Research overview: integrated, multi-measure welfare assessment for captive big cats

No single indicator captures welfare reliably, so the field has moved toward integrated assessment combining multiple lines of evidence. This overview surveys how comprehensive welfare evaluation for captive felids brings together behavioural measures (stereotypy, behavioural diversity, activity, qualitative assessment), physiological measures (non-invasive glucocorticoids, health and reproductive indicators), and resource- and management-based assessments within frameworks such as the Five Domains. It examines the rationale for triangulating measures that can individually mislead, the use of individual baselines and longitudinal monitoring, the incorporation of positive-welfare indicators, and the translation of assessment into management action and continuous improvement. It discusses welfare audits and accreditation. The synthesis frames integrated, ongoing, multi-measure assessment as the current best-practice standard for understanding and improving the welfare of captive big cats.