History of Enrichment
Zoos have changed dramatically over the past twenty years and a stronger focus on enrichment has been a critical part of that evolution. Many years ago, not much thought was given to the mental capabilities or needs of captive animals, and stereotypical behaviors such as pacing, overgrooming, and obesity were common. Now zoos are much more aware of, and dedicated to, addressing the physiological and psychological needs of the animals they exhibit. Animals possess many instincts used for survival, and by encouraging and fostering their natural behaviors in captivity, zoos provide visitors with a more accurate representation of how various species exist in the wild.
The Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium is committed to the enrichment of all of our animals, and this priority was reaffirmed with the establishment of our Enrichment Committee in January 1997.
