Giant panda enrichment: Meeting everyone’ needs

Publication Type:
 Journal Article
Year of Publication:
 2003
Authors:
 Valerie J. Hare, Dallas Ripsky, Rhonda Battershill, Kim Bacon, Kathy Hawk, Ronald R. Swaisgood
Publication/Journal:
 Zoo Biology
Publisher:
 A Wiley Company, Inc., Wiley Subscription Services
Keywords:
 ,
ISBN:
 1098-2361
Abstract:

Abstract 10.1002/zoo.10109.abs In recent years, research in a variety of species has demonstrated that environmental enrichment can be an effective tool to promote animal welfare, enhance captive reproduction efforts, and elicit species-appropriate behaviors that might otherwise not be observed in captivity. The San Diego Zoo is participating in an ongoing comprehensive enrichment plan for its three giant pandas. In February 1998, Panda Team members identified specific goals for each adult panda, and began developing an enrichment plan to meet those goals. All three giant pandas are provided with opportunities to explore their environment and exercise their physical and mental abilities. Behavioral data are routinely collected to assess the effectiveness of the strategies in use. However, meeting the needs of the giant pandas is just the beginning of creating an effective, long-term enrichment plan. The plan must also consider staff time and effort, institutional requirements, resource availability, visitors’ experiences, and research protocols. This paper describes the San Diego Zoo’s Giant Panda Enrichment Plan, including the goals set for each panda; the specific enrichment items offered, and their effectiveness; and the mechanisms employed to address limitations due to staff, visitor, institutional, and research needs. The authors discuss the process of developing and maintaining this enrichment plan, and explore potential problems and their solutions, with the specific intention of providing guidelines for other institutions interested in creating an enrichment plan for giant pandas. Zoo Biol 22:401–416, 2003. © 2003 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

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