Jaguar at Zoo Koki
🔬 Zoo Koki Foundation

Scientific research

We actively collaborate on research projects focused on conservation, animal welfare and zoo management.

The Zoo Koki Foundation actively collaborates on scientific research projects focused on the conservation of biodiversity, animal welfare and the improvement of zoo management. Over the years we have taken part in studies ranging from the breeding of threatened species to the analysis of their behaviour, health and adaptation in controlled environments. These investigations, carried out in partnership with universities, rescue centres and international organisations, reflect our commitment to knowledge as a fundamental tool for protecting wildlife.

Below we present some of the most notable pieces of work on which we have had the honour of collaborating.

🎓 Final degree project

Ethological study of the behaviour and environmental enrichment of jaguars (Panthera onca) under human care

Degree in Veterinary Science, 2025 · Andrea Morcillo Pérez, Universidad Complutense de Madrid · Supervised by Daniel Alonso Miguel and Iñaki Hernández García.

🎓 Final degree project

Ex situ conservation project for Edwards's pheasant (Lophura edwardsi)

Degree in Environmental Sciences, 2023-25 · Daniel Muñoz Lancha, Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha · Supervised by Iñaki Hernández García and Rocío A. Baquero Noriega.

🎓 Final degree project

Study on how enclosure design influences the welfare and range of behaviours of jaguars (Panthera onca)

Degree in Biology, 2023-25 · Jessica Delgado, Universidad Complutense de Madrid · Tutors: Natalia Guerra Pérez and Iñaki Hernández García. Academic year 2025.

📖 Research project

The behaviour of Edwards's pheasant in captivity

Ethological study of the behaviour in captivity and of the movement around the enclosure of Edwards's pheasant. Research project, 2023-25 · Octavi Viader Romagosa, Institut Menéndez y Pelayo · Tutor: Iñaki Hernández García. Academic year 2024.

🏅 Vocational training

Enrichment and environmental education with various non-releasable birds in different centres across Spain

Specialist technician in animal welfare and species rehabilitation, 2024 course · Mafalda Díaz Espinar, Instintia (specialised vocational training school).

🎓 Final degree project

Zoos as tools for biodiversity conservation

Degree in Biology, 2022-2023 · María Calvo Rodríguez, Facultad de Biología de Salamanca (Universidad de Salamanca).

🌍 Our own project

Pheasants of the world: breeding, selection, management, reproduction and current status in captivity

We are currently working on the Faisanes del Mundo (Pheasants of the World) project, which aims to offer a clear and comprehensive classification system for the various pheasant species and to be a reference site for the conservation of these birds.

www.faisanesdelmundo.com →

🔬 Scientific publication

Zoo Koki contributes to a study of land tortoises that challenges evolutionary theories of ageing

In a study published in the journal Science, researchers used data provided by Zoo Koki, in collaboration with other zoos and aquariums, to examine 52 species of tortoises and turtles. The data recorded by Zoo Koki in the Species360 Zoological Information Management System (ZIMS) made it possible to discover that, unlike humans and other species, tortoises defy common evolutionary theories and can slow their rate of ageing in response to improved environmental conditions.

🐴 Our own research

Equine therapy and other animal-assisted therapies for children and adolescents

Research into improvements in motor and cognitive-emotional abilities through activity cards and exercises with animals, encouraging emotional exchange between children and animals.

Equine therapy activities at Zoo Koki
🤝 International cooperation

Habitat selection, genetics and population size of the jaguar (Panthera onca) in continuous and fragmented areas in Brazil and Mexico

Cooperation with the BBVA Foundation · Project leaders: Dr Francisco Palomares and Dr José Antonio Godoy.

Jaguar (Panthera onca) at Zoo Koki
🐢 Conservation and reintroduction

Management, breeding and reintroduction patterns of the spur-thighed tortoise (Testudo graeca)

Research and conservation work on a captive population of 13 individuals, to which management, monitoring and subsequent breeding techniques are applied so that they can be reintroduced into authorised areas of Andalusia. The project is carried out under the supervision of the CITES office in Seville.

Spur-thighed tortoise (Testudo graeca)

«Zoos and aquariums are fully and actively integrated into the scientific community, and involved in raising public awareness and understanding of science. They are serious, respected scientific institutions that make an important contribution to the benefit of wildlife».

World Zoo and Aquarium Conservation Strategy. Source: WAZA.