Tigers are the largest wild cats, and their welfare in zoos requires large territories, enrichment that engages their predatory motivation, and careful social management of their largely solitary nature.
Tiger welfare in zoos has improved substantially as facilities have moved from bare concrete enclosures to large naturalistic landscapes. The key welfare requirements are space for natural movement patterns including territorial patrol, water access for swimming, enrichment that engages predatory and exploratory motivation, and social management that respects their solitary nature. Stereotypic pacing is a visible welfare indicator that tiger keepers monitor; its reduction through environmental enhancement is a measurable welfare improvement. Prey-item enrichment, where tigers are provided with scented objects or whole carcasses that engage hunting behaviour, significantly increases activity and reduces stereotypy. The conservation status of all tiger subspecies makes captive population management important, but welfare of each individual must be the primary day-to-day management priority.