Cognitive Enrichment in Practice: A Survey of Factors Affecting Its Implementation in Zoos Globally.

Belinda A Hall,Sally L Sherwen,Rebecca E Doyle,David M Mcgill

doi:10.3390/ani11061721

Belinda A Hall, Sally L Sherwen + Show 2 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.3390/ani11061721

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Abstract

Simple SummaryCognitive enrichment gives animals the opportunity to challenge themselves and control aspects of their environment through problem solving. Despite the known benefits of giving captive animals cognitive enrichment, not much is known about how it is used in zoos. This survey found that staff within zoos think that cognitive enrichment is very important for the welfare of animals. However, its use is not widespread. While some animal groups like carnivores commonly receive cognitive enrichment, animals like fish and reptiles are overlooked. Time and financial support were found to be common factors that had a high impact on the use of cognitive enrichment, while zookeeper interest was said to be important for its success. Findings suggest that animal keepers, who are most often involved in enrichment programs, need to be better supported to deliver cognitive enrichment. Enrichment programs need to be prioritized with the creation of job roles specifically for enrichment or increased time and training given to keepers to carry out these duties.Information on the practical use of cognitive enrichment in zoos is scarce. This survey aimed to identify where cognitive enrichment is being used while identifying factors that may limit its implementation and success. Distributed in eight languages to increase global range, responses to this survey (n = 177) show that while agreement on what constitutes cognitive enrichment is poor, it is universally perceived as very important for animal welfare. Carnivores were the animal group most reported to receive cognitive enrichment (76.3%), while amphibians and fish the least (16.9%). All animal groups had a percentage of participants indicating animal groups in their facility were not receiving cognitive enrichment when they believe that they should (29.4–44.6%). On average, factors relating to time and finance were rated most highly in terms of effect on cognitive enrichment use, and keeper interest was the highest rated for effect on success. Results of this study indicate that cognitive enrichment is perceived as important. However, placing the responsibility of its development and implementation on animal keepers who are already time-poor may be impeding its use. A commitment to incorporating cognitive enrichment into routine husbandry, including financial support and investment into staff is needed from zoos to ensure continued improvement to captive animal welfare.

Highlights

Over the last few decades, our understanding of what comprises good animal welfare has evolved
These results show that carnivores, parrots, and primates most commonly receive cognitive enrichment mammals and birds are the most housed animal groups [37]
Cognitive enrichment is perceived as highly important to the welfare of animals amongst keepers, management, and other zoo staff, and the positive impact of its use is supported by scientific evidence

Summary

Introduction

Over the last few decades, our understanding of what comprises good animal welfare has evolved. An example of this is the expansion of the long-accepted Five Freedoms model to the Five Domains model [1]. This updated model highlights the importance of affective states for welfare and quality of life [1]. To support positive affective states animals must be given the opportunities to express natural behaviors [3]. Inadequate opportunities to experience challenge have been linked to underdeveloped competence, negative emotional states, reduced behavioral expression and decreased healing [10]. A lack of cognitive challenge in captive environments is, at best a missed opportunity to increase welfare, and at its worst, a source of negative welfare [11]

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