Zoo based research

Paignton Zoo has one of the most active research programmes in the British zoo community and plays an important role in the British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums (BIAZA) Research Group. All research is co-ordinated by the Field Conservation and Research Department in close collaboration with the animal and veterinary staff.

This Department has five permanent staff who carry out their own research and co-ordinate the work of visiting scientists in three working groups:

Behavioural Husbandry and Animal Welfare. This group aims to study the impact of various aspects of the captive environment on animal behaviour, health and welfare. Research areas include environmental enrichment, animal training, nutrition, parasitology, reproductive biology, animal personality and methods to measure welfare non-invasively.
Behavioural Ecology and Cognition. This group aims to study less applied aspects of behaviour and cognition such as social behaviour and communication, conflict management, social learning, developmental behaviour, laterality and discrimination. It also uses studbook data to answer research questions
Conservation, Ecology and Environment. This group conducts ecological research on all groups of organisms in the zoo grounds and the Trust’s other nature reserves. Research is often aimed at informing the management plans for these areas to promote maximum biodiversity. The group also conducts conservation research and research related to the effectiveness of zoo interpretation on conservation and the environment.

Placements
Many students of all levels, from school to PhD, visit the Research Department each year to help undertake scientific studies and gain valuable research experience. Each year the department has up to 8 sandwich year placements available for undergraduates. Placement students spend the majority of their time working on their own research projects which they develop themselves, under the guidance of Research Department staff. During the year students also give talks to school groups, give oral and poster conference presentations and take part in discussion groups.

Do you want to undertake research at Paignton Zoo or to ask Paignton Zoo to complete research questionnaires or to provide samples for research?
The BIAZA Research Group has compiled much useful information for prospective zoo researchers and published several sets of methods guidelines. Please look at this information on the BIAZA website BEFORE contacting the Zoo. Once you have read this information please apply to the Research Department as indicated in our Visiting Researcher Information leaflet which can be downloaded here.

We are currently compiling a database with our informaton. This will be available shortly.

Social mechanisms in bachelor gorilla groups
Researcher		Institute
Kirsten Pullen		Paignton Zoo/University of Exeter
Date	Level	Report	Abstract
2006	PhD	ongoing	unavailable

Reproductive ecology and genetics of Cirsium dissectum
Researcher		Institute
Natasha de Vere		Paignton Zoo / University of Plymouth
Date	Level	Report	Abstract
2006	Ph.D.	ongoing	unavailable

Plant Community Composition and Pattern on the Slapton Ley National Nature Reserve Shingle Bar
Researcher		Institute
Andrew Edwards		University of Plymouth
Date	Level	Report	Abstract
2005	MSc	yes	download

The role of the Veterinarian in education in zoos
Researcher		Institute
Bea Zoer		Amsterdam University
Date	Level	Report	Abstract
2005		no	download

Lemur feeding and nutrition
Researcher		Institute
Bethany Grabbin		University of Plymouth Seale hayne
Date	Level	Report	Abstract
2005	BSc	ongoing	unavailable

Comparisons of the behaviour within captive gorillas in relation to enclosure structure, size and enrichment availability
Researcher		Institute
Carla Foley		University of Essex
Date	Level	Report	Abstract
2005	BSc	ongoing	unavailable

A review of UK hyacinth macaw diets with emphasis on protein, mineral and fatty acid intake
Researcher		Institute
Elizabeth Perrett		Royal Veterinary College/ Institute of zoology
Date	Level	Report	Abstract
2005	MSc	no	download

Native species in the protected habitats of zoological gardens
Researcher		Institute
Emma Clark		University of Plymouth
Date	Level	Report	Abstract
2005	BSc	ongoing	unavailable

Visitor perception of animal welfare
Researcher		Institute
Emma Kewell		University of Plymouth
Date	Level	Report	Abstract
2005	MSc	ongoing	unavailable

Reproductive physiology and behaviour of Sulawasi Macaques
Researcher		Institute
Fay Clarke		Postgraduate work experience (Zoology graduate - Southampton uni
Date	Level	Report	Abstract
2005	Post grad	current	unavailable

Estimating Distribution and Habitat Associations of the Endangered Aders’ Duiker (CEPHALOPHUS ADERSI): Implications for Research and Conservation
Researcher		Institute
Franziska Schrodt		University of Plymouth
Date	Level	Report	Abstract
2005	MSc	yes	download

Looking at the effect of presentation on coati behaviour
Researcher		Institute
Gemma Brice		Universty of Plymouth
Date	Level	Report	Abstract
2005	MSc	no	download

Social learning in Baboons
Researcher		Institute
Gemma Price		University of Bath
Date	Level	Report	Abstract
2005	BSc sandwich	ongoing	unavailable

Correlates of lengevity and breeding success in captive saki monkeys
Researcher		Institute
Helen Izzard		University of Plymouth
Date	Level	Report	Abstract
2005	BSc	ongoing	download

Colobus and parasites
Researcher		Institute
Jackie Caine		University of Manchester
Date	Level	Report	Abstract
2005	BSc sandwich	ongoing	download

Social interaction between parents and cubs
Researcher		Institute
Janet O'Dae		Anglia Polytechnic University
Date	Level	Report	Abstract
2005	BSc	ongoing	unavailable

Botanical interpretation evaluation
Researcher		Institute
Katherine Evans		University of Plymouth
Date	Level	Report	Abstract
2005	BSc	ongoing	unavailable

The influence of wave freqeuncy on seal behaviour
Researcher		Institute
Katherine Herbst		University of Plymouth
Date	Level	Report	Abstract
2005	BSc	ongoing	unavailable

Visitor attitudes to native species in the zoo
Researcher		Institute
Katherine Thomas		University of Plymouth
Date	Level	Report	Abstract
2005	BSc	ongoing	download

Behaviour of a bachelor group of Sulawesi crested macaques
Researcher		Institute
Kerrie Yates		Liverpool John Moores University
Date	Level	Report	Abstract
2005	BSc	ongoing	download

The influence of wave freqeuncy on seal behaviour
Researcher		Institute
Kristin Taylor		University of Plymouth
Date	Level	Report	Abstract
2005	BSc	ongoing	unavailable

Behaviour of free-ranging lemurs - Visitor-animal interactions
Researcher		Institute
Laura Blanthorne		Anglia Polytechnic University
Date	Level	Report	Abstract
2005	BSc	ongoing	unavailable

Overgrooming in anoa and methods to reduce motivation
Researcher		Institute
Lisa Kiely		University of Exeter
Date	Level	Report	Abstract
2005	MSc	yes	download

Car park vegetation management
Researcher		Institute
Lisa Smith		University of Plymouth
Date	Level	Report	Abstract
2005	BSc	ongoing	unavailable

Variation in birdsong
Researcher		Institute
Lizzy Caroll		University of Wales, Cardiff
Date	Level	Report	Abstract
2005	BSc sandwich	ongoing	download

The Effect of the Playback of Howler Monkey Calls on the Affiliative and Vocalisation Behaviours of a Captive Pair of Black Howler Monkeys (Alouatta caraya) at Paignton Zoo.
Researcher		Institute
Lizzy Caroll		University of Wales, Cardiff
Date	Level	Report	Abstract
2005	BSc sandwich	no	download

An Investigation of the Reed Bed Wastewater Treatment System for the Reptile House at Paignton Zoo
Researcher		Institute
Marilyn Leonis		University of Plymouth
Date	Level	Report	Abstract
2005	BSc Biological Science (Ecology)	yes	download

Triggers and reduction of an abnormal behaviour pattern ina captive king colobus monkey
Researcher		Institute
Matt Stevenson		University of Plymouth
Date	Level	Report	Abstract
2005	BSc	ongoing	unavailable

The stressed out macaque
Researcher		Institute
Matthew Taylor		University of Exeter
Date	Level	Report	Abstract
2005	BSc	ongoing	download

The effects of pinioning on behaviour of flamingos
Researcher		Institute
Rachel Mellor		University of Plymouth
Date	Level	Report	Abstract
2005	BSc	ongoing	download

Reconciliation behaviour in bats
Researcher		Institute
Rachel Moore		University of Plymouth
Date	Level	Report	Abstract
2005	BSc	ongoing	download

Kinajou Enrichment in Newquay Zoo
Researcher		Institute
Simone Johnson		Liverpool John Moores University
Date	Level	Report	Abstract
2005	BSc sandwich	ongoing	unavailable

Dietary analysis in Newquay Zoo
Researcher		Institute
Simone Johnson		Liverpool John Moores University
Date	Level	Report	Abstract
2005	BSc sandwich	ongoing	unavailable

Factors affecting distribution of dormice at Slapton Ley NNR
Researcher		Institute
Sophie Smith		Cardiff University
Date	Level	Report	Abstract
2005	BSc	ongoing	download

The effects of grazing by pygmy goats (Capra hircus) on limestone scrub.
Researcher		Institute
Sophie Smith		University of Wales, Cardiff
Date	Level	Report	Abstract
2005	BSc	no	download

Grazing behaviour of zebra and lechwe and the nutritional value of paddock grass
Researcher		Institute
Sophie Thomson		University of Plymouth
Date	Level	Report	Abstract
2005	BSc	ongoing	unavailable

Meadow management for butterflies
Researcher		Institute
Steven Mayers		Liverpool John Moores University
Date	Level	Report	Abstract
2005	BSc sandwich	ongoing	download

Dominance and affiliative behaviours in Allen's swamp monkeys
Researcher		Institute
Toby Dipple		University of Exeter
Date	Level	Report	Abstract
2005	MSc	yes	download

The effects of hayracks on elephant feeding and foraging - a year on
Researcher		Institute
Verity Roberts		University of Plymouth
Date	Level	Report	Abstract
2005	BSc	ongoing	unavailable

Reconciliation behaviour in colobus monkeys
Researcher		Institute
Vicky Hughes		Liverpool John Moores University
Date	Level	Report	Abstract
2005	BSc	ongoing	unavailable

Displacement behaviour in fur seals
Researcher		Institute
Vicky Strohmaier		University of Manchester
Date	Level	Report	Abstract
2005	BSc sandwich	ongoing	unavailable

Comparisons of arboreal locomotion in captive great apes
Researcher		Institute
Marie Bambury		University of Bristol
Date	Level	Report	Abstract
2004	PhD	ongoing	unavailable

Social behaviour and endocrinological function of male lowland gorillas in all male groups
Researcher		Institute
Nicola Wolff		German Primate Centre
Date	Level	Report	Abstract
2004	PhD	ongoing	unavailable

Multi zoo comparisons of the effect of enrichment on gorillas
Researcher		Institute
Sonya Warne		Cambridge University
Date	Level	Report	Abstract
2004	PhD	ongoing	unavailable

Red ruffed lemurs before and after release to free-range
Researcher		Institute
Abi Stretch		University of Plymouth
Date	Level	Report	Abstract
2004	BSc	yes	download

Evaluation of meadow restoration techniques in Primley
Researcher		Institute
Adam Gillespie		Stafford University
Date	Level	Report	Abstract
2004	BSc sandwich	no	unavailable

Discrimination learning in Goeldi's monkeys
Researcher		Institute
Alaina Thomas		University of Plymouth
Date	Level	Report	Abstract
2004	BSc	no	unavailable

Social behaviour of lemurs at Drusillas.
Researcher		Institute
Ali Gibbs		Cardiff University
Date	Level	Report	Abstract
2004	BSc	yes	unavailable

Evaluation of animal signs in the Zoo
Researcher		Institute
Amie Fisher		University of Plymouth
Date	Level	Report	Abstract
2004	BSc	no	unavailable

Behaviour of fossa at Newquay Zoo
Researcher		Institute
Anouska Bell		University of Exeter
Date	Level	Report	Abstract
2004	MSc	yes	download

Space use and interactions in giant tortoises
Researcher		Institute
Anthony Allcorn		University of Plymouth
Date	Level	Report	Abstract
2004	BSc	no	unavailable

Bargaining in baboons
Researcher		Institute
Augusto Montiel-Castro		University of Exeter
Date	Level	Report	Abstract
2004	MSc	yes	download

Imitation in colobus monkeys
Researcher		Institute
Bess Price		University of Exeter
Date	Level	Report	Abstract
2004	MSc	yes	download

POE waders (Living Coasts)
Researcher		Institute
Catherine Howell		University of Plymouth
Date	Level	Report	Abstract
2004	BSc	yes	download

Interanimal interactons and territorial behaviour of free-ranging lemurs
Researcher		Institute
Catherine McIvor		University of Wales, Swansea
Date	Level	Report	Abstract
2004	BSc	yes	download

POE auks (Living Coasts)
Researcher		Institute
Chris Hedley		University of Plymouth
Date	Level	Report	Abstract
2004	BSc	yes	download

Social learning in colobus monkeys
Researcher		Institute
Claire Houghton		University of Exeter
Date	Level	Report	Abstract
2004	BSc	yes	download

Evaluation of environmental enrichment assessment: Are 'rapid assessment' tables valid for environmental enrichment analysis?
Researcher		Institute
Clare Ellis		Myerscough College
Date	Level	Report	Abstract
2004	BSc	yes	download

Testing for imitative learning in abyssinian colobus monkeys (Colobus guereza kikuyensis) using virtual demonstrators.
Researcher		Institute
Elizabeth Price		University of Exeter
Date	Level	Report	Abstract
2004	BSc	yes	download

POE auks (Living Coasts)
Researcher		Institute
Emma Davies		Swansea University
Date	Level	Report	Abstract
2004	BSc	yes	download

A behavioural study of the black ape of sulawesi (Macaca nigra) in captivity
Researcher		Institute
Emma Oakley		University of Exeter
Date	Level	Report	Abstract
2004	BSc	yes	download

Enrichment for red ruffed lemurs
Researcher		Institute
Emma Tilt		University of Plymouth
Date	Level	Report	Abstract
2004	BSc	no	unavailable

Contrafreeloading in mandrills and colobus monkeys
Researcher		Institute
Felicity Proctor		University of Plymouth
Date	Level	Report	Abstract
2004	BSc	no	unavailable

Development of a reliable rapid enrichment assessment method for primates
Researcher		Institute
Fionn Magnusson		Manchester University
Date	Level	Report	Abstract
2004	BSc sandwich	yes	download

Public perceptions of animal welfare
Researcher		Institute
Gemma Cook		University College Chichester
Date	Level	Report	Abstract
2004	BSc	no	unavailable

Elephant social behaviour
Researcher		Institute
Georgina Bell		Hershaw College
Date	Level	Report	Abstract
2004	HND	no	unavailable

Laterality in baboons
Researcher		Institute
Greg Elford		University of Exeter
Date	Level	Report	Abstract
2004	MSc	yes	download

Faecal corticol in colobus monkeys
Researcher		Institute
Hannah Smith		University of Exeter
Date	Level	Report	Abstract
2004	BSc	no	unavailable

Tannin levels in vegetation available to free-range lemurs
Researcher		Institute
Jean-Denis Hibbitt		University of Plymouth
Date	Level	Report	Abstract
2004	BSc	yes	download

Discrimination learning in Goeldi's monkeys
Researcher		Institute
Jessica Bradford		University of Plymouth
Date	Level	Report	Abstract
2004	BSc	yes	download

Effects on rabbit exclosures on Clennon hill
Researcher		Institute
Jessie Woodbridge		University of Plymouth
Date	Level	Report	Abstract
2004	BSc	yes	download

A preliminary investigation into the effects of bachelor husbandry on a silverback male’s transfer from a breeding group
Researcher		Institute
Jo Butler		University of Exeter
Date	Level	Report	Abstract
2004	MSc	yes	download

Goeldi's monkey enrichment timetable
Researcher		Institute
Jo Harry		University of Plymouth
Date	Level	Report	Abstract
2004	BSc	no	unavailable

Faecal cortisol in gorillas
Researcher		Institute
John Clarkson		University of Exeter
Date	Level	Report	Abstract
2004	BSc	yes	download

Dominance in red-fronted macaws
Researcher		Institute
Kate Curry		Edinburgh University
Date	Level	Report	Abstract
2004	MSc	yes	download

Theory of mind in gibbons
Researcher		Institute
Kate Horton		University of Exeter
Date	Level	Report	Abstract
2004	MSc	yes	download

Social learning in colobus monkeys
Researcher		Institute
Katherine Hulf		University of Exeter
Date	Level	Report	Abstract
2004	BSc	yes	download

The influence of diet and behaviour on hoof growth in zebras
Researcher		Institute
Kerrie Yates		Liverpool John Moore's University
Date	Level	Report	Abstract
2004	BSc sandwich	yes	download

Breeding and social behaivour of African penguins at Living Coasts
Researcher		Institute
Kerrie Yates		Liverpool John Moore's University
Date	Level	Report	Abstract
2004	BSc sandwich	yes	download

Effects of enclosure size and complexity of large felids
Researcher		Institute
Kristen Jule		University of Exeter
Date	Level	Report	Abstract
2004	MSc	yes	download

Contrafreeloading in ungulates
Researcher		Institute
Lisa Carrier		University of Plymouth
Date	Level	Report	Abstract
2004	BSc	no	unavailable

Factors affecting breeding of saki monkeys
Researcher		Institute
Lisa Haydon		University College Chichester
Date	Level	Report	Abstract
2004	BSc	yes	download

Dietary and nutritional intake of elephants
Researcher		Institute
Lucy Boddam-Whethan		Aberystwyth Univeristy
Date	Level	Report	Abstract
2004	BSc	yes	download

Social behavioural dynamics and captive management of western lowland gorillas in european zoos
Researcher		Institute
Marianne Nitsch aus Mannheim
Date	Level	Report	Abstract
2004	PhD	yes	download

Trees for wildlife?
Researcher		Institute
Naomi Hustwick		Bangor University
Date	Level	Report	Abstract
2004	BSc	yes	download

The function of vocalisations in black howler monkeys
Researcher		Institute
Natalie Garrett		Cardiff University
Date	Level	Report	Abstract
2004	BSc sandwich	no	unavailable

Social interactions and behaviour of seals at Living Coasts
Researcher		Institute
Natalie Garrett		Cardiff University
Date	Level	Report	Abstract
2004	BSc sandwich	no	unavailable

POE waders (Living Coasts)
Researcher		Institute
Paul Hoskins		Swansea University
Date	Level	Report	Abstract
2004	BSc	yes	download

Handedness in red ruffed lemurs
Researcher		Institute
Peter Young		Bolton Institute
Date	Level	Report	Abstract
2004	BSc	no	unavailable

Nutritional value and contribution to diet of zebra paddock swards
Researcher		Institute
Rachel Lloyd		University of Plymouth
Date	Level	Report	Abstract
2004	BSc	no	unavailable

Distancing and social behaviour of a group of orangutans (Pongo pygmaeus pygmaeus) under high potential social contact
Researcher		Institute
Rebecca Lee		University College Worcester
Date	Level	Report	Abstract
2004	BSc	yes	download

Causes and consequences of play behaviour in hamadryas baboons
Researcher		Institute
Rhian Hughes		Cardiff University
Date	Level	Report	Abstract
2004	BSc sandwich	yes	download

The efficacy of individual dosing of antihelmintics for Trichuris infection in colobus monkeys
Researcher		Institute
Sam Ward		Liverpool John Moore's University
Date	Level	Report	Abstract
2004	BSc sandwich	no	unavailable

The influence of stockmanship on behaviour of black rhinos
Researcher		Institute
Sam Ward		Liverpool John Moore's University
Date	Level	Report	Abstract
2004	BSc sandwich	no	unavailable

Load delivery rates on leaf cutter ant trails
Researcher		Institute
Samantha Irish		University of Plymouth
Date	Level	Report	Abstract
2004	BSc	yes	download

Red-fronted lemurs before and after release to free-range
Researcher		Institute
Sarah Jeffrey		University of Plymouth
Date	Level	Report	Abstract
2004	BSc	yes	download

The effect of coppicing on faunal and floral diversity in Clennon Woods
Researcher		Institute
Sophie Smith		Cardiff University
Date	Level	Report	Abstract
2004	BSc sandwich	no	download

POE seals (Living Coasts)
Researcher		Institute
Tania White		Southampton University
Date	Level	Report	Abstract
2004	BSc	yes	download

Causes and consequences of play behaviour in a bachelor gorilla group
Researcher		Institute
Vicky Hughes		Liverpool John Moore's University
Date	Level	Report	Abstract
2004	BSc sandwich	no	download

Intake and apparent digestibility of iron in lemurs
Researcher		Institute
Wanda McCormick		Cardiff University
Date	Level	Report	Abstract
2004	BSc	yes	download

POE penguins (Living Coasts)
Researcher		Institute
Zoe Brooking		University of Plymouth
Date	Level	Report	Abstract
2004	BSc	yes	download

Task learning by observation in Abyssinian colobus
Researcher		Institute
Abigail Gibson		University of Exeter
Date	Level	Report	Abstract
2003	BSc finals	yes	download

Developing an enrichment timetable for Goeldi's monkeys
Researcher		Institute
Alison Gibbs		University of Wales, Cardiff
Date	Level	Report	Abstract
2003	BSc sandwich	no	unavailable

Investigations into contrafreeloading theory
Researcher		Institute
Alison Gibbs		University of Wales, Cardiff
Date	Level	Report	Abstract
2003	BSc sandwich	no	unavailable

Spatial relationships between adult male hamadryas baboons and the function of post-conflict notification
Researcher		Institute
Andrew King		University of Wales, Cardiff
Date	Level	Report	Abstract
2003	BSc finals	yes	download

Occurrence of Campylobacter in a natural water course at Paignton Zoo
Researcher		Institute
Anthony Messer		University of Plymouth
Date	Level	Report	Abstract
2003	BSc finals	yes	download

The behavioural effect of olfactory environemtal enrichment for cheetah
Researcher		Institute
Dennis Bwye		University of Southampton
Date	Level	Report	Abstract
2003	BSc finals	yes	unavailable

Post occupancy evaluation of a new red river hog enclosure
Researcher		Institute
Erik Dayrell		Michigan State University
Date	Level	Report	Abstract
2003	BSc finals	yes	download

Longitudinal investigation into parasite load and efficacy of treatment in colobus monkeys
Researcher		Institute
Fay Poyser		University of Manchester
Date	Level	Report	Abstract
2003	BSc sandwich	yes	download

Investigating habitat preference in juvenile, captive Testuda graeca
Researcher		Institute
Felicity Miller		University of Plymouth
Date	Level	Report	Abstract
2003	BSc finals	yes	download

Task learning by observation in Abyssinian colobus
Researcher		Institute
Gemma Bath		University of Exeter
Date	Level	Report	Abstract
2003	BSc finals	yes	download

Function of howling vocalisations in howler monkeys
Researcher		Institute
Holly Farmer		University of Exeter
Date	Level	Report	Abstract
2003	MSc	yes	download

Gaze direction during mirrors by orang utans and chimpanzees
Researcher		Institute
Jake Rendle-Worthington		University of Exeter
Date	Level	Report	Abstract
2003	MSc	no	unavailable

Iron content of lemur diets
Researcher		Institute
Jennifer Herwood		Torquay Boys Grammar
Date	Level	Report	Abstract
2003