The Influence Of Olfactory Stimulation On The Welfare Of Big Cats In Captivity

Abstract

T. V. Antonenko, J. E. Medvedeva, K. A. Panchuk

Olfactory enrichment has been demonstrated to enhance welfare in a range of captive species through increasing behavioural diversity or decreasing frequencies of abnormal behaviours. This study investigated the effects of olfactory stimulation on the behaviour of three big cats (one male of African lion, one male one and female of Amur tigers) in response to ten individual odour treatments: ylang-ylang, orange, neroli, jasmine, cinnamon, mint, clove, lavender, fir, balm and a no-odour control. This research had demonstrated the potential for the application of various odours to enhance captive animal welfare by increasing behavioural diversity, encouraging species-typical patterns of behaviour or decreasing frequencies of abnormal behaviours.

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