RELEVANT ANIMAL-WELFARE ASPECTS IN DESIGN ING THE SPECTACLED BEAR ENCLOSURE AT ZURICH ZOO

The Swiss animal welfare law and animal welfare regulations determine the conditions how wild animals have to be kept in captivity. The zoo animal working group of the Swiss Veterinary Association for Animal We lfare has analysed the respective definitions in relation to keeping b ears. During the planning and construction of the new clouded forest e xhibit for spectacled bears, the Zurich Zoo has put the conclusions of this analysis into practice. Beside the safety precautions for health the realisation of the species-related requirements is the basis for the well-being of the animals. The shaping, the arrangement, the furni ture and the management of the enclosure for spectacled bears in regar d to these demands are described.