Captive big cats face severe welfare challenges in inadequate facilities worldwide, prompting legislative reform efforts and growing international attention.
The welfare crisis for captive big cats is severe and widespread. Facilities that allow cub petting, perform declawing, or house big cats in small enclosures without environmental complexity cause profound suffering. Big cats are evolved for expansive territories, complex hunting behavior, and diverse environmental stimulation. Chronic confinement in bare enclosures causes psychological distress evidenced by stereotypic behaviors. Legislative progress like the US Big Cat Public Safety Act is important, but international coordination is needed to address the full scale of the problem.