Changing Repetitive Behaviors in Captive Andean Bears (Tremarctos ornatus)

Abstract

Zoos across the world run into behavioral problems with their captive animals as a result of species not having proper living space and enrichment opportunities. The goal of this study was to determine whether enrichment activities can decrease the frequency of a repetitive head rolling behavior in a 21 year old female Andean bear (Tremarctos ornatus) at the Racine Zoo, Racine, Wisconsin. Observations of behaviors were recorded in the morning and afternoon for a two week baseline and a two week enrichment period. Though overall data analysis showed no significant change in behavior after introducing enrichment, after three days of initial adjustment to stimuli, there was a significant reduction in head rolling. Therefore, introducing enrichment is an effective way to reduce repetitive head rolling behavior in captive T. ornatus.