A study co-authored by Lori Kogan, professor of clinical sciences, explores the mental well-being of animal care and health professionals (ACHPs) in zoos.

The study, published in the journal Frontiers in Psychology, surveyed 1695 animal care and health professionals and found that these individuals report higher levels of anxiety, depression, and burnout and lower levels of professional fulfillment than other zoo staff and volunteers. The most common animal-related losses experienced by ACHPs in the past year were unexpected death and anticipated loss, with more than half of these losses occurring within the past three months. ACHPs’ reported bond with animals under their care was positively associated with depression and anxiety. Having a formal ritual or process following the death of an animal was positively associated with job fulfillment and perceived organizational support and negatively associated with depression and burnout—yet only 17 percent of participants indicated that their zoo had such a process or ritual.

Kogan and her colleagues suggest that zoos establish organizational strategies aimed at nurturing a culture that acknowledges and validates grief experiences. These initiatives will contribute to the well-being and welfare of both zoo staff and the animals they care for.