Environmental Enrichment

The enriched mind: Cognitive stimulation and behavior in non-human primates

Non-human primates (NHPs) possess high cognitive abilities that enable them to respond effectively to complex social, ecological, and psychological challenges. These abilities need to be stimulated in non-human primates under human care in zoos, conservation centers/sanctuaries, or research facilities, where...

Year Published: 2025Topics: Environmental EnrichmentAnimal Type: Baboon, Capuchin, Chimpanzee, Gibbon, Lemur, Macaque, Marmoset, Nonhuman Primate, Other Nonhuman Primate, Owl Monkey, Squirrel Monkey, Vervet (African Green Monkey)

Citation: Mota-Rojas, D., Whittaker, A. L., Coria-Avila, G. A. et al. 2025. The enriched mind: Cognitive stimulation and behavior in non-human primates. Frontiers in Veterinary Science 12.

Musical stimulation in lactating sows affects pre-weaning piglet mortality and maternal behavior

Functional veterinary music, defined as music specifically designed in its tempo, rhythm, harmonic structure, and frequency ranges to modulate animal emotional states and behavior, has emerged as an innovative strategy for managing lactating sows. Exposure to functional music in other...

Year Published: 2026Topics: Environmental Enrichment, Rearing & WeaningAnimal Type: Pig

Citation: Montoya-Zuluaga, J., Álvarez-Hernández, N., Betancourth-Chaves, P. et al. 2026. Musical stimulation in lactating sows affects pre-weaning piglet mortality and maternal behavior. Scientific Reports 16(1), 4049.

Fermentation bed farming improves behavioral expression and stress resistance in geese

Introduction Conventional livestock farming restricts the expression of natural behaviors and exacerbates animal stress responses. This study investigated the effects of fermentation bed farming, a novel welfare-oriented system, on the behavior and stress resistance of geese.Methods240 Northern White Geese (‌Anser...

Year Published: 2026Topics: Environmental Enrichment, Husbandry & ManagementAnimal Type: Bird, Fowl

Citation: Li, H., Yang, J., Zhang, J. et al. 2026. Fermentation bed farming improves behavioral expression and stress resistance in geese. Frontiers in Veterinary Science 13.

Effects of housing and environmental enrichment on performance, welfare, and air quality in fattening pigs

In intensive pig production systems, limited space and lack of enrichment materials (EMs) restrict natural behaviors, inducing chronic stress and impairing welfare and health. Conventional EMs such as straw and sawdust improve comfort but increase NH3 and particulate emissions and...

Year Published: 2026Topics: Environmental Enrichment, Husbandry & Management

Citation: Lee, J., Song, H., Biswas, S. et al. 2026. Effects of housing and environmental enrichment on performance, welfare, and air quality in fattening pigs. Animals 16(4).

Classical cuts: A pilot study of classical music’s effects on dogs in grooming settings

Grooming procedures are often stressful for dogs due to exposure to loud noises, unfamiliar individuals, and the absence of their owners. This study aimed to assess whether classical music could reduce stress-related behaviours in dogs during grooming. Fifteen companion dogs...

Year Published: 2025Topics: Environmental EnrichmentAnimal Type: Dog

Citation: Krupa, W., Czyżowski, P., Kaszycka, K. et al. 2025. Classical cuts: A pilot study of classical music’s effects on dogs in grooming settings. Animal Cognition 28(1), 60.

Simple life, simple minds? How habitat simplification in aquatic ecosystems shape fish cognition

This narrative review synthesises current knowledge on the effects of habitat complexity, defined as the variation in physical structures within ecosystems, on fish cognition, brain morphology, and personality. Globally, habitat complexity is declining through a process known as habitat simplification,...

Year Published: 2026Topics: Environmental Enrichment, Housing, Natural Behavior, PersonalityAnimal Type: Fish, Other Fish, Salmon, Shark & Ray, Tilapia, Trout, Zebrafish

Citation: Klinke, A., Brown, C. 2026. Simple life, simple minds? How habitat simplification in aquatic ecosystems shape fish cognition. Animal Cognition 29(1), 23.

The use of technology as environmental enrichment in zoos: A scoping review

Technological enrichment, such as motion sensors, touchscreens, and response-independent feeders, offer innovative ways to enhance animal welfare in captivity by promoting species-appropriate behaviours and cognitive stimulation. A scoping review of 22 publications comprising 25 studies identified various technologies, with computers...

Year Published: 2025Topics: Environmental EnrichmentAnimal Type: All/General

Citation: Hryhorenko, L., McWhorter, T., Whittaker, A. et al. 2025. The use of technology as environmental enrichment in zoos: A scoping review. Animal Welfare 34, e73.

Environmental enrichment influences the relationship between lateralization and neophobia in zebrafish larvae

Neophobia, the aversion to novelty, is a conserved survival trait that influences individuals’ decision-making. In many species, juveniles showed less avoidance of novelty than adults, likely due to their limited experience and their need to gather environmental information. A challenging...

Year Published: 2025Topics: Environmental EnrichmentAnimal Type: Fish, Zebrafish

Citation: Gjinaj, G., Gatto, E., Dadda, M. 2025. Environmental enrichment influences the relationship between lateralization and neophobia in zebrafish larvae. Animal Cognition 29(1), 3.

Fish welfare in recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS): The imperative for environmental enrichment (EE)

Aquaculture has become the fastest-growing food production sector worldwide, recently surpassing wild-capture fisheries in total output. This rapid expansion underscores the need to ensure sustainability through robust animal welfare standards. Recirculating Aquaculture Systems (RAS) are increasingly adopted due to their...

Year Published: 2026Topics: Environmental EnrichmentAnimal Type: Fish, Other Fish, Salmon, Tilapia, Trout, Zebrafish

Citation: Fruscella, L., Passantino, A., Kotzen, B. 2026. Fish welfare in recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS): The imperative for environmental enrichment (EE). Animals 16(4).

Pasture heterogeneity improves donkey welfare: Effects of structural variation, species diversity, and sward height on herd emotional states

Grazing environment plays a key role in the welfare of domestic herbivores. In the UK, donkeys are typically kept on species-poor, agriculturally improved grasslands that offer limited dietary and behavioural opportunities. Obesity, driven by low exercise levels and unsuitable diet,...

Year Published: 2025Topics: Environmental Enrichment, HousingAnimal Type: Equine

Citation: Fitts, J., Kubasiewicz, L. M., Norris, S. L. et al. 2025. Pasture heterogeneity improves donkey welfare: Effects of structural variation, species diversity, and sward height on herd emotional states. Animals 15(23).