Summary

The waldrapp ibis (Geronticus eremita) is a colonial and monogamous bird species, which is classified as ‘Critically Endangered’ by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature. Due to the rapid decline of wild waldrapp ibises a European Endangered species Programme (EEP) has been set up as one way to preserve this species. The waldrapp ibis may experience difficulties with alternating environments, which could cause problems for the EEP of this species. When the birds are transported for EEP purposes from one zoo to another it is however necessary for the success of the EEP that the birds are able to cope with these new environments. It is of great importance for the EEP that the waldrapp ibises reproduce offspring, which might fail when they are not able to cope with the environment or cope with great difficulty. Furthermore, not being able to cope as well as being able to cope with great difficulty may lead to welfare problems. The aim of this research was to assess the coping ability of fourteen waldrapp ibises in GaiaZOO in relation to their environment and the factors that influence the coping ability. The indicators inactive behaviour, comfort behaviour, reproductive behaviour, feather pecking, enclosure use and health were examined in relation to the factors gender, age, origin, weather condition and temperature.