What do keepers prioritise when evaluating animal welfare? A content analysis of primate caregiver perspectives on welfare

Abstract

Assessing the welfare of captive primates is essential for optimising their welfare outcomes. Various frameworks, such as the Five Domains Model, are used to evaluate welfare, yet challenges remain due to individual differences and variety in past experiences between animals. Caregivers play a crucial role in welfare assessments, offering valuable insights through daily observations. However, little research has explored what welfare indicators caregivers prioritise when making their assessments. This study employed conventional content analysis to examine 141 free-text responses from 15 caregivers across five primate sanctuaries, identifying key themes in welfare evaluations. Free-text responses were justifications of welfare ratings and related to a welfare assessment of a particular individual. Seven themes were identified: social interactions, behaviour, physical health, mental state, environment, recovery from past experiences, and nutrition. Social factors were the most frequently mentioned, with all caregivers emphasising the importance of group dynamics and relationships in their assessments. Behavioural indicators, physical health, and mental state were also commonly referenced, highlighting the multidimensional nature of welfare assessments. Notably, few caregivers mentioned choice and control in the environment, despite its established importance in welfare science. Understanding caregivers’ perspectives provides valuable insights for refining welfare assessment tools, ensuring they align with both scientific frameworks and practical considerations, and that welfare scores are consistent between raters.