Felid enrichment in zoos has advanced substantially, with evidence-based practices that significantly improve welfare for tigers, lions, leopards, and other large cats in captivity.
Felid enrichment science has identified specific interventions that produce measurable welfare improvements including reduced stereotypic pacing, increased activity diversity, and lower stress indicators. Scent enrichment using novel animal scents, prey odors, and conspecific scent regularly activates territorial and investigatory behaviors that produce positive behavioral engagement. Whole prey feeding engages the full feeding behavioral sequence. Environmental complexity through varied substrates, climbing structures, and pool access allows species-specific behavioral expression. Rotation and novelty are essential as felids habituate quickly to familiar enrichment. Training through positive reinforcement enables veterinary care while providing cognitive stimulation.