Enrichment Recommendations
Enrichment 1:
In this scenario, the captive lions exhibit stereotypic pacing behaviors around feeding times. To address the welfare concern of pacing in these captive lions, I would recommend a change in the way food is presented. Felids engage in appetitive behaviors to obtain their food (Shepherdson et al, 1993), and these behaviors include locating, capturing, killing and consuming their prey (Lindburg, 1988). Varying the method and timing of food delivery by either hiding food items in the exhibit for the lions to find or randomizing feed schedules may be biologically relevant as it would allow the captive animals to engage in species-specific behaviors that resemble those found in the natural habitat. Hidden …show more content…
Many species of animals use olfactory signals to locate prey, attract mates and communicate with their conspecifics (Skibiel et al, 2007). However, animals kept in captivity lack access to meaningful olfactory information, especially with the use of disinfectants and sanitizing chemicals that mask these cues. Scent enrichment, both animal-based and plant-based, may be useful in mitigating some of this frustration. In this scenario, the captive lions have been described as “bored” or “disinterested” suggesting a lack of activity that may be due to boredom/ lack of stimulation. Hence, use of plant-based scents/spices that have a more stimulating effect on animals can be implemented, for instance peppermint or rosemary (Graham et al, 2005). Powell (1995), for instance, found that introducing peppermint (used because of its close botanical relation to catnip) into the holding enclosures increased sniffing behaviors of African adult lions and cubs and encouraged species-typical behavior in the form of back-rolling. This form of enrichment is biologically relevant to the animals as it increases behavioral activity and stimulates the senses. Lastly, it is practical because application of plant-based scents is an inexpensive and simple way of enriching a captive animal’s …show more content…
Powell (1995) showed that manipulatable objects such as hanging logs positively changed the behavior of captive lions by reducing stereotypic behaviors and increasing activity. Mellen and Shepherdson (1997) also emphasize the need for novel stimulation in zoo-housed animals. I would thus recommend Mara Lion Zoo to add objects such as logs or “boomer balls” in the outdoor holding enclosure to allow for explorative behaviors and to simulate the naturalistic environment as much as possible. Likewise, adding features such as large logs or rocks in the off-exhibit outdoor enclosure can offer the captive lions some spatial complexity and control over their environment by providing a space for the lions to retreat if need
Enrichment 1:
In this scenario, the captive lions exhibit stereotypic pacing behaviors around feeding times. To address the welfare concern of pacing in these captive lions, I would recommend a change in the way food is presented. Felids engage in appetitive behaviors to obtain their food (Shepherdson et al, 1993), and these behaviors include locating, capturing, killing and consuming their prey (Lindburg, 1988). Varying the method and timing of food delivery by either hiding food items in the exhibit for the lions to find or randomizing feed schedules may be biologically relevant as it would allow the captive animals to engage in species-specific behaviors that resemble those found in the natural habitat. Hidden …show more content…
Many species of animals use olfactory signals to locate prey, attract mates and communicate with their conspecifics (Skibiel et al, 2007). However, animals kept in captivity lack access to meaningful olfactory information, especially with the use of disinfectants and sanitizing chemicals that mask these cues. Scent enrichment, both animal-based and plant-based, may be useful in mitigating some of this frustration. In this scenario, the captive lions have been described as “bored” or “disinterested” suggesting a lack of activity that may be due to boredom/ lack of stimulation. Hence, use of plant-based scents/spices that have a more stimulating effect on animals can be implemented, for instance peppermint or rosemary (Graham et al, 2005). Powell (1995), for instance, found that introducing peppermint (used because of its close botanical relation to catnip) into the holding enclosures increased sniffing behaviors of African adult lions and cubs and encouraged species-typical behavior in the form of back-rolling. This form of enrichment is biologically relevant to the animals as it increases behavioral activity and stimulates the senses. Lastly, it is practical because application of plant-based scents is an inexpensive and simple way of enriching a captive animal’s …show more content…
Powell (1995) showed that manipulatable objects such as hanging logs positively changed the behavior of captive lions by reducing stereotypic behaviors and increasing activity. Mellen and Shepherdson (1997) also emphasize the need for novel stimulation in zoo-housed animals. I would thus recommend Mara Lion Zoo to add objects such as logs or “boomer balls” in the outdoor holding enclosure to allow for explorative behaviors and to simulate the naturalistic environment as much as possible. Likewise, adding features such as large logs or rocks in the off-exhibit outdoor enclosure can offer the captive lions some spatial complexity and control over their environment by providing a space for the lions to retreat if need