Enhancing behavioral diversity and activity budgets in zoo-housed African lions (Panthera leo leo) through a modified feeding method (2026)

Jonkers, J., Elderman, M., Salas, M.

Abstract

Research on positive animal welfare has prompted exploration and implementation of methods to stimulate the behavioral repertoires of zoo-housed species. We investigated the impact of a modified feeding method on the behavioral diversity, activity budgets, and social relations of five African lions at Zoo Antwerpen. The original method involved daily individual feedings indoors while the modified method provided group feedings three times a week outdoors. Observations spanned 6 weeks (3 weeks per method and a 1-week habituation period in between), yielding 150 h of behavioral data using continuous focal sampling. Results indicated a significant increase in behavioral diversity with the modified method across all observed time (p < 0.001). This was accompanied by an increase in active (for females, p < 0.001) and exploratory behaviors (p < 0.001). Time spent feeding did not change significantly. Inactivity levels shifted (p < 0.001), aligning more closely with natural wild lion behavior patterns. In the modified method, lions spent more time feeding and exploring on feeding days compared to fasting days (p < 0.001 and p = 0.009). Inactivity was lower on feeding days (p = 0.001), while overall activity levels did not change significantly. Social network analyses showed no significant changes in agonistic or affiliative behaviors, indicating the feeding method change had limited effects on social relations. In conclusion, our study underscores the importance of feeding methods in promoting natural behaviors and enhancing welfare outcomes for zoo-housed African lions, emphasizing the need for tailored management strategies to support natural behaviors and welfare.