Research
We are a partner in many research projects that support meaningful conservation efforts at the zoo, and within the accredited zoo membership. These research projects also help international efforts for species rehabilitation and protection in the natural environment.
We rely on scientific research to inform our practices for conservation, rehabilitation, animal care, wellness, species survival plans, education, visitor experience and environmental protection.
Staff, veterinarians, local educational institutions, students, field naturalists and scientists dedicate countless hours to gather data on each species. This information contributes to an international database of knowledge about each species and their health and wellness.
Work with Partners
The Park and Zoo has worked with a variety of academic establishments, university students, and other organizations to support numerous research projects and ongoing programs. Our staff have assisted with fieldwork for the Ontario Turtle Conservation Centre’s study on the Blanding turtle “head starting” program. We have also worked with Trent University’s Wildlife DNA Forensic Laboratory to identify the genetic relationship of Red-Billed hornbills.
Park and Zoo Initiatives
The Park and Zoo has had an active breeding program for the Sulawesi forest turtle since 2011. To help this little known rare and critically endangered species, the program has included research on the impact of environmental factors on breeding as well as conditions required for the successful incubation of eggs.
Institutional Research Partners
- Trent University
- Fleming College
- Guelph University
Papers
These partnerships that have helped solve issues and gain ground on species propagation and the improved health of captive and wild animal populations.
Please connect with us if you would like to complete your research project.
Volunteer
Citizen science and observation helps us to determine the behaviors and health of the animals and plants at Riverview Park and Zoo. If you are interested in becoming a part of our volunteer team that observe daily routines or identify plant species, please fill out our volunteer application form.
Student Projects
The following are a selection of student research project papers that have been supported by the Park and Zoo. Copies of the following research papers can be made available upon request.
- Arsenault, Mackenzie - Popularity of Zoo Mammals Related to Size
- Bainbridge, Sydney - Mammalian Popularity
- Banton-Jones, Kyle - Behavioural Effects of Environmental Changes on a Meerkat Clan
- Beaudin-Judd, Julie - Impact of Open vs Closed Exhibit Designs on Wallaby Behaviour
- Beaudin-Judd, Weladji, Lazure & Paré - Activity of Bennetts Wallabies
- Francis, Caitlin - Synchrony of two Captive Ruminant Species
- Hollingshead, Brett - Does Body Size Affect Animal Popularity?
- Jones, Connor - How Body Size Affects the Popularity of Mammalian Exhibits
- Mather, Elizabeth - What Influences Visitor Patterns at the Peterborough Zoo
- Mellor, Emma Louise - Does Natural Foraging Niche Influence Captive Animal Health and Welfare
- Mellor, Cuthill, Schwitzer, Mason and Mendl - Large Lemurs: Ecological, Demographic and Environmental Risk Factors for Weight Gain in Captivity
- Peeters, Graham - Popularity of Zoo Animals Based Upon Different Factors
- Walton, Sarah - Effect of Enrichment Items on Social Interactions of Northern River Otters