Protecting Wildlife Through Science
Research, science and evidence-based animal care are at the heart of everything we do.
Our research mission is: “To facilitate and initiate research that contributes to species’ conservation and the welfare of animals in our care.
Wildlife parks and zoos play a vital role in supporting research that advances the welfare of animals in human care.
Research carried out within these settings also provides valuable insights into animal behaviour, physiology, reproduction and veterinary care, helping to inform best practice across the sector.
The knowledge gained can contribute directly to the conservation of threatened species, both in zoos and in the wild.
At West Midlands Safari Park, our Wildlife Team develops an annual list of research priorities, identifying the key questions we want to answer about the animals, their welfare and the management of our site.
These projects are delivered through collaboration between our own researchers and animal keepers, alongside university students, academic researchers and conservation organisations.
We also support a wide range of external research initiatives led by endangered species breeding programmes, other zoological settings, universities, and national and international conservation bodies, enabling our animals and expertise to contribute widely outside the confines of our own safari park.
Current Research Projects
Research, science and evidence-based animal care are at the heart of everything we do.
Penguin Activity
Penguin data collection tool:
We have validated a method of sampling behaviour and substrate use for Humboldt penguins*.
We used the information gathered by our research to inform a habitat revamp, which has improved the penguin environment by giving the birds more land and a higher ratio of sand to concrete.
To make it really easy to collect data in the long term, we designed and started using a digital tool, allowing keepers to enter data using phones or tablets.
The results are automatically graphed and are available for managers and keepers to see immediately.
Tiger Welfare
Long-term monitoring of tiger behaviour:
For several years, we have employed a standard method to collect activity budgets (what they do day-to-day) for the Sumatran tigers.
We use researchers and students to get up-to-date data for each individual every couple of years. Studying behaviour and activity in this way helps us monitor the welfare of the tigers.
If we see any behaviours such as stereotypic pacing behaviour, we can put in mitigations to reduce it. With our continued monitoring, we can then assess whether our mitigations have been successful.
Most importantly, we can ensure that the tigers are expressing healthy species-typical levels and types of activity.
Rhino Behaviour
Keeper monitoring of white rhino:
We have a dedicated rhino patrol in our Safari Drive.
This is a fantastic opportunity to collect data and learn more about the white rhinos. Keepers record the behaviour of each individual every 20 minutes.
We are using the results to look at what factors (visitor numbers, weather, season etc), might be influencing rhino behaviour.
We are also working with other animal settings, so we can ultimately look at differences in rhino behaviour between wildlife parks too.
Lion Project
Lion Patrol pride behaviour assessment:
Periodically, our patrol keepers collected data on the behaviour of each adult individual in our main lion pride.
This is part of an ongoing aim to develop behavioural profiles of all our cats. Keepers record who is resting, eating and interacting, and we use this information to look at what factors influence the lions’ activity levels.
Likely influences are whether it is a feeding day in the reserve, what the weather is like and whether a female is in season. We are currently analysing the data for 2025-26, and we hope the findings will be of use to us and other parks that care for lions.
FIND OUT MORE INFORMATION!
Interested in learning more about our research projects or exploring opportunities to collaborate with West Midlands Safari Park?
We welcome enquiries from students, academic researchers, universities and conservation organisations interested in contributing to wildlife research, animal welfare and species conservation.
Please email research@wmsp.co.uk for further information about our research priorities, current projects and potential opportunities to work with us.