What is the primary goal of incorporating enrichment feeding strategies for captive tigers?
Answer
Behavioral stimulation for psychological well-being, mimicking aspects of the hunt.
While the chemical composition of the diet (the mass of meat and supplements) is crucial for physical survival, modern zoological care recognizes the necessity of mental and behavioral health. Enrichment feeding is a practice designed specifically to address this psychological component. By presenting pre-killed food in ways that require problem-solving, manipulation, or physical exertion—such as securing it high up or embedding it in an object—keepers successfully mimic the innate predatory experience of obtaining food. This behavioral stimulation is vital for the animal's overall thriving, even if the food itself is stationary.
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