Behavioral Biology

The Behavioral Biology Division documents factors responsible for variation in reproductive success among animals. They incorporate a multidisciplinary perspective designed to contribute to improved management and conservation of animals and their habitats. They work closely with animal husbandry staff in formulating research questions and projects that benefit the species in the Zoo’s collection. 

Representative projects include mate selection by female koalas, hormones and social relationships among Somali wild ass, giraffe sociality, reproductive ecology of wild koalas, growth and development of African elephants, and the influence of novelty and familiarity on cheetah hormones and breeding behavior.  They have initiated a new research program in sensory ecology that examines animal vocalizations in order to better understand how animals perceive their surroundings and one another. The current focus is on elephants, okapis, gibbons, and cheetahs.

Behavioral Biology Staff

• Matt Anderson, Ph.D., Acting Director
• Lance Miller, Ph.D., Research Coordinator
• Jennifer Tobey, M.S., Research Coordinator
• Corinne Pisacane, M.S., Senior Research Laboratory Technician