As the number of tigers found in the wild dwindles, zoos have ramped up their breeding programs to help conserve the population. A drawback to housing animals in their non-native environment is that their natural behavioral repertoire is reduced (i.e., they perform lower variety of behaviors than they would in the wild). Thus, it is important that we provide ample enrichment and opportunities for these complex animals to perform highly motivated behaviors.

Art by @thandaart

Edited by Isabelle McDonald

Reference:

Wild Tigers in Captivity: A Study of the Effects of the Captive Environment on Tiger Behavior. (2003, April). Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University. https://vtechworks.lib.vt.edu/handle/10919/32620