Author(s): Lauren Ashley Kline

Presentation: poster

Striving to improve the health and well being of zoo animals is an important aspect of husbandry, but few studies have examined the effectiveness of enrichment among marsupials. My study systematically investigated responses to different enrichment items by three marsupial species. Four types of enrichment (puzzle feeders, mulch piles, scents, and palm tree parts) were presented to all three species at both an early and a late presentation time over eight weeks. Results varied across species and among individuals within species, however the data shows that all three species interacted with the enrichments. Most of the interactions, across species, were seen with three of the enrichment items: palm parts, mulch piles, and puzzle feeders, all of which allowed for different behavioral opportunities. Keeping the natural behavior of the species in mind, along with providing slightly more challenging enrichment proved to be successful and feasible on a keeper’s schedule.

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