Lions, tigers, leopards, and other big cats face profound welfare challenges in zoo settings due to their large spatial and behavioral needs.
Big cat welfare in zoos is seriously compromised by the fundamental mismatch between wild ranging needs and captive space limitations. Stereotypic pacing — a coping behavior that develops in response to restricted movement — is one of the most visible welfare indicators and affects a majority of zoo big cats. Environmental enrichment can reduce pacing frequency but does not eliminate it, and may not address the underlying motivational frustration. Sanctuary environments offering 10+ acres of naturalistic habitat produce measurably better welfare outcomes for big cats than traditional zoo enclosures. The question of whether any zoo exhibit can meet big cat needs is the subject of ongoing debate among welfare scientists.