Environmental Enrichment

A guide to setting up an enrichment program

General recommendations for the development and implementation of an enrichment program in the zoo setting.

Year Published: 1997Topics: Environmental EnrichmentAnimal Type: All/General

Citation: Koscielny, L., Studer, M. 1997. A guide to setting up an enrichment program. American Zoo and Aquarium Association (AZA) Regional Conference Proceedings, 526-529.

Behavioural enrichment of ruffed lemurs (Varecia variegata) based upon a wild-captive comparison of their behaviour

By providing a more natural diet, in terms of whole rather than chopped fruits, a greater range of postures and increased manual manipulation of dietary items could be obtained. Time spent feeding and foraging also increased significantly. Furthermore, this method...

Year Published: 1997Topics: Environmental EnrichmentAnimal Type: Lemur, Nonhuman Primate

Citation: Kerridge, F. J. 1997. Behavioural enrichment of ruffed lemurs (Varecia variegata) based upon a wild-captive comparison of their behaviour. Primate Eye 63, 36-37 (Abstract).

Translating good ideas into a working environmental enrichment

Brief but very useful guidelines of how an enrichment program can most effectively be developed and implemented. Care and research staff ideas are well-thought out prior to use of any new devices, and all staff participate in the provision of...

Year Published: 1997Topics: Environmental EnrichmentAnimal Type: Chimpanzee, Nonhuman Primate

Citation: Howell, S. M., Fritz, J. 1997. Translating good ideas into a working environmental enrichment. The Newsletter 8(3), 4-5.

The provision of cage furnishings as environmental enrichment at the Primate Foundation of Arizona

Results suggest a preference for horizontal furnishings above the enclosure floor. Adults infrequently used 'moving' furnishings (e.g., swinging ropes, hanging tubes, etc...) and seemed to prefer 'stable' horizontal furnishings (e.g., benches, logs) above the enclosure floor.

Year Published: 1997Topics: Environmental EnrichmentAnimal Type: Chimpanzee, Nonhuman Primate

Citation: Howell, S. M., Miteva, E., Fritz, J. et al. 1997. The provision of cage furnishings as environmental enrichment at the Primate Foundation of Arizona. The Newsletter 9(2), 1-5.

Enrichment options: Enrichment center for small primates

Description of a complex foraging station.

Year Published: 1997Topics: Environmental EnrichmentAnimal Type: Nonhuman Primate

Citation: Rambino, P., Fridman, T. 1997. Enrichment options: Enrichment center for small primates. Animal Keepers' Forum 24(10), 452-455.

Gorilla treats served poolside

Initially, [Rocky, the gorilla], was hesitant and seemed a bit irritated at this presentation of food [floating on the pool's surface], but eventually he waded into the water and retrieved the treats. Rocky will now wade into the pool when...

Year Published: 1997Topics: Environmental EnrichmentAnimal Type: Nonhuman Primate, Other Nonhuman Primate

Citation: Rademacher, A. 1997. Gorilla treats served poolside. The Shape of Enrichment 6(3), 11.

Videostimulation as enrichment for captive rhesus monkeys (Macaca mulatta)

The animals spent substantially more time watching selected videotapes than manipulating the joystick; females were more interested in both than males.

Year Published: 1997Topics: Environmental EnrichmentAnimal Type: Macaque, Nonhuman Primate

Citation: Platt, D. M., Novak, M. A. 1997. Videostimulation as enrichment for captive rhesus monkeys (Macaca mulatta). Applied Animal Behaviour Science 52, 139-155.

Olfactory enrichment for captive chimpanzees: Response to different odors

Various odors (e.g., vanilla, peach, garlic, cheese, smoke) were put onto pieces of cloth fleece and presented to group-housed subjects. This did not elicit more interest from the chimpanzees than when no odors were present.

Year Published: 1997Topics: Environmental EnrichmentAnimal Type: Chimpanzee, Nonhuman Primate

Citation: Ostrower, S., Brent, L. 1997. Olfactory enrichment for captive chimpanzees: Response to different odors. Laboratory Primate Newsletter 36(1), 8-10.

Chimpanzee enrichment at the Baltimore Zoo’s chimpanzee forest

A species appropriate enrichment program for chimpanzees is briefly described.

Year Published: 1997Topics: Environmental EnrichmentAnimal Type: Chimpanzee, Nonhuman Primate

Citation: Oliva-Purdy, J. 1997. Chimpanzee enrichment at the Baltimore Zoo's chimpanzee forest. The Shape of Enrichment 6(1), 4-5.

Expand the space for lion-tailed macaques

The milk crates, barrel, and tires provide more useable space for sitting, climbing, or foraging when they are mounted on walls or hung from the ceiling.

Year Published: 1997Topics: Environmental Enrichment, HousingAnimal Type: Macaque, Nonhuman Primate

Citation: Nelson, D. 1997. Expand the space for lion-tailed macaques. The Shape of Enrichment 6(3), 6.