Library
Browse resources published by our research team.
In addition to full texts of our peer-reviewed articles, our library includes research digests that break down our peer-reviewed articles; in-depth reports that thoroughly examine a topic; commentaries that explain the significance of particular issues in wild animal welfare science; and short communications that briefly survey a field or topic.
Wild Animal Initiative adheres to Open Science TOP Guidelines. Read more here.
Research sense: Incorporating animals’ sensory capacities in animal care and study design
Mal Graham, Bob Fischer
Graham, M., & Fischer, B. (2025). Research sense: Incorporating animals’ sensory capacities in animal care and study design. Laboratory Animals. https://doi.org/10.1177/00236772251385784
Co-authored by Wild Animal Initiative Strategy Director Mal Graham, this paper was published online in Laboratory Animals in December 2025.
Abstract
No systematic procedures exist to ensure that differences in animal sensory capacities are accounted for in experimental design and ethical review processes. This oversight can compromise both scientific validity and animal welfare. This review presents three practical methodologies to address this gap: incorporation of specialist expertise through consultation frameworks, voluntary certification schemes modeled on Open Science practices, and mandatory sensory capacity review integrated into existing ethics committee processes. We provide a concrete tool — a sensory modality survey — that can be implemented by institutional review committees to evaluate sensory considerations in research proposals systematically. These approaches align with the 3Rs principles by enhancing experimental refinement and potentially reducing animal use through improved study design.
Rehabilitating wild animal welfare: A focus on veterinary rescue and rehabilitation interventions
Beaulieu, M. (2025). Rehabilitating wild animal welfare: A focus on veterinary rescue and rehabilitation interventions. Research in Veterinary Science, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rvsc.2025.105582
Authored by Wild Animal Initiative’s Research Manager, Michaël Beaulieu, this paper was published in the April 2025 issue of Research in Veterinary Science.
Abstract
Conservation considerations are often put forward to justify wildlife veterinary interventions.
Paradoxically, the conservation impact of such interventions is often uncertain.
These interventions, however, have a clear impact on the welfare of wild animals.
This confusion is likely related to the connection between animal conservation and welfare.
Veterinarians need to explicitly recognize the welfare value of their interventions on wildlife.