neotropical Primates Research Group (NeoPReGo), a nonprofit organization that supports field research and environmental socio-education about neo-tropical primates.

Photo credits: Alex Saberi, Victor Muriyama, LAMAQ, photo courtesy of L’Oréal, Tiago Falótico

Made Possible By

National Geographic Society is celebrating Earth and, this month only, you can make TWICE the impact. Donate to National Geographic Society and help us make remarkable discoveries about the ocean’s intelligent marine life. The planet and our Explorers are counting on you.

Earth Species Project is a non-profit dedicated to using artificial intelligence to decode non-human communication.

We believe that an understanding of non-human languages will transform our relationship with the rest of nature.

Along the way, we are building solutions that are supporting real conservation impact today.

More than 8 million species share our planet. We only understand the language of one.

We are motivated by the exponential progress we are experiencing in machine learning and human language: starting with the invention of techniques that can translate human languages without dictionaries. These new techniques can now be extended to the non-human domain.

Like the telescope, these new tools will forever change our perspective.

Our Roadmap

The motivating intuition for ESP was that modern machine learning can build powerful semantic representations of language which we can use to unlock communication with other species.

Featured Projects

Generative vocalization experiment.

Playbacks are a common technique used to study animal vocalizations, involving the experimental presentation of stimuli to animals (usually recorded calls played back to them) to build an understanding of their physiological and cognitive abilities. With current playback tools, biologists are limited in their ability to manipulate the vocalizations in ways that will establish or change their meaning, and their exploratory power is limited. Senior AI research scientist Jen-Yu Liu is exploring whether it is possible to train AI models to generate new vocalizations in a way that allows us to solve for a particular research question or task.

Jen-yu has been working on generating calls for a number of species, including chiff-chaffs ( Phylloscopus collybita ) and humpback whales ( Megaptera novaeangliae ). A new project is now allowing us to test this work through interactive playback experiments with captive zebra finches ( Taeniopygia guttata ) in partnership with research scientist Dr. Logan James at the University of McGill. ​​Providing researchers with the ability to control various aspects of the vocalization production process will greatly expand the exploratory and explanatory power of bioacoustics research, and is an important step on our Roadmap to Decode.Given that we may not understand the meaning of the novel vocalizations being generated by the model,  there are important ethical considerations related to potentially interfering with animals and their culture. For this reason, we are beginning this research only with captive populations and working exclusively with scientists who follow strict ethical protocols. 

Crow Vocal Repertoire

Senior AI Research Scientists Benjamin Hoffman , Maddie Cusimano and Jen-Yu Liu are working to map the vocal repertoires of two species of crow. The first one, the Hawaiian crow, is notable for its natural ability to use foraging tools as well as its precarious conservation status – the species sadly became extinct in the wild in 2002 and currently only survives in captivity. With Professor Christian Rutz and collaborators we are investigating how the species’ vocal repertoire has changed over time in two captive breeding populations, to inform ongoing reintroduction efforts. The second species, the carrion crow, is abundant across its European range, but has attracted attention with its unusually plastic social behavior, with groups in some populations breeding cooperatively . We are working with Professors Daniela Canestrari, Vittorio Baglione and Christian Rutz to analyze field recordings to understand the role of acoustic communication in group coordination. Mapping vocal repertoires can help uncover cultural and behavioral complexity, which in some cases has important implications for planning effective conservation strategies .

“Ever since I was a child, I’ve dreamed of understanding what animals are saying. How wonderful that is now a real possibility.”

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Research on hyenas shows how social ranks can leave marks on dna.

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Here’s how complex social dynamics in pack animals like hyenas may shed light on the deep-seated ... [+] biological impact of rank and community in the animal kingdom.

The evolution of pack behavior is a fascinating story of survival. It’s a testament to the adaptability and complexity of animal life, reflecting a balance between competition and cooperation in the natural world. For species like hyenas, the intricacies of their social structures not only dictate their daily interactions and survival strategies but, as recent research published in Communications Biology shows, also imprint themselves onto their very genes.

Within packs, there exists what scientists call “dominance hierarchies,” which offers high-ranking individuals preferential access to essential resources like food and mates. This privilege can significantly affect an individual’s chance of survival and reproductive success, marking a clear divide in the quality of life between those at the top and bottom of the social ladder.

Hyenas are a prime example of this social structure in action. Within their clans, a strict pecking order dictates everything from feeding rights to nursing habits. High-ranking hyenas, often females, enjoy the benefits of staying closer to the communal den, allowing them more opportunities to nurse their cubs. This direct care gives their young a head start, called the “silver spoon effect,” leading to faster growth and a better chance of reaching adulthood.

But, as the article suggests, beyond the environmental advantages conferred by higher social status, these “privileges” seem to be deeply encoded within the very DNA of these animals.

‘DNA Methylation’ Is The Key To Understanding Hyena Social Inequalities

Picture your body’s genome as an enormous library full of books, which are your genes. Each book contains instructions for making everything your body needs to function. But not every book needs to be open at the same time—some should be read only when needed.

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This is where DNA methylation comes into play. It’s like having librarians (methyl groups) that can mark certain books to keep them closed until they’re needed. When a gene is marked this way, the cell knows not to “read” it or use its instructions at that moment. This process helps your body respond to environmental changes and ensures that the right genes are active at the right times. This can also lead to a sort of cascading effect, where initial biological differences influence an individual’s social status, which in turn, impacts their biology in a reinforcing cycle.

In other mammals, there’s some evidence for a relationship between social status and gene regulation in the scientific literature. For instance, how wild baboons get their social rank—females through family ties and males through fighting—changes their body’s immune system. High-ranking males had more active immune-related genes than lower-ranking ones, which is different from what’s seen when rank isn’t won through strength, according to a 2018 article published in PNAS . This suggests that males who climb to the top might already have stronger immune systems.

Male baboons clash in a display of dominance, a battle not just for status but also superior DNA.

What Makes This Hyena Study So Special?

This discovery about hyenas is particularly remarkable for a few reasons that make it stand out in the world of wildlife research.

First, it’s one of the first times scientists have been able to peek into the lives of these enigmatic creatures without disrupting their natural behavior, thanks to the non-invasive methods used to collect DNA. This approach builds on decades of detailed observation and data accumulation from the Serengeti Hyena Project, which began in 1987. Instead of relying on blood samples (like was the case in the wild baboon study), the researchers collected DNA from gut epithelium cells found in fresh hyena droppings.

This sets a new standard for ethical wildlife research. By gathering genetic material in such a non-disruptive way, scientists ensure the most natural observations of animal behavior and social structure.

Second, the researchers found 149 regions in the DNA of hyenas where there were noticeable differences in DNA methylation between those at the top of the social ladder and those at the bottom. These regions encode genes that are important for how the body converts food into energy, fights off sickness, communicates signals in the brain and moves substances around in cells.

In simpler terms, the study shows that the experiences hyenas have because of their social status—like getting more or less food or facing different levels of stress—leave an indelible mark on their DNA.

Moreover, the data shows that this happens in both the young cubs and the adults, proving that the social world they live in is literally part of their biology at the molecular level. It’s like finding out that the schoolyard dynamics don’t just affect a child’s feelings or friendships but can actually change something deep inside them, at the level of their genes.

The findings from the hyena study can revolutionize our understanding of social mammals at large, suggesting that the biological impacts of social hierarchies are a common thread in the animal kingdom. This opens new avenues for exploring the genetic underpinnings of social behavior in other species, including humans.

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Major Anti-Wildlife-Crime Project Launched

Thousands of strictly protected wild animals have been poisoned, killed, or shot in Germany and Austria in recent years. For many strictly protected or rare animal species, illegal hunting is one of the most common causes of death and represents a massive problem for species conservation. Moreover, very few perpetrators are ever identified and even when they are, convictions are very rare.

To stop this trend, an unusual coalition of partners from nature conservation associations, authorities, veterinary medicine, the police, and academia has now launched the transnationally funded "wildLIFEcrime" project, which is being supported by the EU's LIFE program. The aim of the project, which will run until 2028, is to reduce the illegal killing of wild animals in Germany and Austria through significantly improved cooperation and to increase the efficiency in prosecution.

Project Partners from Germany and Austria - from WWF to the Police

The project team is made up of WWF Germany, WWF Austria, BirdLife Austria, the University of Bremen, Lower Bavaria Police Headquarters, Upper Palatinate Police Headquarters, the Austrian Federal Criminal Police Office, the Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research, the University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, ÖKOBÜRO – Alliance of the Environmental Movement, Luchs Bayern e.V., the Committee Against Bird Slaughter, and the NRW Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation, and Transport.

In addition to implementing preventative measures, such as active conflict management in hot-spot areas, the project aims to ensure that cases are discovered, dealt with effectively, resolved, and that perpetrators are consistently held accountable. To achieve this, it is important to raise awareness among the population and simultaneously ensure that the law enforcement authorities receive the necessary support to access specialist knowledge and expand their capacities.

The project partners are therefore working to improve forensic investigations and offer advanced training for police and public prosecutors. They also want to establish structures and networks to improve the exchange of information. At the same time, they plan to develop proposals to optimize the legal framework in close exchange with decision-makers.

Wildlife Crime – A Threat to Birds of Prey, Lynx, Wolves, and Others

Wildlife crime is widespread in Central Europe and poses a significant threat to rare species. More than 1,600 cases of illegal raptor hunting with thousands of victims have been recorded across Germany since 2005. There are currently just under 130 lynxes living in Germany, 13 of which disappeared in the Bavarian-Bohemian region between 2018 and 2019 alone. On top of this, at least 79 wolves have fallen victim to illegal killing in the last 24 years. In Austria, more than 200 wild birds and 16 strictly protected mammals fell victim to illegal hunting between 2016 and 2022. The number of unreported cases is likely to be much higher, as many cases remain undetected or are not reported.

The University of Bremen's Role

The Research Center for Animal and Animal Welfare Law at the University of Bremen is involved in the project. This is where Professor Dr. Sönke Florian Gerhold, head of the research center, and Johannes Aschermann, research assistant, are working on a previously neglected area of law. While there is already extensive research on the rights of farm animals, wild animals have hardly been taken into account in legal research to date. On the one hand, the two researchers are looking at the legal framework for wild animal crime. "The legal situation here is sometimes unclear for laypeople as protection is granted to different animal species depending on the country or the federal state," explains Sönke Gerhold. EU law and regional law also contradict each other in some cases. In discussions with law enforcement authorities and courts, the academics want to find out where the legal situation causes difficulties and what challenges this creates for law enforcement.

On the other hand, they are also empirically examining how the investigation and prosecution of criminal offenses works in reality. Why are cases of wildlife crime rarely reported, why are many cases not detected, and why are the perpetrators rarely punished? To find out, the researchers are conducting population surveys, analyzing criminal case files, and holding interviews with experts.

Further Information:

https://wildlifecrime.info/projekt/ (in German only)

Prof. Dr. Sönke Florian Gerhold Head of the Research Center for Animal Law and Animal Welfare Law Faculty of Law University of Bremen Phone: +49 421 218-66165 Email: soenke.gerhold protect me ?! uni-bremen protect me ?! .de

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• J Prev Med Hyg
• v.63(2 Suppl 3); 2022 Jun

Ethical considerations regarding animal experimentation

Aysha karim kiani.

1 Allama Iqbal Open University, Islamabad, Pakistan

2 MAGI EUREGIO, Bolzano, Italy

DEREK PHEBY

3 Society and Health, Buckinghamshire New University, High Wycombe, UK

GARY HENEHAN

4 School of Food Science and Environmental Health, Technological University of Dublin, Dublin, Ireland

RICHARD BROWN

5 Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada

PAUL SIEVING

6 Department of Ophthalmology, Center for Ocular Regenerative Therapy, School of Medicine, University of California at Davis, Sacramento, CA, USA

PETER SYKORA

7 Department of Philosophy and Applied Philosophy, University of St. Cyril and Methodius, Trnava, Slovakia

ROBERT MARKS

8 Department of Biotechnology Engineering, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel

BENEDETTO FALSINI

9 Institute of Ophthalmology, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli-IRCCS, Rome, Italy

NATALE CAPODICASA

10 MAGI BALKANS, Tirana, Albania

STANISLAV MIERTUS

11 Department of Biotechnology, University of SS. Cyril and Methodius, Trnava, Slovakia

12 International Centre for Applied Research and Sustainable Technology, Bratislava, Slovakia

LORENZO LORUSSO

13 UOC Neurology and Stroke Unit, ASST Lecco, Merate, Italy

DANIELE DONDOSSOLA

14 Center for Preclincal Research and General and Liver Transplant Surgery Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca‘ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy

15 Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy

GIANLUCA MARTINO TARTAGLIA

16 Department of Biomedical, Surgical and Dental Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy

17 UOC Maxillo-Facial Surgery and Dentistry, Fondazione IRCCS Ca Granda, Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy

MAHMUT CERKEZ ERGOREN

18 Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, Near East University, Nicosia, Cyprus

MUNIS DUNDAR

19 Department of Medical Genetics, Erciyes University Medical Faculty, Kayseri, Turkey

SANDRO MICHELINI

20 Vascular Diagnostics and Rehabilitation Service, Marino Hospital, ASL Roma 6, Marino, Italy

DANIELE MALACARNE

21 MAGI’S LAB, Rovereto (TN), Italy

GABRIELE BONETTI

Astrit dautaj, kevin donato, maria chiara medori, tommaso beccari.

22 Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy

MICHELE SAMAJA

23 MAGI GROUP, San Felice del Benaco (BS), Italy

STEPHEN THADDEUS CONNELLY

24 San Francisco Veterans Affairs Health Care System, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA

DONALD MARTIN

25 Univ. Grenoble Alpes, CNRS, Grenoble INP, TIMC-IMAG, SyNaBi, Grenoble, France

ASSUNTA MORRESI

26 Department of Chemistry, Biology and Biotechnology, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy

ARIOLA BACU

27 Department of Biotechnology, University of Tirana, Tirana, Albania

KAREN L. HERBST

28 Total Lipedema Care, Beverly Hills California and Tucson Arizona, USA

MYKHAYLO KAPUSTIN

29 Federation of the Jewish Communities of Slovakia

LIBORIO STUPPIA

30 Department of Psychological, Health and Territorial Sciences, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, University "G. d'Annunzio", Chieti, Italy

LUDOVICA LUMER

31 Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, University College London, London, UK

GIAMPIETRO FARRONATO

Matteo bertelli.

32 MAGISNAT, Peachtree Corners (GA), USA

Animal experimentation is widely used around the world for the identification of the root causes of various diseases in humans and animals and for exploring treatment options. Among the several animal species, rats, mice and purpose-bred birds comprise almost 90% of the animals that are used for research purpose. However, growing awareness of the sentience of animals and their experience of pain and suffering has led to strong opposition to animal research among many scientists and the general public. In addition, the usefulness of extrapolating animal data to humans has been questioned. This has led to Ethical Committees’ adoption of the ‘four Rs’ principles (Reduction, Refinement, Replacement and Responsibility) as a guide when making decisions regarding animal experimentation. Some of the essential considerations for humane animal experimentation are presented in this review along with the requirement for investigator training. Due to the ethical issues surrounding the use of animals in experimentation, their use is declining in those research areas where alternative in vitro or in silico methods are available. However, so far it has not been possible to dispense with experimental animals completely and further research is needed to provide a road map to robust alternatives before their use can be fully discontinued.

How to cite this article: Kiani AK, Pheby D, Henehan G, Brown R, Sieving P, Sykora P, Marks R, Falsini B, Capodicasa N, Miertus S, Lorusso L, Dondossola D, Tartaglia GM, Ergoren MC, Dundar M, Michelini S, Malacarne D, Bonetti G, Dautaj A, Donato K, Medori MC, Beccari T, Samaja M, Connelly ST, Martin D, Morresi A, Bacu A, Herbst KL, Kapustin M, Stuppia L, Lumer L, Farronato G, Bertelli M. Ethical considerations regarding animal experimentation. J Prev Med Hyg 2022;63(suppl.3):E255-E266. https://doi.org/10.15167/2421-4248/jpmh2022.63.2S3.2768

Introduction

Animal model-based research has been performed for a very long time. Ever since the 5 th century B.C., reports of experiments involving animals have been documented, but an increase in the frequency of their utilization has been observed since the 19 th century [ 1 ]. Most institutions for medical research around the world use non-human animals as experimental subjects [ 2 ]. Such animals might be used for research experimentations to gain a better understanding of human diseases or for exploring potential treatment options [ 2 ]. Even those animals that are evolutionarily quite distant from humans, such as Drosophila melanogaster , Zebrafish ( Danio rerio ) and Caenorhabditis elegans , share physiological and genetic similarities with human beings [ 2 ]; therefore animal experimentation can be of great help for the advancement of medical science [ 2 ].

For animal experimentation, the major assumption is that the animal research will be of benefit to humans. There are many reasons that highlight the significance of animal use in biomedical research. One of the major reasons is that animals and humans share the same biological processes. In addition, vertebrates have many anatomical similarities (all vertebrates have lungs, a heart, kidneys, liver and other organs) [ 3 ]. Therefore, these similarities make certain animals more suitable for experiments and for providing basic training to young researchers and students in different fields of biological and biomedical sciences [ 3 ]. Certain animals are susceptible to various health problems that are similar to human diseases such as diabetes, cancer and heart disease [ 4 ]. Furthermore, there are genetically modified animals that are used to obtain pathological phenotypes [ 5 ]. A significant benefit of animal experimentation is that test species can be chosen that have a much shorter life cycle than humans. Therefore, animal models can be studied throughout their life span and for several successive generations, an essential element for the understanding of disease progression along with its interaction with the whole organism throughout its lifetime [ 6 ].

Animal models often play a critical role in helping researchers who are exploring the efficacy and safety of potential medical treatments and drugs. They help to identify any dangerous or undesired side effects, such as birth defects, infertility, toxicity, liver damage or any potential carcinogenic effects [ 7 ]. Currently, U.S. Federal law, for example, requires that non-human animal research is used to demonstrate the efficacy and safety of any new treatment options before proceeding to trials on humans [ 8 ]. Of course, it is not only humans benefit from this research and testing, since many of the drugs and treatments that are developed for humans are routinely used in veterinary clinics, which help animals live longer and healthier lives [ 4 ].

COVID-19 AND THE NEED FOR ANIMAL MODELS

When COVID-19 struck, there was a desperate need for research on the disease, its effects on the brain and body and on the development of new treatments for patients with the disease. Early in the disease it was noticed that those with the disease suffered a loss of smell and taste, as well as neurological and psychiatric symptoms, some of which lasted long after the patients had “survived” the disease [ 9-15 ]. As soon as the pandemic started, there was a search for appropriate animal models in which to study this unknown disease [ 16 , 17 ]. While genetically modified mice and rats are the basic animal models for neurological and immunological research [ 18 , 19 ] the need to understand COVID-19 led to a range of animal models; from fruit flies [ 20 ] and Zebrafish [ 21 ] to large mammals [ 22 , 23 ] and primates [ 24 , 25 ]. And it was just not one animal model that was needed, but many, because different aspects of the disease are best studied in different animal models [ 16 , 25 , 26 ]. There is also a need to study the transmission pathways of the zoonosis: where does it come from, what are the animal hosts and how is it transferred to humans [ 27 ]?

There has been a need for animal models for understanding the pathophysiology of COVID-19 [ 28 ], for studying the mechanisms of transmission of the disease [ 16 ], for studying its neurobiology [ 29 , 30 ] and for developing new vaccines [ 31 ]. The sudden onset of the COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the fact that animal research is necessary, and that the curtailment of such research has serious consequences for the health of both humans and animals, both wild and domestic [ 32 ] As highlighted by Adhikary et al. [ 22 ] and Genzel et al. [ 33 ] the coronavirus has made clear the necessity for animal research and the danger in surviving future such pandemics if animal research is not fully supported. Genzel et al. [ 33 ], in particular, take issue with the proposal for a European ban on animal testing. Finally, there is a danger in bypassing animal research in developing new vaccines for diseases such as COVID-19 [ 34 ]. The purpose of this paper is to show that, while animal research is necessary for the health of both humans and animals, there is a need to carry out such experimentation in a controlled and humane manner. The use of alternatives to animal research such as cultured human cells and computer modeling may be a useful adjunct to animal studies but will require that such methods are more readily accessible to researchers and are not a replacement for animal experimentation.

Pros and cons of animal experimentation

Arguments against animal experimentation.

A fundamental question surrounding this debate is to ask whether it is appropriate to use animals for medical research. Is our acceptance that animals have a morally lower value or standard of life just a case of speciesism [ 35 ]? Nowadays, most people agree that animals have a moral status and that needlessly hurting or abusing pets or other animals is unacceptable. This represents something of a change from the historical point of view where animals did not have any moral status and the treatment of animals was mostly subservient to maintaining the health and dignity of humans [ 36 ].

Animal rights advocates strongly argue that the moral status of non-human animals is similar to that of humans, and that animals are entitled to equality of treatment. In this view, animals should be treated with the same level of respect as humans, and no one should have the right to force them into any service or to kill them or use them for their own goals. One aspect of this argument claims that moral status depends upon the capacity to suffer or enjoy life [ 37 ].

In terms of suffering and the capacity of enjoying life, many animals are not very different from human beings, as they can feel pain and experience pleasure [ 38 ]. Hence, they should be given the same moral status as humans and deserve equivalent treatment. Supporters of this argument point out that according animals a lower moral status than humans is a type of prejudice known as “speciesism” [ 38 ]. Among humans, it is widely accepted that being a part of a specific race or of a specific gender does not provide the right to ascribe a lower moral status to the outsiders. Many advocates of animal rights deploy the same argument, that being human does not give us sufficient grounds declare animals as being morally less significant [ 36 ].

ARGUMENTS IN FAVOR OF ANIMAL EXPERIMENTATION

Those who support animal experimentation have frequently made the argument that animals cannot be elevated to be seen as morally equal to humans [ 39 ]. Their main argument is that the use of the terms “moral status” or “morality” is debatable. They emphasize that we must not make the error of defining a quality or capacity associated with an animal by using the same adjectives used for humans [ 39 ]. Since, for the most part, animals do not possess humans’ cognitive capabilities and lack full autonomy (animals do not appear to rationally pursue specific goals in life), it is argued that therefore, they cannot be included in the moral community [ 39 ]. It follows from this line of argument that, if animals do not possess the same rights as human beings, their use in research experimentation can be considered appropriate [ 40 ]. The European and the American legislation support this kind of approach as much as their welfare is respected.

Another aspect of this argument is that the benefits to human beings of animal experimentation compensate for the harm caused to animals by these experiments.

In other words, animal harm is morally insignificant compared to the potential benefits to humans. Essentially, supporters of animal experimentation claim that human beings have a higher moral status than animals and that animals lack certain fundamental rights accorded to humans. The potential violations of animal rights during animal research are, in this way, justified by the greater benefits to mankind [ 40 , 41 ]. A way to evaluate when the experiments are morally justified was published in 1986 by Bateson, which developed the Bateson’s Cube [ 42 ]. The Cube has three axes: suffering, certainty of benefit and quality of research. If the research is high-quality, beneficial, and not inflicting suffering, it will be acceptable. At the contrary, painful, low-quality research with lower likelihood of success will not be acceptable [ 42 , 43 ].

Impact of experimentations on animals

Ability to feel pain and distress.

Like humans, animal have certain physical as well as psychological characteristics that make their use for experimentation controversial [ 44 ].

In the last few decades, many studies have increased knowledge of animal awareness and sentience: they indicate that animals have greater potential to experience damage than previously appreciated and that current rights and protections need to be reconsidered [ 45 ]. In recent times, scientists as well as ethicists have broadly acknowledged that animals can also experience distress and pain [ 46 ]. Potential sources of such harm arising from their use in research include disease, basic physiological needs deprivation and invasive procedures [ 46 ]. Moreover, social deprivation and lack of the ability to carry out their natural behaviors are other causes of animal harm [ 46 ]. Several studies have shown that, even in response to very gentle handling and management, animals can show marked alterations in their physiological and hormonal stress markers [ 47 ].

In spite of the fact that suffering and pain are personalized experiences, several multi-disciplinary studies have provided clear evidence of animals experiencing pain and distress. In particular, some animal species have the ability to express pain similarly to human due to common psychological, neuroanatomical and genetic characteristics [ 48 ]. Similarly, animals share a resemblance to humans in their developmental, genetic and environmental risk factors for psychopathology. For instance, in many species, it has been shown that fear operates within a less organized subcortical neural circuit than pain [ 49 , 50 ]. Various types of depression and anxiety disorders like posttraumatic stress disorder have also been reported in mammals [ 51 ].

PSYCHOLOGICAL CAPABILITIES OF ANIMALS

Some researchers have suggested that besides their ability to experience physical and psychological pain and distress, some animals also exhibit empathy, self-awareness and language-like capabilities. They also demonstrate tools-linked cognizance, pleasure-seeking and advanced problem-solving skills [ 52 ]. Moreover, mammals and birds exhibit playful behavior, an indicator of the capacity to experience pleasure. Other taxa such as reptiles, cephalopods and fishes have also been observed to display playful behavior, therefore the current legislation prescribes the use of environmental enrichers [ 53 ]. The presence of self-awareness ability, as assessed by mirror self-recognition, has been reported in magpies, chimpanzees and other apes, and certain cetaceans [ 54 ]. Recently, another study has revealed that crows have the ability to create and use tools that involve episodic-like memory formation and its retrieval. From these findings, it may be suggested that crows as well as related species show evidence of flexible learning strategies, causal reasoning, prospection and imagination that are similar to behavior observed in great apes [ 55 ]. In the context of resolving the ethical dilemmas about animal experimentation, these observations serve to highlight the challenges involved [ 56 , 57 ].

Ethics, principles and legislation in animal experimentation

Ethics in animal experimentation.

Legislation around animal research is based on the idea of the moral acceptability of the proposed experiments under specific conditions [ 58 ]. The significance of research ethics that ensures proper treatment of experimental animals [ 58 ]. To avoid undue suffering of animals, it is important to follow ethical considerations during animal studies [ 1 ]. It is important to provide best human care to these animals from the ethical and scientific point of view [ 1 ]. Poor animal care can lead to experimental outcomes [ 1 ]. Thus, if experimental animals mistreated, the scientific knowledge and conclusions obtained from experiments may be compromised and may be difficult to replicate, a hallmark of scientific research [ 1 ]. At present, most ethical guidelines work on the assumption that animal experimentation is justified because of the significant potential benefits to human beings. These guidelines are often permissive of animal experimentation regardless of the damage to the animal as long as human benefits are achieved [ 59 ].

PRINCIPLE OF THE 4 RS

Although animal experimentation has resulted in many discoveries and helped in the understanding numerous aspects of biological science, its use in various sectors is strictly controlled. In practice, the proposed set of animal experiments is usually considered by a multidisciplinary Ethics Committee before work can commence [ 60 ]. This committee will review the research protocol and make a judgment as to its sustainability. National and international laws govern the utilization of animal experimentation during research and these laws are mostly based on the universal doctrine presented by Russell and Burch (1959) known as principle of the 3 Rs. The 3Rs referred to are Reduction, Refinement and Replacement, and are applied to protocols surrounding the use of animals in research. Some researchers have proposed another “R”, of responsibility for the experimental animal as well as for the social and scientific status of the animal experiments [ 61 ]. Thus, animal ethics committees commonly review research projects with reference to the 4 Rs principles [ 62 ].

The first “R”, Reduction means that the experimental design is examined to ensure that researchers have reduced the number of experimental animals in a research project to the minimum required for reliable data [ 59 ]. Methods used for this purpose include improved experimental design, extensive literature search to avoid duplication of experiments [ 35 ], use of advanced imaging techniques, sharing resources and data, and appropriate statistical data analysis that reduce the number of animals needed for statistically significant results [ 2 , 63 ].

The second “R”, Refinement involves improvements in procedure that minimize the harmful effects of the proposed experiments on the animals involved, such as reducing pain, distress and suffering in a manner that leads to a general improvement in animal welfare. This might include for example improved living conditions for research animals, proper training of people handling animals, application of anesthesia and analgesia when required and the need for euthanasia of the animals at the end of the experiment to curtail their suffering [ 63 ].

The third “R”, Replacement refers to approaches that replace or avoid the use of experimental animals altogether. These approaches involve use of in silico methods/computerized techniques/software and in vitro methods like cell and tissue culture testing, as well as relative replacement methods by use of invertebrates like nematode worms, fruit flies and microorganisms in place of vertebrates and higher animals [ 1 ]. Examples of proper application of these first “3R2 principles are the use of alternative sources of blood, the exploitation of commercially used animals for scientific research, a proper training without use of animals and the use of specimen from previous experiments for further researches [ 64-67 ].

The fourth “R”, Responsibility refers to concerns around promoting animal welfare by improvements in experimental animals’ social life, development of advanced scientific methods for objectively determining sentience, consciousness, experience of pain and intelligence in the animal kingdom, as well as effective involvement in the professionalization of the public discussion on animal ethics [ 68 ].

OTHER ASPECTS OF ANIMAL RESEARCH ETHICS

Other research ethics considerations include having a clear rationale and reasoning for the use of animals in a research project. Researchers must have reasonable expectation of generating useful data from the proposed experiment. Moreover, the research study should be designed in such a way that it should involve the lowest possible sample size of experimental animals while producing statistically significant results [ 35 ].

All individual researchers that handle experimental animals should be properly trained for handling the particular species involved in the research study. The animal’s pain, suffering and discomfort should be minimized [ 69 ]. Animals should be given proper anesthesia when required and surgical procedures should not be repeated on same animal whenever possible [ 69 ]. The procedure of humane handling and care of experimental animals should be explicitly detailed in the research study protocol. Moreover, whenever required, aseptic techniques should be properly followed [ 70 ]. During the research, anesthetization and surgical procedures on experimental animals should only be performed by professionally skilled individuals [ 69 ].

The Animal Research: Reporting of In Vivo Experiments (ARRIVE) guidelines that are issued by the National Center for the Replacement, Refinement, and Reduction of Animals in Research (NC3Rs) are designed to improve the documentation surrounding research involving experimental animals [ 70 ]. The checklist provided includes the information required in the various sections of the manuscript i.e. study design, ethical statements, experimental procedures, experimental animals and their housing and husbandry, and more [ 70 ].

It is critical to follow the highest ethical standards while performing animal experiments. Indeed, most of the journals refuse to publish any research data that lack proper ethical considerations [ 35 ].

INVESTIGATORS’ ETHICS

Since animals have sensitivity level similar to the human beings in terms of pain, anguish, survival instinct and memory, it is the responsibility of the investigator to closely monitor the animals that are used and identify any sign of distress [ 71 ]. No justification can rationalize the absence of anesthesia or analgesia in animals that undergo invasive surgery during the research [ 72 ]. Investigators are also responsible for giving high-quality care to the experimental animals, including the supply of a nutritious diet, easy water access, prevention of and relief from any pain, disease and injury, and appropriate housing facilities for the animal species [ 73 ]. A research experiment is not permitted if the damage caused to the animal exceeds the value of knowledge gained by that experiment. No scientific advancement based on the destruction and sufferings of another living being could be justified. Besides ensuring the welfare of animals involved, investigators must also follow the applicable legislation [ 74 , 75 ].

To promote the comfort of experimental animals in England, an animal protection society named: ‘The Society for the Preservation of Cruelty to Animals’ (now the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) was established (1824) that aims to prevent cruelty to animal [ 76 ].

ANIMAL WELFARE LAWS

Legislation for animal protection during research has long been established. In 1876 the British Parliament sanctioned the ‘Cruelty to Animals Act’ for animal protection. Russell and Burch (1959) presented the ‘3 Rs’ principles: Replacement, Reduction and Refinement, for use of animals during research [ 61 ]. Almost seven years later, the U.S.A also adopted regulations for the protection of experimental animals by enacting the Laboratory Animal Welfare Act of 1966 [ 60 ]. In Brazil, the Arouca Law (Law No. 11,794/08) regulates the animal use in scientific research experiments [ 76 ].

These laws define the breeding conditions, and regulate the use of animals for scientific research and teaching purposes. Such legal provisions control the use of anesthesia, analgesia or sedation in experiments that could cause distress or pain to experimental animals [ 59 , 76 ]. These laws also stress the need for euthanasia when an experiment is finished, or even during the experiment if there is any intense suffering for the experimental animal [ 76 ].

Several national and international organizations have been established to develop alternative techniques so that animal experimentation can be avoided, such as the UK-based National Centre for the Replacement, Refinement and Reduction of Animals in Research (NC3Rs) ( www.caat.jhsph.edu ), the European Centre for the Validation of Alternative Methods (ECVAM) [ 77 ], the Universities Federation for Animal Welfare (UFAW) ( www.ufaw.org.uk ), The Interagency Coordinating Committee on the Validation of Alternative Methods (ICCVAM) [ 78 ], and The Center for Alternatives to Animal Testing (CAAT) ( www.caat.jhsph.edu ). The Brazilian ‘Arouca Law’ also constitutes a milestone, as it has created the ‘National Council for the Control of Animal Experimentation’ (CONCEA) that deals with the legal and ethical issues related to the use of experimental animals during scientific research [ 76 ].

Although national as well as international laws and guidelines have provided basic protections for experimental animals, the current regulations have some significant discrepancies. In the U.S., the Animal Welfare Act excludes rats, mice and purpose-bred birds, even though these species comprise almost 90% of the animals that are used for research purpose [ 79 ]. On the other hand, certain cats and dogs are getting special attention along with extra protection. While the U.S. Animal Welfare Act ignores birds, mice and rats, the U.S. guidelines that control research performed using federal funding ensure protections for all vertebrates [ 79 , 80 ].

Living conditions of animals

Choice of the animal model.

Based on all the above laws and regulations and in line with the deliberations of ethical committees, every researcher must follow certain rules when dealing with animal models.

Before starting any experimental work, thorough research should be carried out during the study design phase so that the unnecessary use of experimental animals is avoided. Nevertheless, certain research studies may have compelling reasons for the use of animal models, such as the investigation of human diseases and toxicity tests. Moreover, animals are also widely used in the training of health professionals as well as in training doctors in surgical skills [ 1 , 81 ].

Researcher should be well aware of the specific traits of the animal species they intend to use in the experiment, such as its developmental stages, physiology, nutritional needs, reproductive characteristics and specific behaviors. Animal models should be selected on the basis of the study design and the biological relevance of the animal [ 1 ].

Typically, in early research, non-mammalian models are used to get rapid insights into research problems such as the identification of gene function or the recognition of novel therapeutic options. Thus, in biomedical and biological research, among the most commonly used model organisms are the Zebrafish, the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster and the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans . The main advantage of these non-mammalian animal models is their prolific reproducibility along with their much shorter generation time. They can be easily grown in any laboratory setting, are less expensive than the murine animal models and are somewhat more powerful than the tissue and cell culture approaches [ 82 ].

Caenorhabditis elegans is a small-sized nematode with a short life cycle and that exists in large populations and is relatively inexpensive to cultivate. Scientists have gathered extensive knowledge of the genomics and genetics of Caenorhabditis elegans ; but Caenorhabditis elegans models, while very useful in some respects, are unable to represent all signaling pathways found in humans. Furthermore, due to its short life cycle, scientists are unable to investigate long term effects of test compounds or to analyze primary versus secondary effects [ 6 ].

Similarly, the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster has played a key role in numerous biomedical discoveries. It is small in size, has a short life cycle and large population size, is relatively inexpensive to breed, and extensive genomics and genetics information is available [ 6 ]. However, its respiratory, cardiovascular and nervous systems differ considerably from human beings. In addition, its immune system is less developed when compared to vertebrates, which is why effectiveness of a drug in Drosophila melanogaster may not be easily extrapolated to humans [ 83 ].

The Zebrafish ( Danio rerio ) is a small freshwater teleost, with transparent embryos, providing easy access for the observation of organogenesis and its manipulation. Therefore, Zebrafish embryos are considered good animal models for different human diseases like tuberculosis and fetal alcohol syndrome and are useful as neurodevelopmental research models. However, Zebrafish has very few mutant strains available, and its genome has numerous duplicate genes making it impossible to create knockout strains, since disrupting one copy of the gene will not disrupt the second copy of that gene. This feature limits the use of Zebrafish as animal models to study human diseases. Additionally they are rather expensive, have long life cycle, and genomics and genetics studies are still in progress [ 82 , 84 ].

Thus, experimentation on these three animals might not be equivalent to experimentation on mammals. Mammalian animal model are most similar to human beings, so targeted gene replacement is possible. Traditionally, mammals like monkey and mice have been the preferred animal models for biomedical research because of their evolutionary closeness to humans. Rodents, particularly mice and rats, are the most frequently used animal models for scientific research. Rats are the most suitable animal model for the study of obesity, shock, peritonitis, sepsis, cancer, intestinal operations, spleen, gastric ulcers, mononuclear phagocytic system, organ transplantations and wound healing. Mice are more suitable for studying burns, megacolon, shock, cancer, obesity, and sepsis as mentioned previously [ 85 ].

Similarly, pigs are mostly used for stomach, liver and transplantation studies, while rabbits are suitable for the study of immunology, inflammation, vascular biology, shock, colitis and transplantations. Thus, the choice of experimental animal mainly depends upon the field of scientific research under consideration [ 1 ].

HOUSING AND ENVIRONMENTAL ENRICHMENT

Researchers should be aware of the environment and conditions in which laboratory animals are kept during research, and they also need to be familiar with the metabolism of the animals kept in vivarium, since their metabolism can easily be altered by different factors such as pain, stress, confinement, lack of sunlight, etc. Housing conditions alter animal behavior, and this can in turn affect experimental results. By contrast, handling procedures that feature environmental enrichment and enhancement help to decrease stress and positively affect the welfare of the animals and the reliability of research data [ 74 , 75 ].

In animals, distress- and agony-causing factors should be controlled or eliminated to overcome any interference with data collection as well as with interpretation of the results, since impaired animal welfare leads to more animal usage during experiment, decreased reliability and increased discrepancies in results along with the unnecessary consumption of animal lives [ 86 ].

To reduce the variation or discrepancies in experimental data caused by various environmental factors, experimental animals must be kept in an appropriate and safe place. In addition, it is necessary to keep all variables like humidity, airflow and temperature at levels suitable for those species, as any abrupt variation in these factors could cause stress, reduced resistance and increased susceptibility to infections [ 74 ].

The space allotted to experimental animals should permit them free movement, proper sleep and where feasible allow for interaction with other animals of the same species. Mice and rats are quite sociable animals and must, therefore, be housed in groups for the expression of their normal behavior. Usually, laboratory cages are not appropriate for the behavioral needs of the animals. Therefore, environmental enrichment is an important feature for the expression of their natural behavior that will subsequently affect their defense mechanisms and physiology [ 87 ].

The features of environmental enrichment must satisfy the animals’ sense of curiosity, offer them fun activities, and also permit them to fulfill their behavioral and physiological needs. These needs include exploring, hiding, building nests and gnawing. For this purpose, different things can be used in their environment, such as PVC tubes, cardboard, igloos, paper towel, cotton, disposable masks and paper strips [ 87 ].

The environment used for housing of animals must be continuously controlled by appropriate disinfection, hygiene protocols, sterilization and sanitation processes. These steps lead to a reduction in the occurrence of various infectious agents that often found in vivarium, such as Sendai virus, cestoda and Mycoplasma pulmonis [ 88 ].

Euthanasia is a term derived from Greek, and it means a death without any suffering. According to the Brazilian Arouca Law (Article 14, Chapter IV, Paragraphs 1 and 2), an animal should undergo euthanasia, in strict compliance with the requirements of each species, when the experiment ends or during any phase of the experiment, wherever this procedure is recommended and/or whenever serious suffering occurs. If the animal does not undergo euthanasia after the intervention it may leave the vivarium and be assigned to suitable people or to the animal protection bodies, duly legalized [ 1 ].

Euthanasia procedures must result in instant loss of consciousness which leads to respiratory or cardiac arrest as well as to complete brain function impairment. Another important aspect of this procedure is calm handling of the animal while taking it out of its enclosure, to reduce its distress, suffering, anxiety and fear. In every research project, the study design should include the details of the appropriate endpoints of these experimental animals, and also the methods that will be adopted. It is important to determine the appropriate method of euthanasia for the animal being used. Another important point is that, after completing the euthanasia procedure, the animal’s death should be absolutely confirmed before discarding their bodies [ 87 , 89 ].

Relevance of animal experimentations and possible alternatives

Relevance of animal experiments and their adverse effects on human health.

One important concern is whether human diseases, when inflicted on experimental animals, adequately mimic the progressions of the disease and the treatment responses observed in humans. Several research articles have made comparisons between human and animal data, and indicated that the results of animals’ research could not always be reliably replicated in clinical research among humans. The latest systematic reviews about the treatment of different clinical conditions including neurology, vascular diseases and others, have established that the results of animal studies cannot properly predict human outcomes [ 59 , 90 ].

At present, the reliability of animal experiments for extrapolation to human health is questionable. Harmful effects may occur in humans because of misleading results from research conducted on animals. For instance, during the late fifties, a sedative drug, thalidomide, was prescribed for pregnant women, but some of the women using that drug gave birth to babies lacking limbs or with foreshortened limbs, a condition called phocomelia. When thalidomide had been tested on almost all animal models such as rats, mice, rabbits, dogs, cats, hamsters, armadillos, ferrets, swine, guinea pig, etc., this teratogenic effect was observed only occasionally [ 91 ]. Similarly, in 2006, the compound TGN 1412 was designed as an immunomodulatory drug, but when it was injected into six human volunteer, serious adverse reactions were observed resulting from a deadly cytokine storm that in turn led to disastrous systemic organ failure. TGN 1412 had been tested successfully in rats, mice, rabbits, and non-human primates [ 92 ]. Moreover, Bailey (2008) reported 90 HIV vaccines that had successful trial results in animals but which failed in human beings [ 93 ]. Moreover, in Parkinson disease, many therapeutic options that have shown promising results in rats and non-human primate models have proved harmful in humans. Hence, to analyze the relevance of animal research to human health, the efficacy of animal experimentation should be examined systematically [ 94 , 95 ]. At the same time, the development of hyperoxaluria and renal failure (up to dialysis) after ileal-jejunal bypass was unexpected because this procedure was not preliminarily evaluated on an animal model [ 96 ].

Several factors play a role in the extrapolation of animal-derived data to humans, such as environmental conditions and physiological parameters related to stress, age of the experimental animals, etc. These factors could switch on or off genes in the animal models that are specific to species and/or strains. All these observations challenge the reliability and suitability of animal experimentation as well as its objectives with respect to human health [ 76 , 92 ].

ALTERNATIVE TO ANIMAL EXPERIMENTATION/DEVELOPMENT OF NEW PRODUCTS AND TECHNIQUES TO AVOID ANIMAL SACRIFICE IN RESEARCH

Certainly, in vivo animal experimentation has significantly contributed to the development of biological and biomedical research. However it has the limitations of strict ethical issues and high production cost. Some scientists consider animal testing an ineffective and immoral practice and therefore prefer alternative techniques to be used instead of animal experimentation. These alternative methods involve in vitro experiments and ex vivo models like cell and tissue cultures, use of plants and vegetables, non-invasive human clinical studies, use of corpses for studies, use of microorganisms or other simpler organism like shrimps and water flea larvae, physicochemical techniques, educational software, computer simulations, mathematical models and nanotechnology [ 97 ]. These methods and techniques are cost-effective and could efficiently replace animal models. They could therefore, contribute to animal welfare and to the development of new therapies that can identify the therapeutics and related complications at an early stage [ 1 ].

The National Research Council (UK) suggested a shift from the animal models toward computational models, as well as high-content and high-throughput in vitro methods. Their reports highlighted that these alternative methods could produce predictive data more affordably, accurately and quickly than the traditional in vivo or experimental animal methods [ 98 ].

Increasingly, scientists and the review boards have to assess whether addressing a research question using the applied techniques of advanced genetics, molecular, computational and cell biology, and biochemistry could be used to replace animal experiments [ 59 ]. It must be remembered that each alternative method must be first validated and then registered in dedicated databases.

An additional relevant concern is how precisely animal data can mirror relevant epigenetic changes and human genetic variability. Langley and his colleagues have highlighted some of the examples of existing and some emerging non-animal based research methods in the advanced fields of neurology, orthodontics, infectious diseases, immunology, endocrine, pulmonology, obstetrics, metabolism and cardiology [ 99 ].

IN SILICO SIMULATIONS AND INFORMATICS

Several computer models have been built to study cardiovascular risk and atherosclerotic plaque build-up, to model human metabolism, to evaluate drug toxicity and to address other questions that were previously approached by testing in animals [ 100 ].

Computer simulations can potentially decrease the number of experiments required for a research project, however simulations cannot completely replace laboratory experiments. Unfortunately, not all the principles regulating biological systems are known, and computer simulation provide only an estimation of possible effects due to the limitations of computer models in comparison with complex human tissues. However, simulation and bio-informatics are now considered essential in all fields of science for their efficiency in using the existing knowledge for further experimental designs [ 76 ].

At present, biological macromolecules are regularly simulated at various levels of detail, to predict their response and behavior under certain physical conditions, chemical exposures and stimulations. Computational and bioinformatic simulations have significantly reduced the number of animals sacrificed during drug discovery by short listing potential candidate molecules for a drug. Likewise, computer simulations have decreased the number of animal experiments required in other areas of biological science by efficiently using the existing knowledge. Moreover, the development of high definition 3D computer models for anatomy with enhanced level of detail, it may make it possible to reduce or eliminate the need for animal dissection during teaching [ 101 , 102 ].

3D CELL-CULTURE MODELS AND ORGANS-ON-CHIPS

In the current scenario of rapid advancement in the life sciences, certain tissue models can be built using 3D cell culture technology. Indeed, there are some organs on micro-scale chip models used for mimicking the human body environment. 3D models of multiple organ systems such as heart, liver, skin, muscle, testis, brain, gut, bone marrow, lungs and kidney, in addition to individual organs, have been created in microfluidic channels, re-creating the physiological chemical and physical microenvironments of the body [ 103 ]. These emerging techniques, such as the biomedical/biological microelectromechanical system (Bio-MEMS) or lab-on-a-chip (LOC) and micro total analysis systems (lTAS) will, in the future, be a useful substitute for animal experimentation in commercial laboratories in the biotechnology, environmental safety, chemistry and pharmaceutical industries. For 3D cell culture modeling, cells are grown in 3D spheroids or aggregates with the help of a scaffold or matrix, or sometimes using a scaffold-free method. The 3D cell culture modeling conditions can be altered to add proteins and other factors that are found in a tumor microenvironment, for example, or in particular tissues. These matrices contain extracellular matrix components such as proteins, glycoconjugates and glycosaminoglycans that allow for cell communication, cell to cell contact and the activation of signaling pathways in such a way that the morphological and functional differentiation of these cells can accurately mimic their environment in vivo . This methodology, in time, will bridge the gap between in vivo and in vitro drug screening, decreasing the utilization of animal models during research [ 104 ].

ALTERNATIVES TO MICROBIAL CULTURE MEDIA AND SERUM-FREE ANIMAL CELL CULTURES

There are moves to reduce the use of animal derived products in many areas of biotechnology. Microbial culture media peptones are mostly made by the proteolysis of farmed animal meat. However, nowadays, various suppliers provide peptones extracted from yeast and plants. Although the costs of these plant-extracted peptones are the same as those of animal peptones, plant peptones are more environmentally favorable since less plant material and water are required for them to grow, compared with the food grain and fodder needed for cattle that are slaughtered for animal peptone production [ 105 ].

Human cell culture is often carried out in a medium that contains fetal calf serum, the production of which involves animal (cow) sacrifice or suffering. In fact, living pregnant cows are used and their fetuses removed to harvest the serum from the fetal blood. Fetal calf serum is used because it is a natural medium rich in all the required nutrients and significantly increases the chances of successful cell growth in culture. Scientists are striving to identify the factors and nutrients required for the growth of various types of cells, with a view to eliminating the use of calf serum. At present, most cell lines could be cultured in a chemically-synthesized medium without using animal products. Furthermore, data from chemically-synthesized media experiments may have better reproducibility than those using animal serum media, since the composition of animal serum does change from batch to batch on the basis of animals’ gender, age, health and genetic background [ 76 ].

ALTERNATIVES TO ANIMAL-DERIVED ANTIBODIES

Animal friendly affinity reagents may act as an alternative to antibodies produced, thereby removing the need for animal immunization. Typically, these antibodies are obtained in vitro by yeast, phage or ribosome display. In a recent review, a comparative analysis between animal friendly affinity reagents and animal derived-antibodies showed that the affinity reagents have superior quality, are relatively less time consuming, have more reproducibility and are more reliable and are cost-effective [ 106 , 107 ].

Conclusions

Animal experimentation led to great advancement in biological and biomedical sciences and contributed to the discovery of many drugs and treatment options. However, such experimentation may cause harm, pain and distress to the animals involved. Therefore, to perform animal experimentations, certain ethical rules and laws must be strictly followed and there should be proper justification for using animals in research projects. Furthermore, during animal experimentation the 4 Rs principles of reduction, refinement, replacement and responsibility must be followed by the researchers. Moreover, before beginning a research project, experiments should be thoroughly planned and well-designed, and should avoid unnecessary use of animals. The reliability and reproducibility of animal experiments should also be considered. Whenever possible, alternative methods to animal experimentation should be adopted, such as in vitro experimentation, cadaveric studies, and computer simulations.

While much progress has been made on reducing animal experimentation there is a need for greater awareness of alternatives to animal experiments among scientists and easier access to advanced modeling technologies. Greater research is needed to define a roadmap that will lead to the elimination of all unnecessary animal experimentation and provide a framework for adoption of reliable alternative methodologies in biomedical research.

Acknowledgements

This research was funded by the Provincia Autonoma di Bolzano in the framework of LP 15/2020 (dgp 3174/2021).

Conflicts of interest statement

Authors declare no conflict of interest.

Author's contributions

MB: study conception, editing and critical revision of the manuscript; AKK, DP, GH, RB, Paul S, Peter S, RM, BF, NC, SM, LL, DD, GMT, MCE, MD, SM, Daniele M, GB, AD, KD, MCM, TB, MS, STC, Donald M, AM, AB, KLH, MK, LS, LL, GF: literature search, editing and critical revision of the manuscript. All authors have read and approved the final manuscript.

Contributor Information

INTERNATIONAL BIOETHICS STUDY GROUP : Derek Pheby , Gary Henehan , Richard Brown , Paul Sieving , Peter Sykora , Robert Marks , Benedetto Falsini , Natale Capodicasa , Stanislav Miertus , Lorenzo Lorusso , Gianluca Martino Tartaglia , Mahmut Cerkez Ergoren , Munis Dundar , Sandro Michelini , Daniele Malacarne , Tommaso Beccari , Michele Samaja , Matteo Bertelli , Donald Martin , Assunta Morresi , Ariola Bacu , Karen L. Herbst , Mykhaylo Kapustin , Liborio Stuppia , Ludovica Lumer , and Giampietro Farronato

Disney: Huge expansion of Magic Kingdom is in the works

O RLANDO, Calif. — Disney has confirmed what one executive said would “probably be the largest expansion ever” of the Magic Kingdom at Disney World, a project that’s been dubbed “beyond Big Thunder.”

At a Walt Disney Imagineering media event this week, Michael Hundgen, a Walt Disney World site portfolio executive, said the plan is to expand the world’s most popular theme park by 12 to 14 acres. Magic Kingdom added 11 acres with its New Fantasyland project, completed with the opening of Seven Dwarfs Mine Train roller coaster in 2012.

Details are thin about the expansion. There have been no official announcements about a theme or a timeline.

“I think they’re being a little coy,” said Dennis Speigel, founder and CEO of International Theme Park Services. “I think they kind of spoon-feed us some of this stuff – keep us on track and off track.”

Speigel maintains his thinking that Disney World will announce the development of its fifth theme park within the next two years.

“I believe everything they say is strategically thought through before it comes out,” he said.

Last week, Walt Disney Co. settled lawsuits over Disney World’s governing district with Gov. Ron DeSantis, lifting some obstacles that could have delayed future projects. This week, CEO Robert Iger said that resulted in a “win-win” situation for future Disney World endeavors, as the company embarks on $60 billion worth of improvements worldwide in the coming years.

“There’s a lot they could do back there,” said Michele Atwood, owner of the Main Street Mouse website, of the land beyond Big Thunder. Some fans favor a home for Disney villains and others hope for a “Frozen” land or a “Tangled” ride for the site, she said.

“I think that because of Epic Universe, they (Disney fans) want to see more than something that’s just a new ride or a new addition or changes to something that’s existing,” Atwood said.

“So I think that maybe it’s time and maybe it is timely that (Disney’s) talking about it now,” she said.

Epic Universe, Universal Orlando’s third theme park, is under construction a few miles southeast of its original two parks. Epic is scheduled to open in 2025 and feature lands based on Super Nintendo, “How to Train Your Dragon” movies, Ministry of Magic from the “Harry Potter” series and classic Universal monsters.

“No matter what they say, a lot of this is geared towards Comcast and Universal,” said Speigel, who referenced remarks by Iger at the company’s annual shareholders meeting this week.

“The first thing he said was, ‘Oh, we’re not worried about the Universal Comcast. We knew the park was going to be built 10 years ago. …” Speigel said. “You never heard that before. You never even heard him mention them.”

For months, the company has hinted at more attractions to be built just beyond the Big Thunder Mountain Railroad roller coaster in acreage currently considered backstage. At D23 Expo in September 2022, Disney executives publicly tossed around ideas for a land based on films such as “Moana,” “Coco” and “Zootopia.”

They stopped well short of an actual announcement, but one year later at a Destination D23 event at Disney World, it seemed more inevitable. Executives compared it in scope to Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Disney’s Hollywood Studios or Pandora – the World of Avatar at Disney’s Animal Kingdom.

At the Destination D23 event in September, Disney announced that Animal Kingdom’s DinoLand USA will be transformed into a “tropical Americas” theme. They made oblique references to “Encanto” and Indiana Jones.

That’s also when fans learned of the revamping of Magic Kingdom’s Country Bear Jamboree attraction, currently underway, and a remodeling of Epcot’s Test Track. The latter update is prompting a temporary closure of the attraction on June 17, Disney announced Friday.

The company also shared video of several animatronics that will be in Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, a ride opening at Magic Kingdom this summer and at Disneyland later this year.

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