Slaney, H. 2017. Using domestic animals as tiger enrichment. RATEL (Journal of the Association of British and Irish Wild Animal Keepers) 44(2), 24-27.

At Colchester Zoo we have a well established but evolving enrichment program, using many different ideas and techniques for our many different species. One form of enrichment we use is the presence of our domestic animals in the enclosures of our carnivore species, whilst the carnivores are safely shut away. The welfare of the domestic animals was a primary concern, and animals were selected that that were confident and had previously shown to be comfortable in the tiger enclosure. The animals involved were all well trained and at ease to walk on a head collar or to follow a target, with their keepers, around the zoo. The animals that were chosen were kune kune pigs, hand reared pygmy goat kids and the alpaca. Anecdotal evidence of using this type of enrichment had appeared to be successful as the tigers were seen to be following the tracks left behind by the animals in their enclosure, and to be interacting with the smells, feces and changes in the environment. This research has shown that the use of this enrichment has increased in the activity levels of the tigers combined and Anoushka in particular when the enrichment is used. Whilst the statistical analysis has shown that there is not a significant difference in Igor’s activity levels when the enrichment is used, there was still an increase in his activity levels.