The secretary bird is a unique terrestrial raptor from African grasslands, with specific welfare requirements related to its walking-based lifestyle and specialized prey-striking hunting method.
Secretary bird welfare in captivity revolves primarily around locomotion — these birds evolved to walk many kilometers daily, and enclosures that prevent this create musculoskeletal problems and behavioral frustration. Foot and leg health in captive secretary birds is closely tied to substrate quality and walking opportunity: hard, uniform substrates cause foot pressure sores, while inadequate exercise space results in muscle weakness and joint problems. Their specialized prey-striking behavior can be encouraged through enrichment involving hidden prey items that require stamping and active searching, providing both behavioral expression and physical activity. Their large territory requirements make adequate space provision expensive, limiting the number of institutions maintaining them to those with genuine capacity for large raptor exhibits. Pair management requires careful attention as bonds are strong and partner loss causes behavioral disruption.