Behaviorial Endocrinology

The Science of Animal Care

One of the exciting new challenges in enhancing high-level animal care in zoos is applying a broad range of sciences to evaluate animal well-being. The Chicago Zoological Society is addressing this challenge by establishing the Center for the Science of Animal Welfare (CSAW), a new program designed to advance the science of “animal-directed” care at Brookfield Zoo.

With CSAW, the Society is expanding the field through innovation— combining scientific study and animal husbandry to develop the best possible management practices.This will lead to a suite of tools to evaluate animal well being from an animal-centric perspective, and build on the existing programs that CZS has established, such as.

  • Population genetics
  • Behavioral endocrinology
  • Nutrition research
  • Behavioral husbandry
  • Behavioral research
  • Veterinary science

    The center will use both basic and applied research, and the integrated approach will allow scientists and researchers to better understand and accurately read the behavioral indicators directly associated with our animal management practices.


    The fundamental elements of the Center will include:

    A Team Approach—CZS will engage in significant collaboration among the scientists and husbandry management staff at Brookfield Zoo, as well as with scientists at other zoos, aquariums, museums, and universities to promote sound research for the benefit of species and the care of individual animals.

    Modern Systems—CZS will integrate internal systems, by both electronic databases and logs and the addition of a data manager to facilitate the flow of data across systems. An industry-leading group of scientists also will work in collaboration with colleagues throughout the world-wide zoo community to develop collective databases that promote information sharing on individual animals and species.

    Respect and Compassion—CZS will ensure that every aspect of Brookfield Zoo’s operations respects, protects, and promotes the well-being of all of the animals in our care.