Caitlin Ford

Ms. Caitlin Ford

orcid

Research Focus & Metrics

Academic Career Length

6Years (2021-Present)

(Calculated once Scilit publication data is synced: current year − year of first publication + 1)

Representative Publications

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1 January 2021 in Applied Animal Behaviour Science
Verified
Journal Article
Closed access
MEMegan C. Edwards
Megan C. Edwards
CFCaitlin Ford
Caitlin Ford
Julia HoyJulia Hoy
Julia Hoy
SFSean FitzGibbon
Sean FitzGibbon
PMPeter John Murray
Peter John Murray

Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
CFCaitlin Ford
Caitlin Ford
LBLiz Bellward
Liz Bellward
Clive Julian PhillipsClive Julian Phillips
Clive Julian Phillips
Kris DescovichKris Descovich
Kris Descovich
The conservation status of great apes (chimpanzees Pan troglodytes, gorillas Gorilla sp., orangutans Pongo sp., and bonobos Pan paniscus) is grave and zoological institutions are vital for maintaining numbers of these species and educating the public about their importance. Technology provides tools that can assist zoos in meeting these objectives. However, the extant research on technology use in zoos is potentially constrained by small sample sizes and there is no framework detailing the methodologies necessary for the successful incorporation of technology into great ape management. Therefore, this study aimed to determine current technology use in the management of captive great apes and whether technology-directed behaviour differs between ape genera. Primary carers of great apes in zoos were surveyed using a 43-question, online questionnaire. The purpose of integrating interactive technology into captive ape management was primarily for enrichment (53% of respondents), followed by research (20% of respondents). However, only 25% of respondents had apes directly engaged with technology. There were no differences in technology-directed behaviours between ape genera. By identifying differences in practice, this research marks the initial stage in developing a best practice framework for using technology.