Introduction preparation, a distinct time of feeding, the appearance and smell of food, feeding equipment and methods (e.g.
1. Introduction preparation, a distinct time of feeding, the appearance and smell of food, feeding equipment and methods (e.g.
Persian leopard (Panthera pardus saxicolor, Pocock hiding, suspension). It was shown reducing of 1930) is the biggest leopard subspecies [1]. Animals stereotypic behavior and pacing and increased activity kept in captivity should have the best possible in other large felines (lions and Sumatran tigers) after conditions, therefore, is used to improve the the giving of the entire limbs of horses into enclosure environment for animals the so-called “environmental [4]. Also hiding food may encourage animals to enrichment—EE”. By leopards is often used structural explore previously ignored place [5]. It is possible also enrichment (trees, platforms and holes). This enriching use different objects as handle-toys (balls, barrels, stimulates vacation in comparing to pacing. Leopards spices, feces). Always it is necessary to examine that spent more time on the ground without opportunity whether subject cannot result in the destruction to get on the elevated places, have a higher intensity of enclosure; accident, stress or illness of the animals. In stereotypical pacing [2]. Another study showed that the general [6], the objects to manipulating have a positive behavior of the leopards in captivity is influenced by effect (reduction) on the stereotypical behavior of organizing enclosure, zoo stuff, visitors, feeding
individuals and groups.
schema [3]. Feeding enrichment is one of the most used methods. There are used different and new food types,
2. Material and Methods
non-traditional ways in food submission and Six leopards were observed (male 12 years old,
Corresponding author: Ivana Gardiánová, Ph.D., assistent female 9 years old with 3 cubs 8 months old, 2 year old professor, research fields: animal breeding and enrichment.
female). Big paper boxes were filled with rabbit meat, E-mail: [email protected].
Feeding Enrichment and Leopard Pacing in ZOO Dv ůr Králové, a.s.
laid out on ground in enclosure or hung on tree. The
Table 1 Differences (%) in the behavior of female: older
elements have been placed, where the animals found it Deina and younger Jacquelin.
fast, with regard to their safety. The male had enclosure Younger Jacquelin
Older Deina
2 2 Without With Without With size 150 m , younger female 112 m and older female
0 0 2 a 10.8 6.3 b with cubs 154 m . Monitoring of all animals was
Pacing (females)
5.4 a 97.4 a 65 b 96 a carried out 30 days, over 300 min/day. 10 days were
Active behavior
Means with the same letter in a column are not significantly without EE, 20 days with the addition of food
different at 95% level.
enrichment (EE). We evaluated activity and
Table 2 Differences (%) in the behavior of males: older stereotypical pacing in comparison to days male Pearl and male cubs.
with/without EE. The active behavior included: Older male Pearl Male cubs moving, sitting, standing, comfortable and aggressive Without With Without With
behavior, the playing, other (e.g. transfer of cubs) and
20.5 b 38.6 a 0 0 stereotypical pacing (part of active period).
Pacing (females)
60.5 a 63.2 a 56.28 b 80.28 a To calculate the results we used the program SAS
Active behavior
Means with the same letter in a column are not significantly
9.2 different at 95% level. , ANOVA, general linear model procedure and
parametric S-test. decreased in next days. According to this finding, it is