Effects of different environmental enrichment items on the behavior of the endangered Lear's Macaw (Anodorhynchus leari, Psittacidae) at Belo Horizonte Zoo, Brazil

Abstract

Environmental enrichment is a technique applied to enhance welfare of captive animals by introducing items that create a complex and stimulate enclosure. In poor environments, animals can exhibit abnormal and stereotypic behaviors due to boredom and stress. Animals behaving normally and with high levels of welfare are suitable and preferred to participate in conservation efforts such as reintroductions. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of environmental enrichment items on the behavior of the endangered Lear's Macaws held at the Belo Horizonte Zoo, Brazil. Ninety hours of behavioral data were collected, divided into three equal-length treatments: baseline, enrichment and post-enrichment. Data were collected using focal sampling with instantaneous recordings every minute. Environmental enrichment decreased the expression of abnormal behaviors and increased macaw activities. Thus, environmental enrichment proved to be effective in the maintenance of normal behaviors and should be continually used to increase the welfare of Lear's Macaws.