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Understanding animals better is not only a scientific challenge, but also a responsibility.

As knowledge around animal behavior and emotional wellbeing continues to evolve, science plays a key role in helping organizations make informed, ethical and responsible decisions. For B��Ԫ, integrating scientific research into daily animal care and conservation practices is essential to ensuring the highest welfare standards.

For this reason, on March 24, B��Ԫ will take part in the III Applied Ethology Conference, organized by the Universidad Autónoma de Madrid (UAM) at its Faculty of Psychology. The event, held under the theme “Emotion and Animal Welfare”, will bring together leading academics and professionals to explore the latest research on animal emotion, behavior, and wellbeing.

Over three days, the conference will address key topics such as emotional assessment in non-human animals, personality and sociality, welfare in wild and captive animals, and the practical application of ethology in real-world contexts. The program will feature renowned researchers and practitioners from Spain and abroad, reinforcing the importance of evidence-based approaches to animal welfare.

B��Ԫ’ participation in this forum reflects a clear commitment: to learn continuously, collaborate with the scientific community and contribute actively to the advancement of animal welfare knowledge.

To know more, we have spoken to Agustín López Goya, Conservation Director at B��Ԫ, who will participate in the round table Emotional Welfare in Wild Animals.

Why is it important for B��Ԫ to take part in scientific events such as the Applied Ethology Conference organized by UAM?
Because science is the foundation of everything we do in conservation and animal welfare. Participating in forums like this allows us to stay connected to the latest research, challenge our own practices and ensure that our decisions are grounded in solid, up-to-date knowledge.

This year’s conference focused on animal emotion. How does this perspective influence welfare management in animal parks?
We increasingly understand that emotions play a central role in an animal’s wellbeing. Recognizing and assessing emotional states helps us design better environments, enrichment programs and management strategies, always considering the individual needs of each animal.

During the round table, emotional welfare in wild animals will be discussed. What are the main challenges in this field today?
One of the biggest challenges is translating theory into practice. Measuring emotions accurately, interpreting behavioral and physiological indicators, and making responsible decisions based on that information requires training, experience and continuous reflection.

What value does collaboration between universities and organizations bring?
It’s a two-way exchange. Universities contribute scientific rigor, research and critical thinking; we contribute practical experience, real-world data and applied knowledge. Together, we can make meaningful progress that neither side could achieve alone.

What key message would you like attendees — and the wider audience — to take away from these conferences?
That animal welfare is a journey of continuous improvement, guided by science, ethics and responsibility. Collaboration and shared knowledge are essential if we want to keep moving forward.