Chapter 6: Facility design for disabled and aging wild animals
The blending of science with empathy through multidisciplinary design of animal facilities and features can contribute to the wellbeing of disabled and elderly animals in zoos, sanctuaries and research facilities and may prevent or slow some common degenerative conditions. The importance of designed features benefiting both animals and animal carers is emphasised. Subjects include integration of management and facility planning, a model design and animal co-design process, features which may delay onset of health problems, and general recommendations including flexible spaces, suitable surfaces, horizontal and vertical circulation, animal rotation, and aquatic/aerobic exercise. Animal/computer interaction (ACI) opportunities are touched on, including animal control of ambient conditions and round-the-clock personalized access to food, enriching opportunities, and alternative spaces, all automatically monitored for research and medical observation.