Abstract

Animals housed in artificial habitats are confronted by a wide range of potentially provocative
environmental challenges. In this article, we review many of the potential stressors that may adversely
affect animals living in captivity. These include abiotic, environmental sources of stress such as artificial
lighting, exposure to loud or aversive sound, arousing odors, and uncomfortable temperatures or substrates.
In addition, confinement-specific stressors such as restricted movement, reduced retreat space, forced
proximity to humans, reduced feeding opportunities, maintenance in abnormal social groups, and other
restrictions of behavioral opportunity are considered. Research in support of the claims for these
environmental elements as stressors for captive animals reveals no unique suite of behavioral or physiological
responses that will clearly indicate the cause of those responses; rather, it is up to us as managers and
caretakers of animals in captivity to evaluate enclosures and husbandry practices to ensure the optimal
well-being of animals in our care.