Macaws are among the most intelligent and long-lived birds. Providing adequate cognitive enrichment in zoo settings is a significant welfare challenge.
The cognitive complexity of macaws makes them among the most demanding birds to maintain at high welfare standards in captivity. Their intelligence means that monotonous environments quickly produce chronic boredom, expressed as feather destruction, stereotypic rocking, and excessive vocalisation. Effective enrichment must engage problem-solving abilities through foraging puzzles, novel objects, and training interactions. Social housing with compatible companions is essential. The longevity of macaws also creates unique ethical considerations around institutional responsibility for multi-decade care commitments.