VetSRev
Database of veterinary systematic reviews
Database of veterinary systematic reviews
Revista Brasileira de Zoociencias (2018) 19: 15–34
Animals kept in zoos face constant threats to their well-being. An animal is in high welfare when it is experiencing complete physical and mental health. Some strategies are used to maintain the well-being of zoo animals at high levels, such as environmental enrichment. Environmental enrichment consists of inserting stimuli into the animals’ enclosures so that they have the opportunity to exhibit behaviors that are closer to the natural, improving their physical and psychological health. The present study aimed to evaluate, through a bibliometric analysis, how Brazilian zoos have used the technique of environmental enrichment to improve the welfare of their animals, as well as to list gaps that may guide future studies with this theme by the managers/Zoo technicians and researchers. The data were collected on three databases: The Web of Science copyright , Plataforma CAPES copyright and Google Scholar copyright . The keywords used for searching for articles in these databases were: "environmental enrichment, zoo, Brazil". The survey was performed from 1945 until 2016. Fifty-two studies, which began in 2006, were evaluated; most of them in zoos in the Southeast of Brazil, with carnivores and primates, and using more than one type of environmental enrichment. Most of the studies was behaviorally evaluated and showed positive effects to the animals. We conclude that studies on the effects of environmental enrichment in the country are still incipient, although they are in rapid growth. Environmental enrichment studies should: consider a greater number of animal species; be delineated with quality, especially concerning the sample size; and be performed by more zoos in Brazil. Finally, studies should be disseminated in quality scientific communication media, so that they can be replicated not only in Brazil but also in zoos around the world.
Azevedo, C. S. de, & Barcante, L. (2018). Environmental enrichment in Brazilian zoos: in search for animal welfare. [Portuguese]. Revista Brasileira De Zoociencias, 19(2), 15–34. https://www.bvs-vet.org.br/vetindex/periodicos/revista-brasileira-de-zoociencias/19-(2018)-2/enriquecimento-ambiental-em-zoologicos-brasileiros-em-busca-do-bem-est/ animal behavior, animal behaviour, behavior, Brazil, primates, Animal Behaviour [LL300], carnivores, animal rights, animal welfare, Animal Welfare [LL810], enrichment, zoo animals, Zoo Animals [LL080], zoological gardens, zoos