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What is Behavioural Enrichment? Newsletters » June 2005 » What is Behavioural Enrichment? African Impact implements behavioural enrichment at the lion rehabilitation projects. Behavioral Enrichment is a new system we have implemented at Antelope Park and Vic Falls. Bobbie, Ed and myself attended a Wildlife Rehabilitation course in Harare and found some very important information one of them being Behavioral Enrichment. It was discussed that introducing toys and smells into the lions enclosure stimulates the brain and keeps them active, which is what we want to achieve for Stage 2. Even though our lions spend a very small amount of time in their enclosures we still felt that they needed to be stimulated and Behavioral Enrichment was the answer. The volunteers play a huge part in this; they are responsible for making toys they think will excite the cubs/lion. Also, on snare sweeps and boundary patrols volunteers are on the look out for different types of dung as well as plants that have a strong smell. Every other day, these Enrichments are placed in the cubs/lions enclosure. The lion go crazy, all of a sudden comes out an enthusiastic, energetic beast! Data Capture – We also started new Data Captures, Feeding and Health. We felt that it was important to record how the cubs behaved amongst each other when feeding. It’s very quick as you are capturing all lion’s behavior in one shot so you are constantly recording information for at least 45 minutes! The other Data Capture is Health. The moment we suspect that a cub is sick we record every day their progress. There have been a couple of cases where we have treated our lions but haven’t had any history to fall back on. So it will be used as a reference if future symptoms should arise and be able to see if there is a pattern amongst lion’s health. Both of these Data Captures are implemented at Vic Falls. Read more about our lion rehabilitation projects at: Victoria Falls Lion Rehabilitation Project Antelope Park Lion Rehabilitation Project Other news this month... Victoria Falls Volunteer Project – new baby’s, new volunteers and the new project Lion Encounter Hwange Wildlife Volunteer Project – Elephant facts and the problems with poachers Wild Dog African volunteer project Antelope Park – What is Behavioural Enrichment? Stage 2 Lion Rehabilitation – The first discussions on Dambwa Forest Area Dr Pieter Kat – Our new ecologist has come on board in support of our Lion Rehabilitation Project Zambia Child Education Volunteer Project – Starting a ‘life changing’ community volunteer programme Lion Cubs – How are they and what are they up to? People news and other happenings at African Impact Subscribe to our free newsletter Africa volunteer opportunities         print this page | bookmark this page (CTRL-D) | send to a friend back to top