Effectiveness of acoustic “prey”: Environmental enrichment for a captive African leopard (Panthera pardus)
Publication Type: |
Journal Article |
Year of Publication: |
1995 |
Authors: |
Hal Markowitz, Cheryl Aday, Anita Gavazzi |
Publication/Journal: |
Zoo Biology |
Publisher: |
A Wiley Company, Inc., Wiley Subscription Services |
Keywords: |
acoustic enrichment, behavior, feline enrichment |
ISBN: |
1098-2361 |
Abstract:
Abstract 10.1002/zoo.1430140408.abs In the course of developing active naturalistic exercise opportunities for zoo felines at moderate cost, a computer-controlled acoustic prey device was established. Changes in the behavior of a 16-year-old melanistic leopard (Sabrina) were studied as she learned to actively pursue bird sounds and obtained food treats as a function of the activity. By the twenty-ninth day she began to capture all 24 bird parts supplied on the feeder belt and continues to actively use the opportunity on a daily basis. General activity and apparent well-being have been enhanced, while stereotypic behaviors have decreased. © 1995 Wiley-Liss, Inc.