Second Nature

Environmental Enrichment for Captive Animals

David J. Shepherdson, Jill D. Mellen, Michael Hutchins , Terry Maple

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English

Smithsonian Books
14 May 1999

Veterinary medicine: exotic & zoo animals; Zoos & wildlife parks

Growing recognition of the complexity of animals' physical, social, and psychological lives in the wild has led both zookeepers and the zoo-going public to call for higher environmental standards for animals in captivity.

Bringing together the work of animal behaviorists, zoo biologists, and psychologists, Second Nature explores a range of innovative strategies for environmental enrichment in laboratories and marine parks, as well as in zoos. From artificial fleeing-prey devices for leopards to irregular feeding schedules for whales, the practices discussed have resulted in healthier, more relaxed animals that can breed more easily and can exert some control over their environments.

Moving beyond the usual studies of primates to consider the requirements of animals as diverse as reptiles, amphibians, marine mammals, small cats, hooved grazers, and bears, contributors argue that whether an animal forages in the wild or plays computer games in captivity, the satisfaction its activity provides—rather than the activity itself—determines the animal's level of physical and psychological well-being.

Second Nature also discusses the ways in which environmental enrichment can help zoo-bred animals develop the stamina and adaptability for survival in the wild, and how it can produce healthier lab animals that yield more valid test results. Providing a theoretical framework for the science of environmental enrichment in a variety of settings, the book renews and extends a humane approach to the keeping and conservation of animals.

Foreword by: Terry Maple
Edited by: David J. Shepherdson, Jill D. Mellen, Michael Hutchins
Imprint: Smithsonian Books
Country of Publication: United States
Edition: New edition
Dimensions: Height: 229mm, Width: 153mm, Spine: 19mm
Weight: 510g
ISBN: 9781560983972
ISBN 10: 1560983973
Pages: 376
Publication Date: 14 May 1999
Audience: College/higher education , Professional and scholarly , Professional & Vocational , A / AS level , Further / Higher Education
Format: Paperback
Publisher's Status: Active

David J. Shepherdson is program scientist at Metro Washington Park Zoo in Portland, Oregon. Jill D. Mellen is a behavioral scientist at the Walt Disney Animal Program in Orlando, Florida. Michael Hutchins is director of conservation and science for the American Zoo and Aquarium Association, based in Bethesda, Maryland.

Reviews for Second Nature: Environmental Enrichment for Captive Animals

An important volume for those concerned with animal care, captive maintenance, and the ethics of issues surrounding the maintenance of animals in artificial environments. . . . [It offers] a fascinating overview of how far the discipline of applied animal behavior has advanced in the last twenty years. Quarterly Review of Biology [This] book is . . . the first to provide a theoretical framework for a science of environmental enrichment. This is still a very young science and much remains to be done. But Second Nature provides an informative introduction, as well as offering some pointers to future developments. International Zoo News Second Nature is a gold mine of information. . . . The editors are leaders in the field and the thirty-eight contributors represent an all-star cast. An excellent book and a must-read. BioScience This important volume will be of interest to every zoo fan and animal-behavior enthusiast, as well as those concerned with animal welfare. Booklist