Zoo Hannover's Cats Discover Unique Meal in Exhibit, Sparking Excitement
Hannover Zoo's Behavioral Enrichment Strategy Boosts Katta Lemurs' Natural Instincts
At Hannover Zoo, the search for food for the Katta lemurs is made engaging, varied, and tailored to each species. This approach is part of the zoo's Behavioral Enrichment strategy, designed to stimulate the Kattas' natural instincts and enhance their motor skills.
Kattas, medium-sized lemurs with a long, black and white striped tail, are diurnal and endangered. In the wild, they spend a lot of time foraging for food. To mimic this behaviour, Hannover Zoo provides the Kattas with special types of "prey" or food items hidden in their enclosure that require them to search, forage, and use tactics to obtain.
This form of enrichment supports the promotion of natural instincts and motor abilities, helping the animals engage more fully with their environment in ways similar to their behaviours in the wild. The "special prey" scenarios encourage the Kattas to use their tactile and cognitive skills, thereby positively impacting their overall well-being through mental and physical stimulation.
Recently, the Kattas were given a special enrichment activity called "Snack with Strategy." The challenge required them to use their dexterity to pry the lids apart and find a hidden snack. This activity not only provided them with treats but also stimulated their natural exploratory behaviour.
Hannover Zoo is committed to the conservation of Madagascar's wildlife, including the Kattas. The zoo participates in the conservation breeding of Kattas and supports a project to protect Madagascar's forests, the lemurs' natural habitat.
By providing Behavioral Enrichment, Hannover Zoo aims to ensure that its animals, including the Kattas, are not only well-fed but also mentally and physically stimulated. Boredom is considered harmful for the animals, and the zoo prioritizes keeping its animals entertained to prevent boredom.
For updates on the Kattas' activities, follow Hannover Zoo on Facebook, where the keepers regularly share insights into the lives of these fascinating creatures.
[1] Behavioral Enrichment and its Importance in Zoo Animals: A Review. Journal of Zoo and Wildlife Medicine, 2018. [2] Enrichment in Primate Housing: A Review. Applied Animal Behaviour Science, 2013.
The Behavioral Enrichment strategy at Hannover Zoo not only caters to the physical needs of the Katta lemurs by providing them with diverse food sources, but also stimulates their lifestyle and cognitive abilities, echoing their home-and-garden seeking behaviors in the wild. The Kattas, in their enclosures, are involved in various activities like foraging for hidden treats, using their dexterity to open containers, and employing tactics to obtain their food, all of which help improve their motor skills and mental well-being.
