2001/02/01 by J A E Grindrod, J A Cleaver · 1 voice · 1 citation
Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology · Environmental Science · Veterinary · #Animal Behavior and Welfare Studies #Human-Animal Interaction Studies #Wildlife Ecology and Conservation
paper · doi:10.1017/s0962728600023253
openalex publication_date 2001/02/01 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/05/21
Abstract The captive environment is often barren, predictable and under-stimulating so that the behavioural needs of animals in captivity may be thwarted. The welfare of animals may be compromised, which can result in the expression of abnormal behaviours. Stereotypic behaviours, such as the circling or pacing behaviour observed in captive pinnipeds, may become apparent. A simple, cheap and effective method of adding complexity to a captive environment is the use of environmental enrichment techniques. A number of enrichment devices were used in this study, focusing primarily on occupying more time in feeding/foraging behaviours of common seals, Phoca vitulina . The performance of stereotypic circling behaviour was significantly reduced during the enrichment period, suggesting it had improved the welfare of all the animals in this study.