Animal Welfare Projects
Generally, my research revolves around the question of how we can improve animal welfare in a captive setting - whether that be in a zoo, farm, or laboratory. Currently, my doctoral research focuses on how tail docking impacts sheep welfare. Below you will find details on current and past projects I have worked on.
Evaluating the welfare impacts of tail docking sheep
Over 80% of the 3.5 million lambs born in the U.S. each year are tail docked and it also occurs on a large scale globally. However, research on the benefits of tail docking is limited. My dissertation research aims to reduce the knowledge gaps on the short- and long-term affects of tail docking on sheep welfare and behavior by following a cohort of ewes from birth through their first pregnancy.
Animal location estimation from non-overhead video
Typically, accurate location estimation from video is achieved using cameras with top-down views, but structural and financial limitations may require mounting cameras at angles with non-overhead views. Using an open-source geographic information system, we describe a solution to estimate animal location from non-overhead video frames with good accuracy.
Zoo animal behavior and welfare
Before my Ph.D. work, I gained extensive experience studying zoo animal welfare. My primary focus was on the impact of visitors on animal behavior, also known as visitor effects. I studied a host of different species from Japanese macaques to gorillas to white-bellied pangolins.
Publications
Tail docking ewe lambs affects mating behavior later in life
Woods, J. M., Adcock, S. J. J. Applied Animal Behaviour Science, Under Review
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Healing progression of tail docking and ear tag wounds in lambs
Woods, J. M., Adcock, S. J. J. Scientific Reports, 2025
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Validation of an indoor real-time location system for tracking sheep
Woods, J. M., Adcock, S. J. J. Computers and Electronics in Agriculture, 2024
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Estimating animal location from non-overhead camera views
Woods, J. M., Adcock, S. J. J. Applied Animal Behaviour Science, 2023
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Bird welfare in zoos and aquariums: General insights across industries
Woods, J. M., Eyer, A., Miller, L. J. Journal of Zoological and Botanical Gardens, 2022
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How is Western lowland gorilla (Gorilla gorilla gorilla) behavior and physiology impacted by 360 visitor viewing access
O'Malley, M., Woods, J. M., Byrant, J., Miller, L. J. Animal Behavior and Cognition, 2021
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Preference assessments as a tool to evaluate environmental enrichment
Woods, J. M., Lane, E. K., Miller, L. J. Zoo Biology, 2020
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The social rank of zoo-housed Japanese macaques is a predictor of visitor-directed aggression
Woods, J. M., Ross, S. R., Cronin, K. A. Animals, 2019
Research would not be possible without dedicated interns, volunteers, & care staff. Thank you to all who have been essential in my research!
Chicago Zoological Society
Maire O'Malley
John Anglin
Adrienne Eyer
University of Wisconsin-Madison:
Kaylee Baker
Angie Blechl
Francesca Castangia
Ashley Chavin
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Ashley Hartwig
Blake Johnson
Bryn Johnson
Sagarika Pal
Lindsay Pfeiffer
Nicole Steele
Todd Taylor
Mara Quarne
Zoe Schultz