Skip to Main Content
 

Global Search Box

 
 
 
 

Files

File List


clessthesis.pdf (799.65 KB)

ETD Abstract Container

Abstract Header

A Dissection of Pacing in Zoo-Housed Polar Bears: How Details of the Behavior Can Suggest Motivational and Causal Factors

Cless, Isabelle T
http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=case1435017139

Abstract Details

2015, Master of Sciences, Case Western Reserve University, Biology.
Pacing is a commonly investigated abnormal behavior in zoo animals, however, little data have been published to support a precise definition of pacing. High-speed video of pacing behavior in 11 zoo-housed polar bears (Ursus maritimus) was compared with goal-oriented locomotion. Step cycle and head height were found to be less variable in the pacing condition (P < 0.01; P < 0.05) and significantly different across conditions (P < 0.01; P < 0.05). Bears did not appear to pace in random spots within their exhibits, and the location therefore seemed tied to underlying motivation for the behavior. Age and whether or not a bear paced anticipatorily had significant effects on a bear’s pacing behavior (P < 0.01; P < 0.05). The results of this study confirm that pacing is quantifiably different than non-repetitive locomotion and may reflect a state in which animals are disengaged with their environments.
Kristen Lukas, Dr. (Advisor)
Roy Ritzmann, Dr. (Committee Member)
Mark Willis, Dr. (Committee Member)
Animal Sciences; Animals; Welfare; Zoology
Polar bear, Animal welfare, Zoo animal, Stereotypic behavior, Abnormal behavior, Step cycle, Pacing gait

Recommended Citations

Citations

  • Cless, I. T. (2015). A Dissection of Pacing in Zoo-Housed Polar Bears: How Details of the Behavior Can Suggest Motivational and Causal Factors [Master's thesis, Case Western Reserve University]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=case1435017139

    APA Style (7th edition)

  • Cless, Isabelle. A Dissection of Pacing in Zoo-Housed Polar Bears: How Details of the Behavior Can Suggest Motivational and Causal Factors. 2015. Case Western Reserve University, Master's thesis. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center, http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=case1435017139.

    MLA Style (8th edition)

  • Cless, Isabelle. "A Dissection of Pacing in Zoo-Housed Polar Bears: How Details of the Behavior Can Suggest Motivational and Causal Factors." Master's thesis, Case Western Reserve University, 2015. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=case1435017139

    Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)

case1435017139
6,827
© 2015, all rights reserved.
This open access ETD is published by Case Western Reserve University School of Graduate Studies and OhioLINK.