Enrichment in Zoos and Aquariums

Polar bear playing frisbee at the Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium

Ever see a tiger bat a boomer ball? Or an octopus play with a rubber toy? Enrichment — providing stimulating and challenging environments for animals in zoos and aquariums — is as critical to an animal's well-being as having the right food and medical care.

Sand, mud, rotting logs, and leaf litter might not seem very inviting to you and me, but for some animals that's the perfect playground! Providing the right environment for animals is crucial. Animals need opportunities to run, jump, pounce, climb, burrow, dive, hunt for food, and explore — to do all of the things that come naturally. Enrichment keeps animals mentally and physically fit.

Animal Artists

Elephant art from the Niabi Zoo

Creating art is a valuable form of enrichment for animals in AZA-accredited zoos and aquariums. Some animals use a paint brush while others paint with their paws, claws, tails and scales. It's also safe - the paints are non-toxic and washable.

Animal artists include chimpanzees, kangaroos, ocelots, elephants, red pandas, and — believe it or not — frogs and Komodo dragons. Watch a slide show of animal artists in action.

Take a look at enrichment in zoos and aquariums

Elephants ponder a pumpkin at the Oregon Zoo

Providing enrichment is an important part of the job for zoo keepers and aquarists — they're always developing new and creative enrichment activities for the animals in their care.

Here are some ways in which AZA-accredited zoos and aquariums provide enrichment for their animals.

Bronx Zoo

Cleveland Metropark Zoo

Smithsonian National Zoological Park

Toledo Zoo