Demonstrating free-choice at a touch tank through individual differences in human-stingray interactions

ABSTRACT

The purpose of this project is to quantify cownose ray behavior using ZooMonitor, focusing on human-animal interactions in the touch tank at ZooTampa. Stingray welfare can be inferred by their ability-or lack thereof-to voluntarily engage with guests. Data was collected through focal observations of twelve cownose rays at Stingray Shores to assess the individual expressions of interactive behaviors. When an interaction occurred, the stingray’s behavior was documented alongside the guest’s actions. The rays could either approach, ignore, or avoid, determined by changes (or lack thereof) in their swim patterns. Guest behaviors were categorized into calm, unexpected, and chaotic actions to examine their impact on interaction success. Differences in positive behaviors, approaching and ignoring, have been demonstrated. However, rates of aversion from guest interactions were not observed to vary between focal rays. The results suggest that stingrays at Stingray Shores can actively choose whether or not to engage with guests, demonstrating potential for free-choice design in other touch tank environments.

For more information: rlstoppa@eckerd.edu

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