Animal welfare is our welfare

Serengeti-Park Department of Research SPDR

With an increased call for research at the Serengeti-Park Hodenhagen GmbH, the Serengeti-Park Department of Research (SPDR) was created in January 2018. The SPDR is committed to interdisciplinary approaches to biological, physiological, psychological and veterinary research. SPDR operates, supports and promotes scientific research projects that directly or indirectly serve the overall vision of the Serengeti-Park Hodenhagen GmbH and its mission to be innovative and goal oriented towards the future. The Serengeti-Park Hodenhagen GmbH is currently home to approximately 1500 animals from nearly 80 species. Many of these animals are endangered in the wild and are enrolled in captive breeding programs.

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Objectives

By examining the influence that the external and internal environment has on the animals and on visitor awareness, we have defined our main objectives as follows:

Facilitating and initiating research projects that are vital to the conservation and welfare of animal species in our care, including those at risk of extinction in the wild and those that play an important role in the social structure and ecosystem.

Increasing support and promotion for research projects involving domestic and endangered species through financial means and shared basic scientific knowledge stemming from published and unpublished reports.

Encouraging cooperation with Universities and Institutes with the goal of creating a network of research and conservation efforts.

Improving public attitudes towards animals and conservation, as visitors may leave each visit more committed to the protection of nature.

SPDR, through scientific research projects, has the priority to ensure the animal welfare of the Serengeti-Park’s animal collection by working closely with administrative staff, veterinarians, biologists, zoologists and animal keepers.

This knowledge can ultimately be used towards the conservation of species biodiversity, and in decision-making that directly impacts the management of animals in our care, which can create a legacy in the years to come.

Research Project Areas

Stress management


Manometer

Physiology & endocrine response

Cognitive research


Glühbirne

Enrichment & training

Population biology


Mikroskop

Reproduction & genetics 

Ecology & nutrition

Behavior typical of the species


Heart

Social learning & social structure

Parasitology


Bug

Parasite-host interactions

Social science


Pokal

Conservation physiology & 

Conservation psychology 

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In addition to the observational data, non-invasive samples from the wildlife stock at the Serengeti-Park, can be made available to the research following compliance with Germany and EU legal requirements, veterinary regulations, and adherence to the ethics and principles of the European Association of Zoos and Aquaria (EAZA).

Our research center informs park-guests about the results of our projects

5th International Meeting on Zoo Research, Conservation and Biodiversity

Save the date: April 2nd to 5th 2025

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International Meeting on Zoo Research, Conservation and Biodiversity

The yearly conference, “International Meeting on Zoo Research, Conservation and Biodiversity”, was formed to provide a platform for scientists, academia, zoo researchers and all persons interested to discuss and exchange information on new science-based innovations and research topics that will offer perspectives and future-oriented solutions to biodiversity changes, while also addressing environmental sustainability.

The 5th conference will take place 2nd to 5th of April 2025. For more information, please visit the conference website.

Download Post-Conference Reports

Support

To finance its research, the SPDR largely depends on internal funding from the Serengeti-Park Hodenhagen GmbH, and on company sponsors. 

If you are interested in collaborating on a project with the Serengeti-Park Department of Research or in providing support for our research projects, please contact us.

Contact

Dr. Idu Azogu-Sepe

Chief of Department of Research
EAZA Research Committee Core Member

Serengeti-Park 

Department of Research (SPDR)
Tel.: +49 (0) 5164 / 9799 – 444
Email: i.azogu@serengeti-park.de