Enrichment

Making the captive environments of our animals as complex, engaging and enriched as they can be is the goal of the Detroit Zoological Society’s Enrichment Program.

What is enrichment?
Enrichment is the process of enhancing over-all captive animal welfare by providing appropriate physical, social, and environmental conditions and stimuli. Enrichment is a dynamic process based on each animal’s biology, natural history and individual needs. Continuous monitoring of individual animal’s unique needs in conjunction with regular refinement of enrichment practices ensures continued complexity of the animal’s environment and encourages and engages them in species typical behaviors.

• • • How do animals benefit from enrichment?
      Increases over-all animal welfare by providing physical and psychological stimuli.
      
      Provides opportunities for species typical behavior.
      
      Provides opportunities for choice and control over environment.
      
      Alleviates boredom and stereotypic behaviors.
      
      Promotes activity.
  • Adopt an Animal
    "Adopt" an animal is a program that helps the Zoo take care of the animal you select. Your symbolic animal adoption helps provide veterinary treatment, improve exhibits, sponsor educational classes, seminars and research expeditions. More importantly, your assistance makes the Zoo’s participation in the Species Survival Plans possible.