Environmental Enrichment

Environmental enrichment is a simple and effective means of improving animal welfare in any species – companion, farm, laboratory and zoo. For many years, it has been a popular area of research, and has attracted the attention and concerns of animal keepers and carers, animal industry professionals, academics, students and pet owners all over the world. This book is the first to integrate scientific knowledge and principles to show how environmental enrichment can be used on different types of animal. Filling a major gap, it considers the history of animal keeping, legal issues and ethics, right through to a detailed exploration of whether environmental enrichment actually works, the methods involved, and how to design and manage programmes. The first book in a major new animal welfare series Draws together a large amount of research on different animals Provides detailed examples and case studies An invaluable reference tool for all those who work with or study animals in captivity This book is part of the UFAW/Wiley-Blackwell Animal Welfare Book Series. This major series of books produced in collaboration between UFAW (The Universities Federation for Animal Welfare), and Wiley-Blackwell provides an authoritative source of information on worldwide developments, current thinking and best practice in the field of animal welfare science and technology. For details of all of the titles in the series see www.wiley.com/go/ufaw.

Growing recognition of the complexity of animals' physical, social, and psychological lives in the wild has led both zookeepers and the zoo-going public to call for higher environmental standards for animals in captivity. Bringing together the work of animal behaviorists, zoo biologists, and psychologists, Second Nature explores a range of innovative strategies for environmental enrichment in laboratories and marine parks, as well as in zoos. From artificial fleeing-prey devices for leopards to irregular feeding schedules for whales, the practices discussed have resulted in healthier, more relaxed animals that can breed more easily and can exert some control over their environments. Moving beyond the usual studies of primates to consider the requirements of animals as diverse as reptiles, amphibians, marine mammals, small cats, hooved grazers, and bears, contributors argue that whether an animal forages in the wild or plays computer games in captivity, the satisfaction its activity provides—rather than the activity itself—determines the animal's level of physical and psychological well-being. Second Nature also discusses the ways in which environmental enrichment can help zoo-bred animals develop the stamina and adaptability for survival in the wild, and how it can produce healthier lab animals that yield more valid test results. Providing a theoretical framework for the science of environmental enrichment in a variety of settings, the book renews and extends a humane approach to the keeping and conservation of animals.

Environmental Enrichment is an essential and effective way to improve the welfare of captive animals. The book presents general principles and scientific knowledge on environmental enrichment and case studies on enrichment practices in zoo felids. This is a practical yet scientific book that will help to create and evaluate successful enrichment programmes for captive animals considering their natural history. The book is a helpful reference tool for those who work with or study animals in captivity.

Covers psychological well-being, ecological, or behavioral needs of animals. These are essential requirements, not luxuries. Sections: articles and bibliographies; journal listing and subscription information; organizations (North Amer. resources; European, Asian, and Australian resources); suppliers and products; and common devices and programs. Each section is introduced by a paper which provides general background information on the biology of the animals and their currently accepted needs in captivity. Extensive subject index.

Comprehensively explains animal learning theories and current best practices in animal training within zoos This accessible, up-to-date book on animal training in a zoo/aquaria context provides a unified approach to zoo animal learning, bringing together the art and science of animal training. Written by experts in academia and working zoos, it incorporates the latest information from the scientific community along with current best practice, demystifying the complexities of training zoo animals. In doing so, it teaches readers how to effectively train animals and to fully understand the consequences of their actions. Zoo Animal Learning and Training starts with an overview of animal learning theory. It describes the main categories of animal learning styles; considers the diverse natural history of zoo animals; reviews the research undertaken which demonstrates ultimate benefits of learning; and highlights the advantages and disadvantages of the different approaches. It also shows how the direct application of learning theory can be integrated into zoo animal management; discusses how other factors might affect development; and investigates situations and activities from which animals learn. It also explores the theoretical basis that determines whether enrichments are successful. Provides an easily accessibly, jargon-free introduction to the subject Explores different training styles, providing theoretical background to animal learning theory as well as considerations for practical training programme – including how to set them up, manage people and animals within them and their consequences Includes effective skills and ‘rules of thumb’ from professional animal trainers Offers commentary on the ethical and welfare implications of training in zoos Features contributions from global experts in academia and the zoo profession Uniquely features both academic and professional perspectives Zoo Animal Learning and Training is an important book for students, academics and professionals. Suited to senior undergraduate students in zoo biology, veterinary science, and psychology, and for post-graduate students in animal management, behaviour and conservation, as well as zoo biology. It is also beneficial to those working professionally in zoos and aquaria at different levels.

The collection of articles in this eBook focuses on important issues related to environmental enrichment including standardization, neurobehavioral and physiological effects across the age axis, neuroprotection and plasticity, and implications for translation. Evaluation of key parameters and issues related to standardization is important for promoting species-typical behavior and broader adaptation and translation to clinical settings. Furthermore, understanding seminal mechanisms contributing to the effects of environmental enrichment in both biological sexes is also important for the application of this housing condition to preclinical models of neurological and psychiatric disorders. Taken together, this body of work points to the relevance of enriched housing environments in laboratory practice and the potential for translation to clinical populations.

Age-related degeneration may be reduced or even eliminated, by positively challenging the human being, physically or cognitively, to up-regulate somatic repair functions. Exposure to meaningful information and a challenging environment act as hormetic stressors which, in the context of an increasingly technological setting, may invoke evolutionary mechanisms that lead to a persistent maintenance of homeostasis. Thus, there is a strong link between environmental factors and ongoing health, leading to an individual’s ability to continually adapt to age related challenges. Challenging Ageing: The Anti-senescence Effects of Hormesis, Environmental Enrichment, and Information Exposure explains the role of hormesis in anti-aging processes followed by information on vitagenes, epigenetics, environmental enrichment and germlines. The monograph also brings newer concepts and theories to the fore, such as ‘environmental enrichment’ and ‘technoculture.’ Medical professionals and general readers, alike, will gain a a new perspective on the processes that counter aging processes in the human being.

Dr. Agnes Rupley has assembled an expert team of authors on the topic of Wellness Management of Exotic Animals. The focus of article topics include: Keeping the Exotic Pet Mentally Healthy, Pet Psittacines, Wellness management of Raptors, Wellness management of Backyard Poultry and Waterfowl, Wellness management of Rabbits, Wellness management of Ferrets, Wellness management of Small Mammals, Wellness management of Reptiles and Amphibians, and more!

In the present study, a Serial Probe Recognition (SPR) task was evaluated as an environmental enrichment device for nonhuman primates. Twenty-one rhesus monkeys were assigned to two experimental groups, one group male (n=15) and one group female (n=6). Urinary cortisol levels, which correlate positively with stress, were measured to determine the effectiveness SPR as an environmental enrichment device, with baseline measurements taken before the onset of the task, and experimental measurements taken during SPR training. Results showed that cortisol levels were significantly higher during the SPR condition than during the baseline condition.