Aardvarks are highly specialised insectivores with complex nocturnal and burrowing behaviours that present significant welfare challenges in captivity. Understanding their natural biology is essential for good zoo husbandry.
The primary welfare challenge for zoo aardvarks is meeting their strong motivation to burrow and their strict nocturnal activity patterns. Enclosures that lack adequate substrate depth (ideally 1.5–2 m of diggable soil or sand), nocturnal-shift lighting, and opportunities for extended foraging can result in chronic frustration and stereotypic behaviour. Thermal regulation is also critical — aardvarks have little subcutaneous fat and require ambient temperatures of 18–24°C. Enrichment programmes that distribute food throughout the substrate, provide termite mound replicas, and allow natural digging significantly improve welfare outcomes. Many institutions operate reverse-lighting systems so visitors can observe animals during their active night phase without disrupting natural rhythms. Stress indicators include weight loss, repeated pacing, failure to burrow, and reduced feeding motivation.