Gorillas in captivity benefit significantly from foraging enrichment that occupies their time in ways that reflect wild feeding ecology, reducing boredom-related behaviour.
Time budget mismatch between wild and captive gorillas - where captive animals have far more unoccupied time - drives boredom, stereotypy, and social tension. Foraging enrichment that occupies several hours per day is essential for psychological welfare. The most welfare-positive exhibits provide multiple foraging opportunities throughout the day requiring effort and problem-solving.