Carnivores housed in zoos respond positively to new improvements to their enclosures, study suggests

Research from Nottingham Trent University revealed how carnivores became much more active and engaged in their enclosures when they received additional enrichments such as different types of food, new structures, the introduction of manipulatable objects and techniques to trigger their sense of smell.

Carnivores are often considered difficult to maintain with good welfare in zoos; they sometimes appear susceptible to behaviors indicating poor welfare, such as pacing, and some species exhibit poor reproduction in captivity.

The team is the first to examine the positive behaviors of several species of carnivores housed in zoos when they receive enrichment that is not part of their routine management and care.

The researchers analyzed data from previous studies, examining the behavior of dozens of carnivore species and more than 200 individual animals.

The researchers found that when the animals received additional enrichment, their time spent being active increased significantly, from a quarter more to four times their baseline level. The study, which also involved Harper Adams University, the University of Bolton and the University of Łódź in Poland, is published in the journal Applied science of animal behavior.

The study showed that brown fur seals, Australian sea lions and jaguars were among the most active when given additional enrichment.

Similarly, engagement in enclosures, such as foraging, scratching, and climbing, increased with the provision of additional enrichment, particularly for sea lions, spectacled bears, and fishing cats.

With appropriate enrichment, polar bears and Eurasian lynx became more playful as they aged, the researchers found, while red foxes and brown bears became more active with age.

Activity, play and interaction with the environment are all considered positive measures of the welfare of species housed in zoos.

The researchers suggest that, based on this research, there is no reason why any carnivore species should not benefit from positive welfare in zoos.

Previously, the focus was on potential negative behaviors of animals housed in zoos and the team suggests that, for a holistic view, it is crucial that future research encompasses both positive and negative states that may be linked to well-being animals in zoos.

“Zoos have shown significant progress in welfare in recent years and recognize the need to monitor and improve welfare,” said lead researcher Dr Samantha Ward, a scientist at the School of Animals. animal, rural and environmental sciences from Nottingham Trent University.

“This is the first study to quantify positive behaviors in carnivores housed in zoos and shows that positive welfare can be achieved if appropriate husbandry is ensured.”

“It conveys a strong message about the importance and effectiveness of environmental enrichment, not only to reduce negative or undesirable behaviors in carnivores housed in zoos, but also to promote positive behaviors and optimize welfare animals.

“It is important to assess animal behavior using positive and negative indicators to have a more informed view of the viability of zoos in optimizing carnivore welfare. This will help us track more reliably progress in well-being.”