Enrichment evaluation for rescued lions taking into account welfare and cognitive priorities

Maximising animal welfare in captivity requires understanding and addressing a species' behavioural and cognitive needs, particularly for wide-ranging predators like lions. The Animal Welfare Priority Identification System (AWPIS®) provides a framework for evaluating these priorities, which can be used to help design enrichment strategies that effectively support the welfare of the species. In this study, three rescued lions in a FOUR PAWS International sanctuary were assessed for the behavioural effects of relocation to bigger and more complex enclosures and the implementation of an enrichment plan considering the behavioural and cognitive needs of lions. Resting and watching were the most frequently observed behaviours, but both decreased following the interventions, suggesting increased engagement with the environment. Stereotypic behaviours varied among the animals since pacing increased for two lions following enrichment but decreased for another after the move to the new enclosure. Explorative behaviours, particularly investigating and head butting, increased in two animals with the implementation of enrichment, suggesting heightened engagement with the environment. Active behaviours varied among the animals, with one exhibiting a significant increase in play and the other a decrease in play. Maintenance behaviours, including eating and grooming, varied among the animals as well, with eating increasing slightly for some animals but remaining stable for others, while grooming significantly decreased in two animals with the new enrichment plan. The findings highlight the complexity of behavioural responses to environmental and enrichment changes, emphasising the need for tailored strategies that consider both welfare priorities and individual preferences.