Tigers in zoo settings require large, complex exhibits and solitary management to express natural behaviors and maintain welfare for these wide-ranging apex predators.
Tiger welfare in zoo settings faces the fundamental challenge of all large carnivores in captivity: their natural ranging behavior cannot be replicated, and the difference between wild territories spanning hundreds of kilometers and zoo exhibits spanning hectares is vast. Stereotypic pacing — the most visible welfare alarm — is common in inadequately housed tigers and reflects chronic spatial frustration. Best-practice tiger exhibits are large, complex, aquatically enriched, and environmentally dynamic. The conservation case for captive tigers is genuine but does not excuse welfare compromise — the two obligations must be met simultaneously. Tigers that hunt, swim, scent-mark, and explore in their exhibits demonstrate that welfare-positive captive management is achievable with commitment.