Feeding Enrichment

In the wild many animals spend most of their waking time searching for, manipulating or eating
food. There can be minimal opportunities for foraging in captive environments
as it is prepared and processed by zoo keepers. Feeding enrichment generally
aims to extend the feeding experience by making it more difficult for the
animal to find or acquire. Feeding enrichment is possibly the easiest and most
commonly used form of enrichment used in zoos.

·       Live feed (insects) These are suitable for all insectivorous
animals such as lizards, dunnarts, frogs and meerkats. These provide a fresh
source of food that requires active searching and catching by the animal. This
is a great way to provide exercise and avoid boredom. Live insects need to be
monitored to ensure that they are all eaten and do not breed up in the
enclosure, becoming a hazard.

·       Scatter feeding These are suitable for primate species.
Food is hidden in the substrate on the ground or scattered through mesh of
indoor enclosures. This is a useful way to provide enrichment to the animals. It
will increase foraging time and is also appealing to visitors. Scatter feeding
outdoors can be a problem if it attracts mice and rats.

·       Carrion This is suitable for all carnivores. It is usually a
mammal carcass ranging in size from rodent to horse. The carcass includes bone
and skin. Some organs such as the intestines are removed beforehand if the
carcass is not fresh. This can stimulate the animal by providing a food puzzle
as well as improving dental hygiene. Carrion may need to be provided in
conjunction with educational signage so as not to upset visitors.

·       Branch Feeding This is suitable for large cats. Carcasses
or food is placed on higher branches within the enclosure. This provides
exercise for the animals, but can confuse some that are not used to being fed
in this manner.

·       Hand Feeding This is suitable for penguins in aquariums and zoos.
Hand feeding is done by keepers to ensure that all animals are fed and to make
the penguins more comfortable with the presence of keepers. Hand feeding is
particularly important when feeding supplemented fish. Supplemented fish should
not be put directly into water.

·       Food Icy Poles These can be used for a variety of species. Seals
have been provided with fish in ice blocks to provide enrichment. Frozen fruit
blocks provide texture and visual variety for primates, tapirs and giraffes
amongst others. This form of enrichment is popular in warmer weather.

·   Varied Diet This is suitable for most captive animals.
Nectar-feeding birds can be given fruits, seeds and insects. This provides
nutritional balance for birds and enables them to use their feet and beaks to
manipulate food which they would not do with nectar only. Other omnivorous
mammal and reptile species can be provided with varied diets that are scattered
throughout the enclosure. This will promote foraging and provide stimulation
for the animal.

·       Maze Feeder These are suitable for highly intelligent primates
such as chimpanzees. Food is placed at the top and chimps manipulate it through
the maze with a stick. These mazes require coordination and problem-solving
skills.