Psychology and Behaviour of Animals in Zoos and Circuses by H. Hediger (1969) Paperback

by Heini Hediger

In this book Dr. H. Hediger, Director of the Zurich Zoological Gardens, uses many of his observations as the basis of a series of essays in animal psychology, with particular emphasis on the behavior of captive animals in zoos and circuses. First discussing the historical development of animal psychology as a science, he describes the nature of the science as he seism ( the investigation of animal behavior plus sympathetic understanding), and outlines several possible approaches to its study. His own approach, that of the animal psychologist in the zoo takes as its material the wild animal that has developed in nature without man's interference. He goes on to discuss how animals live in the wild, demonstrating a striking similarity between human and animal homes, even to the extent of functional "room" divisions and "roads" between homes. The features of the animal's daily life-rest, acquisition and assimilation of food, play, various kinds of social activity, and the dominant avoidance of enemies- are discussed in great detail with numerous examples from the author's observations. He includes many fascinating accounts of such curious facts as the mysterious synchronization that allows shoals of fish to move in perfect unison, and his discussion of animal social relationships- fighting, care of the young, patriarchally and matriarchal organized societies, and the "begging" so typical in zoos- includes a detailed description of the birth of a baby giraffe. There are further chapters on flight pattens, the special behavior of circus animals, comparison of wild and domestic animals, animal expression, and play and training. continually. He demonstrates to the reader that the points of similarity between animal and human behavior are of great value in understanding human psychology and psychology in general. For this reason the book will be as interesting to the intelligent layman as it will be useful to the animal lover.

173 pages, Paperback

First published June 1, 1969

Reviews

[Heather Browning · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was mostly interesting in a historical sense. Heini Hediger was one of the first in the zoo industry to really recognise the importance of the mental well-being of animals and push for use of enrichment; for this reason I would recommend his books to anyone in the industry. In this book he describes a lot of the features that characterise the psychology and wild lives of animals and why they may be important considerations for captive management. Although a lot of the material is now outdated, with advancements in the animal sciences, his core ideas still hold.

[Catherine Smith · Rating 1 out of 5]

This was preobbably my least favorite animal book that i read. it covered the behavior and all of animals within zooes and circuses. as people know who have gone to circuses animals are trained differently to perform tricks that are other wise not really seen and performed by animals. the book details the processes in which these trainers go through to teach these tricks and what it means for the animals. though these animals are learning these tricks it doesnt really help them besides the show business since they are of absolutely no need to them nor benefit. (so some see them as pointless besides entertainment for general public )

[Stacy · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a very interesting book, very old and outdated (1968), but there is very little written on the subject. I have learned a lot so far, but with reservations due to modern advances in animal care and housing. Most of the information is very useful. I haven't seen much of anything regarding circus tricks, so I am wondering if the other reviewer read the same book. The part abut elephants sleeping was interesting. This book was worth reading if you work with animals, but if anyone out there has read more recent books on the subject, I'd like to check them out.

[Js · Rating 5 out of 5]

You can read this book to learn about non human animals but the underlying subversive message is quite plain if you have the eyes to see it. While discussing these animals Hediger is also talking about us. From this perspective it's quite the brilliant piece of comparative psychology. If you didn't see this, read it again.