Philosophy of environmental enrichment: Past, present, and future (2001)

Mellen, J. D., MacPhee, M. S.

Abstract

Research on enrichment supports the supposition that an enriched environment does indeed contribute to a captive animals well-being. Critical elements of effective environmental enrichment are 1) assessing the animals natural history, individual history, and exhibit constraints and 2) providing species-appropriate opportunities, i.e., the animal should have some choices within its environment. This paper presents a historic perspective of environmental enrichment, proposes a broader, more holistic approach to the enrichment of animals in captive environments, and describes a framework or process that will ensure a consistent and self-sustaining enrichment program.