Each observation should be recorded so that other zoo staff can benefit from it. Note taking is a very important tool in observation. You may record observations with a tape recorder, videotape, movie or still photography but basic written records of observations are the most important tool. You should always record the time and date the observation was made. For behavioral studies check sheets are often created to save time writing. Keepers using abbreviations or special terms should always include a legend so that others reading the observation notes can understand what is meant.

Many categories can be used to define an animal's action when describing behavior or interaction. These include:

a) Social Behavior:

  1. Structure: dominance, submission, courtship, reproduction, adult/young etc.
  2. Compatibility: intra-species or inter-species.
  3. Environment: territorial marking or protection; the animals use of the exhibit space, the effect of the environment on the animal and vice-versa.
  4. Cyclic Behavior: seasonal or circadian changes - sleep, rest and play cycles, reproductive behavior.

b) Maintenance Behavior

  1. Feeding: Social structure of the feeding group, food preferences, etc.
  2. Grooming: Self and social grooming, preening, interaction with plants or the exhibit.
  3. Communications: vocal, visual, olfactory and physical contact.
  4. Elimination: Fecal deposition, coprophagy, and urine marking.
  5. Locomotion: methods, sleep/rest position, aquatic, aerial, arboreal, terrestrial, flight or other methods.

c) Agnostic Behavior

  1. Flight
  2. Threat: bluffing, attack
  3. Thresholds: changes in critical and personal distances, etc.
  4. Communications: vocal, postural
  5. Cyclic behavior: aggression during feeding or rut; when with young, etc.

d) Reproduction Behavior

  1. Social Structure: group interaction or solitary
  2. Male/Female interaction
  3. Female/Male interaction
  4. Copulation
  5. Adult/young/parent: interaction

e) Other Behavior

  1. Stress: boredom, pacing other nervous behavior
  2. Displacement activity: stress manifested in other behaviors.
  3. Reaction to enrichment
  4. Intra/Inter species: relationships with other animals
  5. Spatial occupation: use of various parts and levels of the exhibit.

Examples of agnostic and appeasement behaviors are shown in the next four figures.
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