A questionnaire among EAZA (European Association of Zoos and Aquaria) showed that continuing health problems in zoo animals may be caused by inadequate diets and that additional research in the field of zoo animal nutrition is most definitely required.
The results from the questionnaire were sent to research institutes, many of which are willing to cooperate with zoos and exchange data on zoo animal nutrition. Cooperation, between zoo nutritionists, research institutes and animal food manufacturers, is essential in order to improve zoo animal nutrition. Research institutes and food manufacturers may also benefit from such a cooperation.
Moreover, recognizing and improving zoo animal nutrition may achieve a considerable reduction in feed cost. In Europe there are more than 1000 zoos of which 285 belong to EAZA. These zoos spend over EUR 40 million a year on animal food alone. A 10 % reduction (approximately EUR 4 million) may be achieved by improving diets. Further savings may result from improved food hygiene, resulting in fewer food-related problems and perhaps even reduced labour costs. In due time, the benefits to the animals in our care will be improved longevity and reproduction.
Zoo animal nutrition, it is important!
At the initiative of Dr. Walter L. Jansen, Director of Jagran and Joeke Nijboer BSc. nutritionist from Rotterdam Zoo, the European Zoo Nutrition Centre was established in January 2002. The EZNC was, till January 2007 located at the EAZA Executive Office in Amsterdam Zoo, The Netherlands. Nowadays we have established in historical canal house in Amsterdam.This independent non-profit foundation will stimulate European zoo nutrition.