Abstract
Zoos and aquariums hold immense societal and conservation value; however, this value is most significant for both the animals and public when positive welfare is prioritized. An animal’s welfare state is often monitored using ethograms, which can measure behavioral diversity and stereotypy budgets—two frequently used welfare indicators. With increased vulnerability due to habitat loss, the giant anteater (Myrmecophaga tridactyla) is a frequently housed species within managed-care. Due to its large habitat range and complex welfare needs, this species often develops stereotypic behaviors. At Zoo Miami, an adult female anteater had developed a pacing stereotypy, with an elevated pacing budget of >20%. Due to the ongoing persistence of this stereotypy, this study sought to minimize pacing in this individual by determining if a treatment of passive or active olfactory enrichment would result in a significant decrease of the pacing budget and consequently an increase in species-specific behaviors. Within this study, passive olfactory enrichment was defined as an openly accessible scent delivered in the habitat, while active olfactory enrichment was defined as a scent delivered within another enriching device, therefore requiring a secondary behavior to access the scent. It was hypothesized that if an individual was treated with either olfactory enrichment, then pacing budgets would decrease and if the welfare benefits of passive versus active olfactory enrichment were compared via activity budgets, then Phase 1 passive would observe significant increases in locomotion and foraging, while Phase 2 active would observe significant increases in investigation, object manipulation, and digging. Species-specific and stereotypic activity budgets were recorded using ethograms within ZooMonitor. Significant decreases in pacing were observed during Phase 1 compared to Baseline, but not during Phase 2 compared to Baseline. This suggests that olfactory enrichment may play an important role in reducing stereotypic behavior for this individual, but further research to determine the effects of season should also be investigated. There were no significant increases in species-specific behaviors during Phases 1 or 2. Insignificant increases in inactive activity were observed in Phases 1 and 2 compared to Baseline. Findings from this study should lead to improvements for the welfare of this individual, other giant anteaters, and alike species housed in managed care.