One of the courses we teach spends a lot of time discussing and teaching about different forms of enrichment for our animals - especially our carnivores. Throughout the week participants build enrichment items for some of our animals and the last day the keepers stuff these items with yummy treats and give them to the animals. I had the joy of photographing the animals and participants during the most recent run of the course. And here is the resulting photo:
Enrichment is a way to keep captive animals entertained. It takes many forms from treats hidden in something or around the exhibit to scents to simply rotating animals through exhibits. It encourages the animals to get up and move around the exhibit and exercise their brains as well as encourage some natural behaviors. A lot of times the public has no idea that enrichment is going in for an animal (it almost always is for mammals) because it can be so natural but when you know what it is you see it all around.
These are 2 of our rescued brown bear cubs (about 2 years old). After receiving their enrichment boxes they remained quite active. Here they are playing much like they would in the wild. Play like this is very important to learn about social relationships. In predatory species it also allows the organisms to practice hunting skills. It is always a challenge in zoos to keep animals active, especially as they age but so far these guys are doing a great job of staying active and keeping us entertained in the mean time!
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