Tigers require large territories, complex habitats, and management that allows expression of predatory and exploratory behaviors to maintain psychological welfare in captive settings.
Tiger welfare in zoos is significantly constrained by the space requirements of a large, wide-ranging predator. Enclosures that meet minimum accreditation standards often fall far short of the territory size tigers use naturally. The result is chronic under-stimulation and stereotypic pacing that indicates poor psychological welfare even when physical health is maintained. Zoos that invest in large, complex enclosures with diverse substrate, water features, and feeding enrichment can substantially improve tiger welfare, but the investment required often conflicts with the economics of zoo operation.