Beekse Bergen, Netherlands

Making feeding more complex for tigers in captivity

Using stimulating feeding devices for tigers to promote physical exercise and their well-being

Project objective

As part of our "Animal Welfare Commitment" (EBEA) programme, we are collaborating with Beekse Bergen Safari Park (Netherlands) to test a more systematic implementation of dietary enrichment for tigers.

Description

As with many species, feeding is a crucial behaviour for large cats. Tigers, for example, spend a considerable amount of time tracking their prey, observing it, and setting an ambush to capture it (Seidensticker & McDougal, 1993). The hunting phases involve intense energy and physical expenditure, making it complex to replicate predatory behaviours in captivity. Recreating these behavioural phases can be a real challenge (Hunt, 2022).

Several recent studies have highlighted the benefits of providing carcasses to large felines or implementing "feeding poles" to improve the health and musculature of the animals (Law & Kitchener, 2020). However, feeding poles are not always feasible to install in enclosures (due to safety, distance, access for staff, etc.).

Thus, the installation of a bungee (a high-resistance elastic) allows for muscle engagement to jump and catch the food, and requires the jaw to grasp and tear the food. By stimulating the animals and encouraging them to expend physical energy, it is not only possible to reduce the occurrence of stereotypies, but also to limit the development of conditions such as arthritis, and enable the animals to live longer, healthier lives.

Behavioural monitoring (on the use of the bungee, overall daily activities) and feedback from staff (ease of setup, time spent preparing food compared to usual distribution methods, etc.) are conducted by the team.

Results

Initial results indicate a strong interest in this new device, as shown in the video below. Monitoring is ongoing - the results will be shared soon.

Animal welfare commitment

The observations currently being conducted as part of the "Animal Welfare Commitment" (EBEA) programme will highlight the impact of this new device and showcase the team's efforts.

In addition to Beekse Bergen, the Akongo team has provided the same bungee to other zoos participating in our programme, in order to obtain a larger sample and test these effects in different environments.

Bibliographic References

Bashaw, M. J., Bloomsmith, M. A., Marr, M. J., & Maple, T. L. (2003). To hunt or not to hunt? A feeding enrichment experiment with captive large felids. Zoo Biology: Published in affiliation with the American Zoo and Aquarium Association, 22(2), 189-198. https://doi.org/10.1002/zoo.10065

Hunt, K. A. (2022). The behavioural biology of carnivores. In The behavioural biology of zoo animals (pp. 83-95). CRC Press.

Law, G., & Kitchener, A. C. (2020). Twenty years of the tiger feeding pole: review and recommendations. International Zoo Yearbook, 54(1), 174-190. https://doi.org/10.1111/izy.12249

Seidensticker, J., & McDougal, C. (1993). Tiger predatory behaviour, ecology and conservation. In Symposium of the zoological society of London.