Animal Welfare Commitment
Implementation and execution of research programmes
At Akongo, our approach is strategic and gradual. We believe in an initial deployment limited to specific species, with dedicated teams, to ensure a rigorous and successful implementation of the program.
"The goal is to enable a comprehensive assessment of the welfare of the species present, considering species variability and the number of individuals in a zoo. Depending on the team and the organisation, the monitoring can therefore be planned upstream and adjusted by the establishment’s animal welfare coordinator."
First Year: Intensive Support
During the first year, we offer you close support. After discussions with the teams, we select the species for which welfare issues have been identified. We then guide you in developing monitoring protocols, using our assessment tools and implementing a suitable scientific practice. This personalised approach ensures optimal team training and effective implementation of our program.
Second Year and Beyond: Autonomy and Expansion
The first year focuses on building the team's skills, mastering the tool, understanding welfare assessment principles and possible corrective actions. From the second year onwards, the trained teams play a key role by sharing their experiences and helping to extend practices to other species and teams within their institution. The number of species and animals monitored can be increased. In addition, the team will have the opportunity to conduct self-assessments on the mammal and bird species present in the park. This progressive approach ensures that the program is firmly established before being expanded, thus guaranteeing a lasting and significant impact on animal welfare.
Year 1
Support and implementation of welfare monitoring
Part 1 - Close monitoring - Intensive support
- Up to 8 species
Number of species included
- Inclus dans Year 1
Definition of the research project(s)
- Inclus dans Year 1
Access to mobile application - Behavioural observations
- Inclus dans Year 1
Access to online platform
- Inclus dans Year 1
External evaluation by ethologists
- Inclus dans Year 1
Monthly follow-up meetings
- Inclus dans Year 1
Annual activity report
- Inclus dans Year 1
Team monitoring and advice in applied ethology
- 7 days included
On-site day with teams
Part 2 - Autonomous welfare monitoring - Expanding of the approach to other species in the institution
- Non inclus dans Year 1
Access to self-assessment for all species
- Non inclus dans Year 1
Integration of all desired individuals into AWM software
- Non inclus dans Year 1
Access to all questionnaires and ethograms
- Non inclus dans Year 1
Adaptable rhythm of campaigns and assessments
- Non inclus dans Year 1
Access to results on AWM
- Non inclus dans Year 1
Opportunity to undertake additional research projects
Year 2 and beyond
Support and global monitoring of animal welfare
Part 1 - Close monitoring - Intensive support
- Up to 8 species
Number of species included
- Inclus dans Year 2 and beyond
Definition of the research project(s)
- Inclus dans Year 2 and beyond
Access to mobile application - Behavioural observations
- Inclus dans Year 2 and beyond
Access to online platform
- Inclus dans Year 2 and beyond
External evaluation by ethologists
- Inclus dans Year 2 and beyond
Monthly follow-up meetings
- Inclus dans Year 2 and beyond
Annual activity report
- Inclus dans Year 2 and beyond
Team monitoring and advice in applied ethology
- 7 days included
On-site day with teams
Part 2 - Autonomous welfare monitoring - Expanding of the approach to other species in the institution
- Inclus dans Year 2 and beyond
Access to self-assessment for all species
- Inclus dans Year 2 and beyond
Integration of all desired individuals into AWM software
- Inclus dans Year 2 and beyond
Access to all questionnaires and ethograms
- Inclus dans Year 2 and beyond
Adaptable rhythm of campaigns and assessments
- Inclus dans Year 2 and beyond
Access to results on AWM
- Inclus dans Year 2 and beyond
Opportunity to undertake additional research projects
Species selection
Species selection is a crucial aspect of our methodology at Akongo. To maximise the effectiveness and impact of our program, it is essential to select species of different sizes (e.g., small and large cats rather than just large cats) with varying welfare states.
“Choosing species for an animal welfare program is vital to ensure successful and sustainable implementation. Diversity allows us to maximise benefits for all the species involved.”
Species diversity
Incorporating both large and small species addresses practical and economic considerations. Smaller species allow for quicker implementation and adjustments, while larger species may require more time and resources. Thus, this approach enables progress, providing quick and measurable successes that sustain the momentum of the programme.
Balance between species with different challenges and opportunities
It is also important to choose species that are well-adapted to their environment and others that present specific challenges. By including species for which current practices seem effective, we can validate and strengthen those practices. Conversely, working with species that present challenges helps identify areas for improvement and develop appropriate solutions. This balanced approach demonstrate that even well-intentioned practices can benefit from revisions, while acknowledging and rewarding the efforts of the teams, which is crucial for maintaining their motivation and commitment.
Learn more about our solutions
- Animals
Discover the species we monitor and the specific programmes available for each.
- Research Projects
Explore our innovative research projects dedicated to animal welfare.
- Partners
Discover the zoos and laboratories that collaborate with us to promote animal welfare.