In a groundbreaking move for Polish zoological gardens, Karolina Mól-Woźniak has been appointed as the new Specialist for Animal Welfare and Species Conservation at Wrocław Zoo. She is only the second person to hold such a position in the country, following the establishment of the first such role at the Gdańsk Zoo. This new role represents a critical step forward in how zoos are approaching animal welfare and conservation.
A New Era in Animal Welfare
Animal welfare, a concept of growing importance within zoological gardens, is now a key focus when designing exhibits, selecting diets, and determining the activities that animals engage in. Specialists like Mól-Woźniak play a vital role in measuring and assessing the living conditions of animals in a zoo, using measurable criteria that help identify areas for improvement and ensure that the animals are living in environments that closely resemble their natural habitats.
The creation of the specialist position follows recommendations from the European Association of Zoos and Aquaria (EAZA), which advocates for each zoo to have an expert dedicated to this important task. Wrocław Zoo is now the second zoo in Poland to have such a position after Gdańsk Zoo pioneered the role.
A Unique and Evolving Role
Karolina Mól-Woźniak, a graduate in zootechnics with over 15 years of experience at Wrocław Zoo, was selected through a competitive process to fill this newly created role. Before taking on her new responsibilities, she worked as an animal keeper in the Terrarium Section, specializing in reptiles. This expertise will serve her well as she shifts her focus to overseeing the welfare of all animals in the zoo.
In preparation for her new position, Mól-Woźniak studied extensively, utilizing EAZA’s toolkits and consulting with other specialists in animal welfare to understand the nuances of the role. As a specialist, her primary responsibility will be to assess animal welfare, but she will also be involved in species conservation projects, an area in which she will collaborate with external organizations and manage funds raised by the zoo.
Understanding Animal Welfare
But what exactly is animal welfare, and why is it so important? Mól-Woźniak clarifies that animal welfare is a much broader concept than simply ensuring animals are fed and their enclosures are cleaned. “Animal welfare is assessed across five key areas: environment, behaviour, nutrition, medical care, and mental well-being,” she explains. These criteria go far beyond the day-to-day care provided by keepers and require a more holistic evaluation of how animals are living in captivity.
The mental well-being of animals, for example, is not the same as their “happiness”—a term that can lead to anthropomorphism. Instead, welfare assessments look at whether animals display natural behaviours, whether they have access to appropriate enrichment, and whether their physical and mental conditions mirror those found in their wild counterparts.
The Evolution of Zoos: From Cages to Complex Ecosystems
Zoos have come a long way since their early days when animals were confined to small, cramped cages and often subjected to poor living conditions. Today, the design of animal enclosures is carefully planned to suit the specific needs of each species, with zoo architects, curators, and nutritionists working together to create environments that are as natural as possible. For example, animals at Wrocław Zoo enjoy specially tailored diets, such as California squid for the zoo’s big cats or acacia gum for the primates.
The advancements in zoo design and animal care are extensive, and much of the credit goes to specialists like Mól-Woźniak, who help ensure the animals’ welfare is continuously monitored and improved.
A Thorough and Collaborative Process
The process of evaluating animal welfare involves a team effort. In addition to Mól-Woźniak, animal keepers, department managers, veterinarians, and other experts collaborate to assess the conditions of each animal and exhibit. Welfare assessments include evaluating behavioural patterns, health, nutrition, and environmental conditions, and may involve specific monitoring for individual animals that are ageing, ill, or recovering from medical procedures.
For example, an animal might undergo welfare assessments before and after a significant event, such as the introduction of a new animal to its enclosure, or following a major change in its environment, like a new pavilion. The assessments may also help determine the need for facility upgrades or changes in diet and enrichment.
The Bigger Picture: Species Conservation
While animal welfare is a central focus of Mól-Woźniak’s work, her role also extends to species conservation. As part of the zoo’s broader mission, she will oversee conservation initiatives and collaborate with foundations and other organizations to support endangered species. The zoo funds its conservation efforts through ticket sales, with proceeds from the “ZOO for Rescue” program, which raises hundreds of thousands of zlotys annually.
Mól-Woźniak’s contributions are essential not only in ensuring that the zoo’s animals are well-cared for but also in supporting the global effort to protect species at risk of extinction.
A Commitment to the Future
Karolina Mól-Woźniak’s appointment marks a significant step forward for Wrocław Zoo and Polish Zoological Gardens as a whole. The introduction of animal welfare specialists in zoos reflects a broader, evolving commitment to conservation and the humane treatment of animals. This new role will help ensure that the zoo continues to meet high standards of animal care while also contributing to the protection of species worldwide.
“Today, zoos are not just for the enjoyment of visitors but are places dedicated to animal welfare and the conservation of species. Our primary mission is to protect endangered species, and this can only be done by providing animals with the best possible living conditions. Animal welfare will always be at the heart of everything we do,”
Mól-Woźniak said.