Animal Welfare
We at Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary care deeply for all our creatures, from our tiny zebra finches to our 2-metre tall red kangaroos. So, when we’re talking about welfare, we refer to the different feelings and sensations each animal under our care experiences, ranging from positive to negative, given the conditions in which it lives in.
Since we’re accredited by the Zoo and Aquarium Association (ZAA), this means you can rest assured that the animals under our care are happy and healthy. We support a high level of animal welfare by using the Five Domains Model.
Five Domains
What are the Five Domains?
A science-based tool for assessing and supporting animal welfare. First we assess the first four domains (Nutrition, Environment, Health and Behaviour), which builds us a picture of the fifth domain (Mental Domain) and the overall welfare of the animal.
- Nutrition: Ensuring our animals are all well hydrated and have access to a balanced and engaging diet, no hungry animals here.
- Environment: Understanding the environmental needs of each animal that influence their natural sensory responses, to provide a habitat where they can feel at home.
- Health: Supporting our animals’ physical health, through regular check-ups and veterinary care, to ensure that our animals are in tip top shape and can engage in a range of positive experiences.
- Behaviour: Providing opportunities for our animals to engage in natural behaviours, self-generated actions and purposeful activities, like play, courtship and foraging.
- Mental: Understanding, based on the assessment of the other four domains, the various emotions and sensations that make up the mental state of each animal.
The Zoo and Aquarium Association (ZAA) Accreditation
At ZAA there’s no monkeying around when it comes to getting accredited. It involves a thorough process where zoos, aquariums, sanctuaries, and wildlife parks must provide compelling evidence on their operations, policies and the experiences of their animals. This assessment goes beyond the minimum legal government requirements placed on zoos and aquariums, using the Five Domains model to reach a higher standard and continuously support positive animal welfare.