Creature Comforts: Designing Enrichment for Every Species

Stephanie Chandler, Behavioral Husbandry Manager at the Akron Zoo

Project Description:

Enrichment is “a process to ensure that the behavioral and physical needs of an animal are being met by providing opportunities for species-appropriate behaviors and choices.” (Association of Zoos & Aquariums, 2025). The Akron Zoo has a formal written enrichment program that promotes species appropriate behavioral opportunities for all of our animals. The program looks different for different taxa (ie mammals vs reptiles) and it continues to evolve as we learn more about what is most impactful for different species. Our enrichment program is built on an understanding species natural history, and from there utilizes nine behavior-based categories to ensure we are providing opportunities to engage in various behaviors that are part of animals’ natural repertoires. We are continually looking to improve our programming to the benefit of the animals. Often, a single behavior (ie foraging) can look drastically different between taxa, and even between closely related species. This is why we are currently working to create a more species-specific database of behaviors (ie grazing vs browsing). Adjustments like these will allow staff to focus enriching experiences more specifically for different species, and be able to better evaluate and readjust individual programs to meet specific needs.

What would you learn? A student working on this project will learn about the history of environmental enrichment, as well as best practices of today. Specifically, students will focus on one or more taxa, and, working with zoo staff, identify species-specific behaviors of interest. From there, students will help brainstorm new ways to encourage these behaviors, and also assist with updating excel spreadsheets to represent these new ideas. 

Commitment:

10-15 hour/week expectation of a student. Meetings with zoo staff will occur 11am-5pm Tuesday-Saturday to start, and may be able to expand to include Sunday and Monday. Work in excel spreadsheets can occur at a time that works best for the student. A student at the zoo will be taught to do the listed criteria above as well as any other necessary guidance.

References:

Association of Zoos & Aquariums. (2025). The Accreditation Standards & Related Policies.