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researched what could happen if you take elephants, rhinoceroses and tapirs out of their natural environment. Problems are lurking but luckily, there are solutions. Other than a passion for research and pachyderms, as these animals are called, Bruins-van Sonsbeek is fond of drawing. “I started drawing very early as a kid and nowadays my drawings help with education and explaining my research.”

“Life in a zoo is different than in the wild”, says Linda Bruins-van Sonsbeek. “For instance, pachyderms in zoos receive different food items and therefore, different nutrients, move less, the climate is different and they may experience stress by the unnatural situation with humans and sounds.”

Pachyderms in zoos receive different food, move less and may experience more stress

Bruins-van Sonsbeek researched what happens with the vitamin (D) and mineral balance of pachyderms in captivity. She also advised on possible solutions for some imbalances found and further research directions. 

Physical problems

“Research showed that life in a zoo might create alterations in the animals physiology such as high insulin levels and high inflammatory marker levels as well as disruptions in the vitamin and mineral balance."

Improving the circumstances

“Zoos keep on improving the health and welfare of these species by adjusting the circumstances in captivity based on research. For instance they adjust their diet and suspend UV-lamps. The latter effects are currently being researched in rhinoceroses."

Healthy planet

"Zoos are also creating awareness for a healthy planet. Zoos educate their visitors about, among other things, nature and our impact on it. In addition they’re also helping the land of origin of these animals with the escalation of the protection of the population. For example, they’re supporting the acquisition and protection of their natural habitats and contribute with the training of local professionals and citizens and sometimes return animals to the wild.”

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