Environmental enrichment (EE) is a concept that has been gaining popularity in recent years as a way to improve animal welfare and support the conservation of wildlife. EE is defined as providing animals with physical and/or social stimuli to improve their quality of life. It has been used in a variety of settings, from zoos to aquariums to private homes, and is becoming increasingly recognized as a valuable tool in animal care and conservation.
EE is based on the idea that animals require more than just food and shelter in order to thrive. By providing animals with a stimulating environment that encourages natural behaviors, EE seeks to improve their physical and mental health, reduce stress levels, and promote positive welfare outcomes. EE can take many forms, including providing animals with objects to explore, providing stimulating activities and interesting housing, and even providing companionship for animals that live alone.
EE has been shown to have a number of benefits for animals in captivity. Research has shown that animals given access to EE demonstrate increased activity levels, improved physical health, and reduced stress and anxiety. EE can also improve the social behavior of animals, as it provides an opportunity for them to engage in natural behaviors such as grooming and play. EE can also help to reduce stereotypic behaviors, such as pacing and bar biting, which can be a sign of distress and can lead to further welfare issues.
In addition to the benefits for animals, EE can also help to support the conservation of endangered species. By providing animals with stimulating environments, EE can help to reduce the risk of extinction by increasing their reproductive success and improving their ability to adapt to changing conditions.
Overall, EE is a valuable tool for improving animal welfare and supporting the conservation of wildlife. It is important for animal care staff to understand the concept of EE and how it can be used to improve the lives of animals in captivity.
References
Andrews, S. J., & Grandin, T. (2020). Environmental Enrichment: Improving Animal Welfare in Captive Environments. Animals, 10(4), 467. https://doi.org/10.3390/ani10040467
Ferrari, M., & Valente, K. (2018). Environmental Enrichment: Effects on Zoo Animal Welfare and Conservation in Captivity. Animals, 8(7), 111. https://doi.org/10.3390/ani8070111
Ley, A. (2005). Environmental Enrichment for Animals in Zoos and Laboratories. Animal Behaviour, 69(3), 843–853. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.anbehav.2004.08.010