Workshop on Animal Agency and Cognition - Part 4 : Kristin Andrews

''Why Animal Culture Matters for Animal Welfare'' Speaker | Conférencière : Kristin Andres, York University Organisation : François Jaquet & Charles Fontaine (GRÉEA) Abstract: The growing recognition that other animals, like humans, are cultural beings invites us to take a fresh look at what counts as welfare for captive animals. When cultural capacities and practices important to captive animals are impeded or disrupted intentionally (because they appear “abnormal” or threaten health) or unintentionally (because they are not noticed) animal welfare can be negatively impacted. Given animal culture, good behavioral management will include a different way of looking at animals’ social relationships, a different way of looking at enrichment, and an appreciation of the community’s (perhaps distributed) body of knowledge. Broadening the concept of welfare beyond physical health and functioning, affective state, and “natural” behaviors to include something like cultural autonomy has signifi