research
Contributing to and actively participating in research is an important part of Parken Zoo's activities. As a zoo, we have unique opportunities to collect valuable information about the animal species that live with us. đđŸ
How does it work?
This information is useful in many ways for research on species conservation both in-situ and ex-situ. Research in zoos has provided much of the valuable information we have today about wild and exotic animals. Collaboration between zoos and researchers is therefore incredibly important to gain knowledge and to work for species conservation both locally and globally.
The research carried out at Parken Zoo is largely concerned with how we can best adapt the zoo to the specific and unique needs of the animals. Many of the animals in our park are part of international conservation breeding programmes, where for various reasons it has been decided that both in-situ and ex-situ work is needed to preserve the species for the future.
We document animal data in ZIMS, a global animal information database that enables the collection of the latest and best information on animal care and welfare.
We welcome students from different educational institutions and are involved in final projects and publications produced by the students.
We perform post-mortem examinations on all animals that die to raise awareness and contribute to research and education.
A research project is currently underway that includes how animals perceive their surroundings in relation to the structure of their retina and brain, in which Parken Zoo is one of the partners of Dr JoĂŁo Paulo Coimbras from the University of the Witwatersrand in South Africa.
Publications
Here are some of the research projects that the zoo has contributed to
Carbonnier Becker, Z, Behaviour and enclosure use of the sand cat (Felis margarita) : an observational study on two sand cats at Parken Zoo. Uppsala: SLU, Department of Applied Animal Science and Welfare.
https://stud.epsilon.slu.se/20564/1/carbonnier-becker-z-20241001.pdf
Mohsen, Y, Impact of new feeding devices on behaviour and food intake of yellow-breasted capuchin monkeys (Sapajus xanthosternos). Uppsala: SLU, Department of Applied Animal Science and Welfare.
https://stud.epsilon.slu.se/20568/1/mohsen-y-20241001.pdf
Enemark, L et al. 2023 The behavioural effects of feeding lean meat vs whole rabbit carcasses to zoo jaguars Panthera onca. Journal of zoo and aquarium reserch. 11(3).
https://doi.org/10.19227/jzar.v11i3.730
Friedmann, M et al. Activity budget and behaviour of giant otters Pteronura brasiliensis at Parken Zoo, Eskilstuna, Sweden. Journal of zoo and aquarium reserch. 11(4).
https://doi.org/10.19227/jzar.v11i4.770
Jansson, A and kavey, A. 2022. Social sustainability at Parken Zoo in Eskilstuna - How is it perceived by visitors? Bachelor thesis 15hp, Tourism Science C. Södertörn University. Department of Science, Environment and Technology.
Social sustainability at Parken Zoo in Eskilstuna: How is it perceived by visitors?
Ebbestad, M, 2021. Comparison of two tool-based enrichments for yellow-breasted nuthatch (Sapajus xanthosternos). Uppsala: SLU, Department of Animal Environment and Health (HMH) (until 231231).
Spoelstra, K. 2021. Lateralized behaviour in whitehanded gibbons (Hylobates lar). Advanced level. Lindköping University. Department of Physics, Chemistry and Biology.
https://liu.diva-portal.org/smash/get/diva2:1563224/FULLTEXT01.pdf
Deander, J, 2021. Individual differences in enclosure utilisation and basking in group-housed radiated tortoises. Uppsala: SLU, Department of Animal Environment and Health (HMH) (until 231231).
https://stud.epsilon.slu.se/17453/1/Deander_J_220105.pdf
Lagerström, L, 2020. Body condition assessment: as a welfare and management tool for radiated tortoises (Astrochelys radiata). Uppsala: SLU, Department of Animal Environment and Health (HMH) (until 231231).
https://stud.epsilon.slu.se/16098/11/lagerstrom_l_200930.pdf