ZooMood – Simple Tool for Monitoring Animal Welfare

What is ZooMood?

ZooMood is a free Android tool created by Odisee User Centered Experiences for professionals who work with animals in zoos, aquariums, and similar facilities. The app provides a straightforward way to capture observations about an animal’s emotional condition during routine care.

Main features

• Adjective‑based rating: Users select descriptive terms that reflect the animal’s mood, based on everyday observations.
• Broad taxonomic coverage: The rating system is designed to be applicable to mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, fish and invertebrates.
• Daily tracking: Entries can be logged each day, creating a simple timeline of positive and negative indicators.
• Early‑warning signals: By visualising shifts in mood scores, staff can notice potential welfare concerns before they become serious.
• Export‑ready data: Collected records can be shared with colleagues or integrated into broader welfare reports.

How it works

When a keeper finishes a routine check, they open ZooMood and choose the animal being observed. A list of carefully selected adjectives—derived from established qualitative behavioral assessment methods—is presented. The keeper taps the terms that best describe the animal’s current demeanor. The app stores the selection with a timestamp, allowing the user to review trends over days, weeks, or months.

Practical uses

ZooMood is intended for daily use by zookeepers, animal care assistants, and welfare officers. It helps them:

1. Document subtle changes in behavior that might otherwise go unnoticed.
2. Prioritise animals that may need additional health or environmental checks.
3. Provide concrete observations when discussing animal care with veterinarians or management.
4. Build a longitudinal record that supports research or accreditation processes.

Installation information

The app is available through the standard Android package manager. Search for the package name com.rutgerdw.ZooAp or the title ZooMood, then tap Install. Because the app is free, no purchase is required.

Things to know before installing

• The app does not require special permissions beyond basic storage for saving records.
• It is designed for use on devices running a recent version of Android; exact minimum version is not specified, so ensure your device is up to date.
• No internet connection is needed for core functionality, though connectivity may be required for updates.

Who may find ZooMood useful?

Anyone involved in routine animal care—zookeepers, aquarium staff, wildlife rehabilitation workers, and animal welfare officers—can benefit from a quick, structured way to log emotional observations. The tool is also helpful for educators who want to demonstrate practical welfare monitoring in classroom settings.

Frequently asked questions

Is any training required?

No. The app relies on the keeper’s existing knowledge of the animals. The adjective list is designed to be intuitive, so users can start recording immediately.

Can I use ZooMood for species not listed in the app?

Yes. The adjective set is generic enough to apply across taxa; users simply select the animal from the list or add a custom entry if needed.

How are the data stored?

Entries are saved locally on the device. Users can export the data as a CSV file for external analysis or record‑keeping.

Is the app compatible with tablets?

ZooMood works on both phones and tablets, adapting its layout to the screen size.