2022 New Paper on Back-of-House Traditions

July 2022 The Journal of Zoos and Botanical Gardens published the paper Jon coauthored with Ms. Sabrina Brando titled Confronting Back-of-House Traditions: Primates as a Case Study. This review commentary focuses on traditional management practices and facility design with suggested improvements in non-public primate management areas, often called “back-of-house” in zoos, sanctuaries, and research facilities. These are areas where progress in improving animal welfare has been lagging, even though animals may spend 16 hours each day in close confinement. We reviewed traditional management policy and practice, as well as newer training, enrichment, and welfare policies and actions, and suggested alternatives for structural and spatial environments. The suggestions included using more animal-friendly construction materials and animal–computer interaction, providing greater control of the ambient environment and choice of access to multiple areas by the animals themselves. We conclude by suggesting a new, integrated design model based not upon rote standards and old models but building on empirical foundations while embracing empathy and innovation.