Environmental Enrichment

Integrating aromatherapy into the nonhuman primate enrichment program

Aromatherapy has been used as a method for reducing anxiety and increasing relaxation throughout history. The Chinese were credited with using aromatic plants for wellbeing. They would burn incense to help create balance and harmony. The Egyptians used distillation and...

Year Published: 2011Topics: Environmental EnrichmentAnimal Type: Macaque, Nonhuman Primate

Citation: Tate, M. K., Wu, F., Dugan, C. M. 2011. Integrating aromatherapy into the nonhuman primate enrichment program. American Association for Laboratory Animal Science [AALAS] Meeting Official Program, 776-777 (Abstract #P147).

The effect of housing and environmental enrichment on stereotyped behavior of adult vervet monkeys (Chlorocebus aethiops)

Little information is available on the response of vervet monkeys to different housing conditions or on the suitability of enrichment devices or methods for vervet monkeys. In this study, the authors evaluated the occurrence of stereotyped behavior in adult vervet...

Year Published: 2011Topics: Abnormal/Problematic Behavior, Environmental Enrichment, HousingAnimal Type: Nonhuman Primate, Vervet (African Green Monkey)

Citation: Seier, J., de Villiers, C., van Heerden, J. et al. 2011. The effect of housing and environmental enrichment on stereotyped behavior of adult vervet monkeys (Chlorocebus aethiops). Lab Animal 40(7), 218-224.

Evaluating paint rollers as an intervention for alopecia in monkeys in the laboratory (Macaca nemestrina)

Adult female macaques (Macaca nemestrina) in the laboratory with alopecia from known or suspected overgrooming were subjects in a study evaluating effectiveness of a grooming device. The intervention evaluated was a paint roller on a metal bar hung on the...

Year Published: 2011Topics: Abnormal/Problematic Behavior, Environmental EnrichmentAnimal Type: Macaque, Nonhuman Primate

Citation: Runeson, E. P., Lee, G. H., Crockett, C. M. et al. 2011. Evaluating paint rollers as an intervention for alopecia in monkeys in the laboratory (Macaca nemestrina). Journal of Applied Animal Welfare Science 14(2), 138-149.

Improving the welfare of captive macaques (Macaca sp

This review evaluates the use of water as a tool for enriching the environments of macaques (Macaca sp.) in captivity. Many macaque species are known to swim and forage in water in the wild, and in-situ reports suggest that access...

Year Published: 2011Topics: Environmental EnrichmentAnimal Type: Macaque, Nonhuman Primate

Citation: Robins, J. G., Waitt, C. D. 2011. Improving the welfare of captive macaques (Macaca sp.) through the use of water as enrichment. Journal of Applied Animal Welfare Science 14(1), 75-84.

An assessment of gum-based environmental enrichment for captive gummivorous primates

In the wild, many primates consume gums exuded from trees, and many species are gum specialists. In spite of this, few data exist concerning gum feeding in captivity. Using a web-based survey of 46 zoos in 12 countries, we evaluated...

Year Published: 2011Topics: Environmental Enrichment, Natural BehaviorAnimal Type: Baboon, Macaque, Marmoset, Nonhuman Primate, Other Nonhuman Primate, Vervet (African Green Monkey)

Citation: Huber, H. F., Lewis, K. P. 2011. An assessment of gum-based environmental enrichment for captive gummivorous primates. Zoo Biology 30(1), 71-78.

Are the effects of enrichment due to the presence of multiple items or a particular item in the cages of laboratory rat?

Although the effects of environmental enrichment on laboratory rodents have been extensively described, it is not yet known whether these effects were simply due to the presence of multiple items in the cage or due solely to the presence of...

Year Published: 2011Topics: Environmental EnrichmentAnimal Type: Rat, Rodent

Citation: Abou-Ismail, U. A. 2011. Are the effects of enrichment due to the presence of multiple items or a particular item in the cages of laboratory rat? Applied Animal Behaviour Science 134(1-2), 72-82.

Implementation of an enrichment rack for singly housed male nonhuman primates

The racks provide four different levels of horizontal bars where manipulanda can be hung. .. The racks are positioned in front of a 4-caged housing system. .. The enrichment racks have produced an increase in species-specific behaviors, while decreasing unwanted...

Year Published: 2011Topics: Environmental EnrichmentAnimal Type: Baboon, Capuchin, Chimpanzee, Lemur, Macaque, Marmoset, Nonhuman Primate, Other Nonhuman Primate, Owl Monkey, Squirrel Monkey, Vervet (African Green Monkey)

Citation: Wood, L. L., Boyd, A. M., Rose, R. et al. 2011. Implementation of an enrichment rack for singly housed male nonhuman primates. American Association for Laboratory Animal Science [AALAS] Meeting Official Program, 732 (Abstract #PS54).

Heat or insulation: Behavioral titration of mouse preference for warmth or access to a nest

In laboratories, mice are housed at 20-24C, which is below their lower critical temperature (30C). This increased thermal stress has the potential to alter scientific outcomes. Nesting material should allow for improved behavioral thermoregulation and thus alleviate this thermal stress....

Year Published: 2012Topics: Environmental Enrichment, Husbandry & ManagementAnimal Type: Mouse, Rodent

Citation: Gaskill, B. N., Lucas, J. R., Pajor, E. A. et al. 2012. Heat or insulation: Behavioral titration of mouse preference for warmth or access to a nest. PLOS ONE 7(3), e32799.

Environmental enrichment and the laboratory zebrafish

The zebrafish (Danio rerio) is a small tropical minnow that is playing an increasingly big role in the world of scientific research. In the last year alone, researchers working with this diminutive fish from south Asia have discovered a new...

Year Published: 2012Topics: Environmental Enrichment, Husbandry & ManagementAnimal Type: Fish, Zebrafish

Citation: Lawrence C. 2012. Environmental enrichment and the laboratory zebrafish. The Enrichment Record 11, 11-15.

Does structural enrichment for the toxicology studies improve zebrafish welfare?

Enrichment of the environment for captive animals is aimed at producing beneficial effects on the behaviour and physiology of relevant species, and is commonly used to reduce harmful social behaviours and stereotypies. However, little work has been undertaken to develop...

Year Published: 2012Topics: Environmental Enrichment, Husbandry & ManagementAnimal Type: Fish, Zebrafish

Citation: Wilkes L, Owen SF, Readman GD, et al. 2012. Does structural enrichment for the toxicology studies improve zebrafish welfare? Applied Animal Behaviour Science 139(1-2), 143-150.