Positive behaviors in zoo animals

Hi everyone! My name is Alexz, and I am a welfare scientist here at Zoo Atlanta. One of the ways we assess animal welfare is by studying behavior, which tells us how animals are responding to their environments and gives us insight into how to improve their lives. As welfare scientists, we often focus on reducing behaviors that aren’t beneficial to the animal. However, the absence of unbeneficial behaviors does not necessarily indicate a positive welfare state. That’s why today we’re going to focus on the positive behaviors we do want to see. For example, we want to see purposeful actions that animals are motivated to do because they help keep them healthy and engaged. This could be foraging, problem-solving, or playing. Our goal is to create opportunities for animals to express these positive behaviors.  

Changing environments 

Rotating animals between spaces gives them new areas to explore. For example, moving a gorilla or orangutan family to a different habitat often sparks curiosity, just like kids at a new playground! While they can climb, forage, and play in their usual spaces, doing these behaviors in a brand-new or less familiar environment adds variety, keeps them engaged, and helps prevent boredom. 

Species-specific behaviors 

We also encourage behaviors animals naturally do in the wild. For example, rhinos wallow in mud to cool down and protect their skin, and tenrecs may bathe in sand to keep their fur healthy or hide from predators. These are considered positive behaviors because they’re natural, purposeful, and linked to good welfare. When animals use their environment this way, it tells us they have what they need to stay healthy and engaged. 

Enrichment (problem-solving/cognitive) 

Enrichment challenges animals to think and problem-solve. Elephants explore wall feeders to access hidden food, and birds may work through puzzle feeders to get their next bite. Training is also a form of enrichment—it gives animals the chance to learn new skills, solve problems, and build trust with their care teams. Even our cognitive bias training and testing, which helps us study how animals make decisions and interpret their environments, doubles as enrichment by offering mental challenges and variety. These behaviors show animals engaging their minds and bodies in healthy ways. Just like people benefit from games, puzzles, or workouts, animals need challenges in their daily lives to keep their brains sharp and their bodies in good form. 

Dynamic/complex environments 

Some Zoo habitats change over time. For reptiles and amphibians, we use misters and water flow to mimic rain and streams. We also design dynamic habitats with intricate feeders, multiple levels, and different substrates. For example, a snake may choose to climb high or stay low or use rougher surfaces to help shed its skin. These kinds of features encourage positive behaviors by giving animals choices and opportunities to act as they would in the wild. Seeing them use their environment in dynamic ways helps their welfare. 

We can help animals thrive by providing opportunities to engage in beneficial and positive behaviors. Next time you visit the Zoo, take a closer look and pay attention to the behaviors, no matter how big or small. Each of these moments is a sign that animals are healthy, engaged, and exhibiting behaviors that are good for their welfare.  

Alexz Allen 
Research Associate