lukas LAB RESEARCH

animal behavior

Can we compare walking in wild and captive giraffe to examine whether skin disease negatively affects locomotor gait?
Are the behavioral mechanics of nest-building behavior in zoo-housed gorillas similar to those observed in free-ranging gorillas?
Can polar bear pacing be distinguished from goal-oriented locomotion using gait characteristics identified by high-speed video analysis?

Masai giraffe at Akagera National Park, Rwanda. ©Kristen Lukas

Infant Gunther with silverback Taz, former bachelor group gorilla. ©Zoo Atlanta

gorilla behavior & care in zoos

Why do so many zoo-housed gorillas engage in regurgitation and reingestion and is there anything we can do to eliminate the behavior?
What is the best age to introduce male gorillas to one another to ensure long-term success of bachelor gorilla groups in zoos?
How can we improve zoo diets to better increase species-typical levels of feed-foraging behavior and improve gorilla heart health?

animal welfare

How do anthropogenic influences on bear behavior change throughout the year and are they associated with variations in measures of bear welfare?
Is it possible to use oxytocin levels as a novel measure of positive welfare in zoo-housed gorillas?
Do zoo ambassador program animals experience comparable levels of welfare than species counterparts managed in typical zoo exhibits?

One of two grizzly bears cared for at Cleveland Metroparks Zoo ©Kristen Lukas

Dr. Jason Wark measuring sound levels in callitrichid exhibits at Cleveland Metroparks Zoo. ©Kristen Lukas

environment & behavior

How do variations in ambient sound levels influence behavior and space use of zoo-housed callitrichid primates?
What are the optimal lighting specifications for enhancing behavior, health, and welfare in nocturnal prosimians?
Do specific environmental features affect behavior, welfare, and space use in zoo-housed animals?

conservation psychology

Can in-situ conservation education programs for teachers lead to lasting behavior changes in students and local communities?
How can we best leverage educational exhibit experiences to affect positive changes in conservation knowledge, attitudes, and behavior?
Are naturalistic zoo exhibits more effective than traditional zoo exhibits at increasing knowledge and inspiring positive conservation attitudes?

Effective zoo exhibits create opportunities for people to make meaningful connections with wildlife. ©Kristen Lukas.

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