Effects of Random Feeding Schedule on Pacing in Asiatic Lions (Panthera leo persicus).

ABSTRACT: For large felids in the wild, intervals between feeding events are irregular since these depend on prey availability and individual hunting success. In contrast, many zoos feed their large felids on fixed schedules. Predictable feeding schedules could induce food anticipatory behavior, like pacing, and randomizing feeding schedules may reduce this anticipatory behavior. Furthermore, random feeding schedules create more variability in the animals environment, which may reduce frustration or boredom. This case study aimed to investigate the effects of a random feeding schedule on pacing behavior of captive Asiatic lions (Panthera leo persica) in the Rotterdam Zoo, The Netherlands. Study animals were observed directly under two treatments: "fixed feeding" (i.e., two fixed feeding days per wee

SUBMITTER: Fitskie L 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11624625 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Nov-Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature