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.

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