An enclosure quality ranking framework for terrestrial animals in captivity

There is a burgeoning interest in measuring and improving animal welfare in captive settings. Recent work has emphasized how enclosure design elements directly impact animal welfare (e.g., from health, behavioral, and reproductive standpoints). Yet, there is no published systematic way for practitioners to quantitatively rank enclosure quality. To address this critical need, we developed a flexible enclosure quality ranking framework for terrestrial animals in captivity. Our enclosure framework comprises 11 broadly applicable and measurable components of enclosure design that have relevance to animal welfare: Display, Size, Shelter, Materials, Environment, Climate, Viewshed, Social, People, Other, and Complexity. Each of these components relates to one or more of the “Five Freedoms” and “Opportunities to Thrive”. In addition to developing the enclosure quality ranking framework, we provide an example of how to apply the framework, and offer suggestions on how to conduct empirical analyses with the ranking data derived from our framework. Once applied, our framework can be used to generate measurable outcomes that practitioners can use to make informed decisions, leading to optimal animal welfare. • Enclosure design is crucial for optimal animal welfare. • No systematic method exists for practitioners to rank enclosure quality. • A novel framework ranks enclosure quality based on 11 broad and measurable components. • An example of how to quantitatively apply this framework is provided. • The framework can generate measurable outcomes to guide informed decision-making.