What is enrichment?

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 those in zoos or in captivity, need their friends or their toys to help them pass the 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 captive animals. For zoo visitors, it's an opportunity to see how animals behave in their natural habitat.

 

Enrichment as part of daily routine is an obligation for all zoos in the United States and in many other countries around the world. It is a requirement by the AZA (Association of Zoos and Aquariums). The enrichment program at the Oregon Zoo involves close interaction between veterinarians, keepers, the enrichment team and the animals.