Tigers are among the most charismatic zoo species, but their large territory requirements and complex behavioural needs present significant welfare challenges in typical zoo environments.
Tiger welfare in captivity is determined by the match between the animal's biological needs and the environment provided. Tigers are wide-ranging solitary hunters whose behavioural repertoire is built around large-scale territory marking, prey pursuit, and complex environmental navigation. Small, barren enclosures frustrate these motivations profoundly, producing the stereotypic pacing that is the most visible indicator of poor tiger welfare. Well-designed exhibits with pools, varied terrain, complex enrichment including prey-scent trails, and sufficient space produce dramatically better welfare outcomes — tigers in good facilities show diverse natural behaviours including stalking, swimming, scent marking, and exploratory investigation. The conservation value of zoo tiger populations provides strong justification for investment in high-quality welfare infrastructure.