Did you know that some animals experience the same range of emotions as humans? There’s compelling evidence that backs this up. In fact, researchers have observed empathy in animals, as well as fear, sadness, grief, and other complex emotions often associated primarily with humans. This explains why animals in captivity have been documented displaying signs of anxiety and depression. In fact, psychological distress in these animals is so common that it has a name: Zoochosis.
Roadside zoos and unaccredited facilities are notorious for breeding wild animals and keeping them in small enclosures for display. In many cases, they force these animals to participate in unnatural behaviors, like photo ops and cub petting - all for profit. That’s why it’s never a good idea to support such facilities.
If you want to make a difference, you should admire animals in the wild, watch documentaries on TV, or visit them at legitimate, accredited sanctuaries, like Lions Tigers & Bears. We only rescue and shelter unwanted, abandoned, neglected, abused, injured animals and those confiscated from wildlife traffickers. We have also built a variety of enrichment programs to stimulate the animals in our care both mentally and physically.
Animals, like humans, have complex needs that go beyond food, water, and shelter. They experience emotions, and without enough mental and physical stimulation, they can become bored, anxious, or even depressed. Enrichment provides species-appropriate challenges, opportunities, and stimulation, which promotes a range of normal animal behaviors that they find rewarding.
Studies have demonstrated that when animals engage in problem-solving tasks and cognitive challenges, they exhibit fewer signs of stress and participate in more natural behaviors. That’s mainly because they have creative outlets with choice and control over how they spend their time.
At Lions Tigers & Bears, we understand how crucial enrichment is for animal welfare. Our goal is to mimic the animals' natural habitats as much as possible, which includes their daily routines and interactions.
Enrichment not only prevents boredom but also encourages animals to use their brains and bodies in ways that are natural to them. For example, big cats love to stalk and pounce, so we create activities that allow them to express these behaviors. This keeps them entertained and supports their mental health and well-being.
Our true and accredited exotic animal sanctuary in San Diego offers a variety of enrichment activities to help the animals in our care stay mentally engaged and physically active.
Sensory stimulation is one of the most exciting aspects of our animal enrichment program. At Lions Tigers & Bears, we use different scents, sounds, and textures to engage the animals' senses. For instance, creating scent trails with herbs and spices encourages big cats to use their keen sense of smell. This activity mimics their natural hunting instincts and offers them an exciting way to explore their environment.
It’s amazing to see how the rescued cats react with curiosity and excitement, just like they would in the wild. Sensory stimulation helps animals connect with their surroundings and promotes mental health by providing a challenge in their everyday routine.
We love using puzzle feeders to encourage problem-solving. These feeders require the animals to figure out how to access their food, which is mentally stimulating and rewarding. For example, we might hide treats in a box or create a puzzle they must solve to get a snack. Puzzle feeders keep their brains active and help them develop natural problem-solving skills.
Our enclosures have climbing structures, platforms, hanging enrichments, and obstacle courses that encourage animals to move around and explore. These activities help maintain their physical health and allow them to express natural behaviors that are vital for their well-being. For example, big cats enjoy climbing and jumping, while bears love exploring and digging. Providing physical enrichment helps them stay fit and content.
At Lions Tigers & Bears, we facilitate social interactions among our animals to help improve their social skills and reduce feelings of isolation. This kind of enrichment is crucial for species that naturally live in social groups for their mental health and happiness. Watching the animals interact and form friendships is heartwarming, and it’s clear how much they enjoy each other’s company.
Food-based enrichment is one of the most fun ways to engage animals. We love getting creative with themed feeding days and hiding treats around the enclosures. This encourages the animals to forage and explore, mimicking their natural hunting and foraging behaviors.
For example, we might create a scavenger hunt where the animals have to find hidden food items or use food puzzles that require them to work for their meals. This enrichment provides physical and mental stimulation, making mealtime an exciting and rewarding experience.
Accredited sanctuaries like Lions Tigers & Bears play a crucial role in ensuring the welfare of wild animals in captivity. We are committed to providing a nurturing environment that focuses on the animals' happiness, rehabilitation, and comfort, and security. Our enrichment programs are designed with these goals in mind, ensuring that each animal receives the care and attention they deserve.
At Lions Tigers & Bears, we are seriously committed to animal welfare. Our sanctuary is accredited, which means we adhere to the highest animal care and enrichment program standards. Accreditation ensures that our animals receive the best care, focusing on their physical, mental, and emotional needs. We strive to create a safe and supportive environment where animals can thrive and live fulfilling lives.
As humans, we have the choice to show respect for wild animals by letting them live a natural life instead of contributing to institutions that breed them for a life in captivity and display them in unnatural enclosures for financial gain. But if you must, then we recommend watching a documentary or visiting sanctuaries like Lions Tigers & Bears. You can also donate (in kind or cash) to support our mission of protecting and caring for the animals we’ve rescued.
