An AI-powered camera platform could soon help monitor the health and behavior of zoo animals at night, thanks to a new partnership between the University of Surrey and Marwell Wildlife.
Researchers at Surrey’s Center for Visual, Sound and Signal Processing (CVSSP) are working closely with Marwell to develop a bespoke AI nighttime behavior observation system that interprets video footage and flags abnormal animal behavior patterns. The three-year project will use AI and machine learning to study animals’ nighttime movements, helping zookeepers spot subtle signs of illness or distress that may go unnoticed.
The observation platform will first be tested in giraffe and red river pig enclosures, allowing the team to develop and refine the system across a variety of species. The aim is to provide early warning so that zoo staff can intervene sooner and potentially prevent minor health problems from developing into more serious conditions.
In addition to improving welfare, this technology could help zoos better understand how animals interact with their environment, such as how lighting, heating, and feeding times affect behavior.
Professor Kevin Wells, from the Center for Vision, Speech and Signal Processing at the University of Surrey and project leader at the University of Surrey, said:
“We are delighted to be working with Marwell staff on this exciting AI project, delivering the first AI health and welfare monitoring system focused on zoo animals. Marwell Wildlife has a strong track record of putting animal welfare front and center and this project will help strengthen that effort. This is a great example of how academia and conservation organizations can work together to develop technology that supports conservation efforts.”
Researchers and zoo officials hope the system will eventually be expanded to monitor other species and deployed in a variety of settings, such as wildlife parks, sanctuaries, and livestock monitoring.
Laura Reid, chief executive of Marwell Wildlife, said:
“At Marwell Wildlife, we always pride ourselves on pushing the boundaries of animal welfare standards achievable in zoo environments. From our early adoption of evidence-based animal welfare assessment frameworks to championing natural and positive life experiences for all animals in our care, we know that animal welfare and habitat are absolutely paramount in modern zoos.”
“That’s why we’re so excited to be working with the University of Surrey to develop technology that will further enhance animal welfare, give new insights into nocturnal behavior and reveal additional details that are difficult to spot with the human eye.”
The project, which received over £344,000 of funding through the Innovate UK Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP), also recruited new KTP Associates. Graduate researchers will work full-time on projects while gaining practical experience applying AI and data science in conservation settings.
Dr Shona Campbell, Senior Knowledge Transfer Advisor at Innovate UK Business Connect, said:
“We are delighted to be supporting this KTP with Marwell Wildlife Trust and the University of Surrey. While every KTP is unique, we can be confident that no project has involved water pigs or giraffes to date. This project is also notable for deploying research expertise developed in understanding and detecting human sleep patterns to zoo animals, with both academic and business impact.”
Marwell Wildlife is an international conservation charity dedicated to protecting endangered species and restoring habitats in the UK and overseas. Based in Hampshire, Marwell Zoo welcomes more than 500,000 visitors each year and engages with more than 40,000 children and young people through its educational programmes. The company’s conservation biologists also carry out field projects in the UK and Africa, working with local communities and partner organizations to support wildlife and biodiversity.
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About Innovate UK KTP
For 50 years, Innovate UK’s Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) has brought together forward-thinking businesses and organizations, leading academics and alumni to solve complex innovation challenges that benefit the economy, society and the environment. Each collaboration is a three-way partnership between: A company or organization with an innovative idea or challenge. A UK knowledge base with the expertise to innovate and solve challenges. And then there are the graduates who drive the project towards realization. KTP supports high-value employment of talented people, enriches academic institutions and drives the success and profitability of British businesses.
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