To hunt or not to hunt? A feeding enrichment experiment with captive large felids

Bashaw, Bloomsmith, Maple and Bercovitch tested whether feeding-based enrichment changes behaviour in tigers and lions, comparing a hung carcass-like 'fishing' device and bones against standard feeding. Enrichment increased feeding-related and active behaviours and modestly reduced inactivity, but did not consistently abolish pacing, which often clustered around anticipated feeding times. The authors discussed how feeding enrichment can both stimulate species-typical behaviour and inadvertently heighten feeding anticipation, a nuance important for scheduling. The study is widely cited as evidence that food-based enrichment benefits big cats while cautioning that anticipatory pacing must be managed through unpredictable timing and presentation rather than fixed feeding routines.