These enrichments are based on the feeding of our animals. They can be devised in various methodologies and are based, above all, on the variability of the food and how it is fed. In addition, they can be used to implement enrichments in other categories.
These enrichments are important because they contribute to the exploration, of our animals, of the environment in which they are housed.
This type of enrichment is based on the social interaction of specimens housed at zoological facilities. The interaction can be with specimens of the same species or even with specimens of different species that share the same range in nature. In the last case, one must proceed very carefully and be based on the ethological and biological characteristics of the species under consideration.
But social enrichment can also be interaction with the public, the keeper or even a mirror or a stuffed animal. Interaction is a source of dynamic stimulation that enriches the daily life of our specimens.
These enrichments are designed to stimulate the cognitive abilities of animals housed in zoological facilities. They are administered in the form of “Brain Breakers” that the animals must solve to achieve the reward. A simple example is a closed box with food inside; the animal will have to manage to open it to reach what it contains.
This class of enrichments also includes other types of stimuli that cognitively engage the animals; in addition to “puzzles, we can also consider the introduction of a new caretaker into animal management or experiences never before experienced by the specimen.
This type of enrichment is based on changing the environment, either temporarily or permanently, of the area where the animals are housed: we can move elements around; add new logs, trees, rocks and feeders; change the light intensity or temperature. All this stimulates the specimens and enriches their daily routine.
They are based on stimulating our animals’ senses. If we want to stimulate smell and taste we use spices, essential oils or feces of herbivores for carnivores. The use of vocalizations of other species, recorded, stimulate hearing, and the administration of objects
manipulatives play on touch.
