Enrichment (biology)

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An elephant playing in an enriched environment.

Under enrichment behavioral or behavioral enrichment and activation is understood the "employment" of animals in captivity (eg in the zoo have) no opportunity to use the mind and body according to their genetic traits to their quality of life by avoiding boredom and stereotypic behavior to increase.

background

Animals, which are often “under-challenged” by captivity and keeping, require species-typical workload, mental stimulation and variety in their living situation in order to be able to counteract mental disorders, behavioral disorders and stereotypes effectively and without medication. This affects all animals that live in human care.

Types of behavioral enrichment

When it comes to enriching behavior, the solution of tasks that the animal is repeatedly asked to do in the wild (looking for and obtaining food in comparison to constantly available food, physical activity, mental demands, strain on the senses) plays a decisive role.

Enrichment is supported by agility , instrumental conditioning and target training .

swell

Individual evidence

  1. ↑ RESPECTED - Animal employment
  2. ^ Association of Zoological Gardens - Behavior Enrichment