Animal Enrichment

What is all that stuff?

If you look carefully you will find enrichment items located in different exhibits throughout the Zoo. Enrichment is our way to make the animals' environment stimulating and/or challenging through the use of toys, scents, puzzles, and other items. Zookeepers create a customized plan for each animal based on their species, the animal as an individual and the different features in their exhibit. With the help of these items, the Zoo and its keepers keep our animals as mentally and physically healthy as possible. 

What types of enrichment are there?

For some animals, enrichment is a ball they can move, for others it is perfume on a stuffed animal to draw them to a new area of an exhibit, and for others it is a climbing structure in the exhibit to work different muscles in their body.

How are enrichment items made?

Sometimes enrichment is as simple as giving the animal a new cardboard box or bag to enjoy. Other times, enrichment can be a tough and time consuming job. When we make enrichment items, there are a few things we keep in mind: Will the animal injure itself or others? Can the animal digest it if eaten? (Remember, if you can't, they can't either.) What behaviors will this object stimulate?

Come to the Zoo and make your own items! Check the Zoo calendar for Enrichment Day in June and help us make enrichment items, then stay for the action and watch as the animals enjoy these public-made toys and treats!