Psychological Research Helping Animals Comparative psychologist Rebecca Snyder is the curator of giant panda research and management at Zoo Atlanta. Collaborating with scientists at Chengdu Zoo in Sichuan province in China, Snyder and her colleagues have studied topics as diverse as spatial memory in adult giant pandas, play behavior in cubs, and reproductive behavior (Charlton & others, 2010; Perdue & others, 2009; M. Wilson & others, 2009). Knowledge gained from such research not only improves the quality of life of pandas in zoos, but also can be applied to conservation efforts in the wild (Maple, 2006, 2007). Many zoos consult comparative psychologists to help design appropriate housing and enrichment activities for all sorts of animals. For more on the giant panda psychological and behavioral research at Zoo Atlanta, visit: www.zooatlanta.org/conservation_giant_panda_research.htm

Courtesy of Zoo Atlanta