Department of Physics, Chemistry and Biology (IFM)

When comparing the pre expected enrichment sessions to the same period on the days when enrichment was either delayed or withheld, none of the species showed any difference in activity or negative behaviours. This suggests that there is no increase in stress level depending on treatment.

II. Are there any negative behaviour associated with the enrichment?

The Pallas’s cats only displayed aggressive behaviours during the pre and post expected enrichment sessions, no such behaviours were observed during any of the other sessions. Indicating that there might be a connection between the enrichment event and the aggressiveness.

In the cheetahs, pacing (aimless walking along a set route) was only observed at days with enrichment. Since pacing is most often seen post feeding in large cats, it is surprising that the mere part was observed at morning sessions.

III. What are the reactions to enrichment being withheld on some days?

Aggressive behaviours in the Pallas’s cats during the post expected enrichment sessions were only observed on days when enrichment was delayed. This might indicate that not receiving enrichment has a negative effect on their behaviour.

IV. What is the effect of having two consecutive days with withheld enrichment?

The drills were significantly less active on the second day of withheld enrichment compared to the first.

Also, during the days with delayed enrichment, agressivness was only seen on the second day in Pallas’s cats.