Macaws are large, long-lived parrots that form permanent pair bonds and live in complex flock societies. Their welfare in zoos requires social compatibility management and enrichment that meets their cognitive demands.
Macaw welfare in zoos is fundamentally shaped by pair bond integrity and enrichment adequacy. Separated pairs show elevated stress hormones and decreased feeding, while bonded pairs in large flights with foraging complexity show positive welfare indicators including play and coordinated activity. Wooden enrichment items that require sustained manipulation before food access best simulate the nut-cracking and bark-stripping behaviors central to their natural foraging. Flight aviaries must be large enough for sustained flight, not merely short glides; macaws are powerful flyers evolved for long daily distances. Long-lived individuals accumulate welfare histories that must be carefully managed through keeper continuity and gradual environmental change.