What is Enrichment?

Anisha and her dog Olive. Photo courtesy of author.

Hi, I'm *Anisha. Have you ever wondered what life would be like without your friends, your gaming system, your dolls, or your toys? Life would be pretty boring with nothing to play with. Just like you, animals, especially in zoos or in captivity need their friends or their toys to help them pass their time. These toys, or "boredom busters", help keep captive animals happy. But instead of calling them toys, experts call it Enrichment. Enrichment is a way to stimulate animals that are captive in an enclosure. For a zoo visitor, it gives an opportunity to see how animals behave in their natural habitat.

Enrichment is an obligation for all zoos in the United States and in many other countries around the world to be included in the animal's daily routine. It is a requirement by the AZA (American Zoo Association). The enrichment program at the Oregon Zoo involves close interaction between the veternariens, the keepers, the enrichment team and the animals.