Assessing the welfare implications of training participation in captive felids

With the global decline of wild felid populations, zoos play an increasingly vital role in conservation efforts. However, maintaining high welfare standards for captive felids remains a significant challenge, as individuals often display chronic stress, stereotypic behaviours, and fear-based responses to human interaction. This study investigated the potential of structured training methods, specifically target training and keeper habituation, to serve as non-invasive indicators of psychological welfare in three captive felid species. Target training was implemented as a method of positive reinforcement, where animals were conditioned to follow or touch a designated object in exchange for a reward. Keeper habituation involved a gradual progression from passive visual exposure to close-proximity interaction, using techniques such as desensitization and counterconditioning to reduce fear and promote trust. Behavioral observations were recorded using species-specific ethograms and were quantitatively scored by both a researcher and trained animal keepers. Statistical analysis was conducted using RStudio, with Generalized Linear Mixed Models (GLMMs) used to examine the relationship between training participation and behavioral welfare indicators. External factors, including temperature, trainer identity, and reward quality, were included in the models to control for confounding effects. Data visualization techniques were also applied to illustrate behavioral changes over time. The results indicated that increased engagement in training sessions was associated with greater behavioral diversity and a decrease in negative behaviors such as stereotypy and agonism. These findings suggest that voluntary participation in structured training reflects enhanced psychological well-being and may serve as a practical and non-invasive tool for welfare assessment in captive felids.