Large carnivores in captivity including lions, tigers, and bears have complex behavioral needs that basic zoo enclosures fail to meet. Enrichment programs can meaningfully improve welfare outcomes.
Large carnivore welfare in captivity is constrained by the fundamental impossibility of replicating natural ranges. However, enrichment programs can reduce stereotypy and provide meaningful behavioral outlets. Puzzle feeders that require problem-solving, novel scents that stimulate exploratory behavior, and varied feeding schedules that prevent predictable routines all improve welfare within captive constraints. The welfare ceiling for large carnivores in standard zoo enclosures remains low, but enrichment-focused facilities do better than those treating enrichment as optional.