Tigers Stereotypic Pacing and Enrichment

Abstract

Aim: Determine effect of enrichment on tiger pacing in Liberec zoo. Study Design: The design of the study was a randomized one. Place and Duration of Study: The experiment lasted 60 days; 360 min per day; 9.00 – 11.00 and 13.00 – 15.00. Four tigers were monitored: two males ages 5 and 17 years and two females ages 5 and 15 years. There were 30 days with enrichment and 30 days without enrichment (baseline). The study was carried out in the Liberec zoo. Methodology: A ball made of fire hoses, a plastic barrel with the lidremovedandungulates´ excrement (controlled by the vet) were used as enriching elements (toys). We found differences between baseline (not enriched) and treatment (enriched). Results: Pacing decreased significantly after enriching the enclosures for 3 animals: young male Paris P<0.004, young female Artemis P<0.024 and old female Isabella P<0.032. There was no significant change for the old male (Tibet) P<0.256. Pacing decreased in alltigers with a significance of P<0.0412. Conclusion: An enriched environment may improve the lives of animals under human care. Enrichment can be a very good and effective mechanism for the reduction of pacing in tigers. It is important to periodically modify and change the types of enrichment items used.