Animal welfare describes the physical and mental state of an animal in relation to the conditions in which it lives. According to the approach accepted by organizations such as the World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH) and the European Association of Zoos and Aquariums (EAZA), animal welfare in modern zoos is defined as the positive physical and mental state of the animal, resulting from environments that respect its biological, social, and emotional needs. To achieve this, modern zoos apply scientific criteria based on the Five Domains model, structured according to the following criteria:
Constant access to water and a diet appropriate for each species, and even individualized according to the needs of each animal (age, sex, gestation period, etc.).
Safe, enriched, and species-appropriate structural conditions. The enclosures meet the needs of the species that inhabit them, such as access to water, shade and shelter, varying heights, etc.
The animal care and veterinary team focuses daily on the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of diseases or injuries.
Each individual should have the freedom to express natural, social, and cognitive behaviors, such as grooming each other, reproducing, or foraging naturally.
It involves modifying the habitat with elements that promote movement, rest, or surveillance (such as logs, platforms, ropes, or shelters).
All domains are interconnected and dependent on one another, so the assessment and observation carried out by the animal care team ensures the emotional impact of each animal based on the stimuli in its environment and the interactions it can perform.
One of the fundamental pillars for ensuring well-being is environmental enrichment. It consists of a set of strategies designed to stimulate animals, encourage their natural behavior, and avoid or reduce stereotypies. Therefore, it involves providing opportunities to explore, solve challenges, interact, and develop physical, cognitive, and sensory skills.
Environmental enrichment is a key practice in the ethical management of animals in modern zoos, rescue centers, and conservation centers. Its main objective is to improve the animals' quality of life by providing stimuli that encourage the expression of their natural behaviors and maintain their maximum mental and physical health.
Thus, five main types of enrichment can be distinguished:
Discover the species we care for every day with respect and dedication. Learn more about their habitat, interesting facts, and how we contribute to their well-being.
