Commentary: Improving well‐being for captive giant pandas: Theoretical and practical issues

Abstract

Here we present the outcome of a panel discussion from Panda 2000, an International conference held in San Diego, California. The discussion addressed how to use animal motivation theory to develop enrichment programs that will improve physical and psychological well-being for giant pandas in captivity. Wild animals held in captivity too often develop behavioral abnormalities such as stereotypies. The motivational basis for these problems is related to speciesspecific behavioral needs that arise from evolutionary processes adapting the animal to its environment. A more general need is the need for animals to exercise some control over their environment. We discussed these general principles of environmental enrichment with regard to past and future attempts to devise enrichment programs for giant pandas, Ailuropoda melanoleuca. Where possible, we looked to nature for guidance, but agreed that creative attempts to develop functional analogues of natural tasks and challenges is appropriate, regardless of ''naturalness.'' A holistic enrichment program should include improved enclosure design and husbandry practices; feeding enrichment modeled after bamboo feeding when possible; species-appropriate opportunities for social interaction and communication; and routine exposure to a diverse array of novel objects to stimulate play and exploration. These enrichment efforts should attempt to address specific behavioral needs or give the animal more choice and control over its environment.

Evaluation of behavioral factors influencing reproductive success and failure in captive giant pandas

“…Bamboo was fed ad libitum, supplemented with bread, highfiber biscuits, carrots, and apples. Environmental enrichment of the enclosures was initiated in 1999 (for details see Swaisgood et al [2001;2003a]). The pandas have access to one or two neighboring pandas through the cage bars.…”

“…As discussed above, the three most timid and apparently stress-prone females exhibited lower mating rates and often failed to give birth, even after AI. Ongoing efforts at Wolong emphasize stress reduction through enrichment and more ''gentle'' management styles 2003a]. These three females all gave birth for the first time shortly after these management changes were adopted.…”

Comparison of several types of enrichment for captive felids

“…In natural populations, complexities in the environment place physical and cognitive demands on animals [Swaisgood et al, 2003] and motivate them to perform behaviors necessary for survival [Shepherdson et al, 1993]. Static conditions in captivity and lack of appropriate stimuli may result in boredom, an inability to cope with ordinary stressors, lack of motivation, lack of opportunity to perform natural species-specific behaviors [McPhee, 2002], and development of inactive, abnormal, or repetitive behaviors [Swaisgood et al, 2003].…”

“…Historically, captive animals have been housed in restrictive enclosures without stimuli prevalent in nature [Mench and Kreger, 1996], such as those associated with predators, prey, social groups, mates, and environmental stochasticity [White et al, 2003;Wielebnowski, 2003], although much is currently being done to make improvements in care programs [Hutchins, 2006]. In natural populations, complexities in the environment place physical and cognitive demands on animals [Swaisgood et al, 2003] and motivate them to perform behaviors necessary for survival [Shepherdson et al, 1993]. Static conditions in captivity and lack of appropriate stimuli may result in boredom, an inability to cope with ordinary stressors, lack of motivation, lack of opportunity to perform natural species-specific behaviors [McPhee, 2002], and development of inactive, abnormal, or repetitive behaviors [Swaisgood et al, 2003].…”

Enclosure choice and well-being in giant pandas: is it all about control?

“…Regardless of varying definitions, optimizing well-being and avoiding excessive stress are important components of captive breeding programs not only for ethical reasons, but also because well-being plays an integral role in reproduction [Carlstead and Shepherdson, 1994]. For this reason we have implemented a monitoring system to evaluate causes and indices of poor well-being [Owen et al, 2004; in press] and have developed enrichment programs to enhance wellbeing in giant pandas [Swaisgood et al, 2001;Swaisgood et al, 2003]. To varying degrees these efforts seem to have paid off in terms of increased reproductive output in the species [Zhang et al, 2004;Swaisgood, Zhang et al, in press].…”