Environmental enrichment for zoo animals improves welfare by enabling species-typical behaviour, reducing stereotypies and promoting positive mental states across diverse taxa.
Enrichment is the practical application of welfare science in zoo environments. It acknowledges that animals have evolved behavioural repertoires shaped by millions of years of complex ecological interaction, and that providing only food, shelter and veterinary care meets only a fraction of their needs. The evidence base for enrichment effectiveness is strong across many species, and the most impactful programmes are those that address multiple enrichment categories, vary over time and are tailored to individual animals by knowledgeable keepers. Accredited zoos have made significant progress on enrichment; the challenge is ensuring it is systematic, evidence-based and prioritised even when resource-constrained.