INFLUENCE OF THE CONDITIONS OF KEEPING RED DEER (CERVUS ELAPHUS) IN HUNTING FACILITIES ON ITS WELFARE AND THE INTERACTION WITH HUMAN PSYCHOPHYSIOLOGICAL REACTIONS DURING CONTACT WITH ANIMALS

The article highlights the study of the impact of semi-free housing conditions of red deer (Cervus elaphus) on their welfare and psychophysiological reactions of people during interaction with animals. The aim of the study was to determine the relationship between housing conditions close to natural ones and behavioral adaptation of deer, as well as the impact of such contact on the emotional and physiological state of visitors of different age groups (children aged 7–10 and students aged 18–21). The study was based on ethological monitoring, which included an analysis of the initiation of contact, emotional involvement and frequency of aggressive gestures of deer, as well as on physiological measurements, in particular heart rate and respiratory cycles before, during and after interaction with animals. Standardized methods were used to assess the psychoemotional state of the participants – the STAI and PANAS scales. The results obtained indicate statistically significant differences in the reactions of deer depending on the type of contact with visitors. When interacting with children, deer showed higher levels of contact initiation (mean score 8.5) and emotional involvement (9.0) compared to students (7.0 and 7.6 respectively). The frequency of aggressive behavior remained low for both groups (0.2 incidents per visit). Physiological data showed that in a calm state, the average heart rate was 85 beats/min for children and 78 beats/min for students, and during interaction these rates increased to 102 beats/min and 90 beats/min, respectively, with a gradual recovery 10 minutes after the end of contact. Similarly, the frequency of respiratory cycles increased from 18 to 24 cycles/min in children and from 16 to 20 cycles/min in students. According to the STAI scale, the level of anxiety in children was lower (mean score 3.0) compared to students (4.5). Thus, the conducted studies confirm that conditions of detention, which are as close as possible to natural ones, contribute to reducing stress reactions in deer and improving their adaptation, which has a positive effect on the psycho-emotional state of visitors. The results emphasize the importance of maintaining high standards of animal keeping to ensure their well-being, safe interaction with people and the development of prosocial behavior and environmental awareness.