Research Specialist Advisory Group

Convenor: Vacant

Our vision for the next decade is in the integration of zoos and aquariums into the research community and into public consciousness, as serious, respected scientific institutions that make significant contributions and sound scientific decisions for wildlife.

Zoos and aquariums in Australasia vary in their approach to carrying out conservation and research; some institutions have dedicated research staff, while others  incorporate research into other positions. Most zoos and aquariums collaborate with universities, government agencies, and other organizations with similar conservation goals.

Research is conducted in numerous areas including:

• research in pure and applied biological science (small population biology, animal welfare, wildlife medicine, nutrition, behavior, reproductive biology, genetics, evolution, and taxonomy)
• in situ conservation research (e.g. field based ecological and habitat research, reintroductions)
• research aimed at identifying and improving zoo and aquarium operations (e.g. research on visitor learning, effectiveness of exhibits and programs, marketing, fundraising, and development).

Current research at Association institutional members includes:

• Photo: Taronga Zoo

  Release of captive-bred Little Penguin, Eudyptula minor, from the Taronga Zoo animal collection to the last NSW mainland population in Pittwater (Taronga Zoo)
• Dispersal by Western Grey Kangaroos of Myrmechorous seeds (Perth Zoo)
• Urban ecology of the New Zealand Wood Pigeon (Wellington Zoo)
• Captive breeding and conservation programs for Australian frogs (Zoos Victoria)
• Habitat utilization by Brush-tailed Bettongs released onto the core area of Alice Springs Desert Park (Alice Springs Desert Park)
• Investigate and validate the use of a variety of molecular probes and techniques that allow evaluation of specific organelles in the sperm (Dreamworld)
• Ecology of Southern Elephant Seals on the Antarctic Peninsula (Taronga Zoo)
• A study of the behaviour of the Perth Zoo Pack of nine African Wild Dogs,  Lycaon pictus: Coalitions and relationships within the pack (Perth Zoo)
• Comparative renal anatomy of exotic species (Zoos Victoria)
• Visitor utilization of species identifications signs (Wellington Zoo)
• The management of Southern Hairy-nosed Wombats in captivity: a model for the future captive management of Northern Hairy-nosed Wombat (Dreamworld)
• Behavioural response to predator odour in the Spinifex-hopping Mouse, Notomys alexis and Rat, Rattus norvegicus.

For more information, check out the research conducted at the following zoos:

• Perth Zoo

• Zoos Victoria 
• Wellington Zoo
• Taronga Zoo
• Alice Springs Desert Park
• Zoos SA

Animal Records Keeping Specialist Advisory Group
Education, Interpretation and Visitor Services Specialist Advisory Group
Horticulture Specialist Advisory Group
Human Resources Specialist Advisory Group
Marketing Specialist Advisory Group 
Taxonomy Specialist Advisory Group
Veterinary Specialist Advisory Group