Research overview: rotational exhibits and giving felids access to varied space

Rotational exhibit systems allow multiple species or individuals to take turns occupying a series of connected spaces, multiplying the effective territory and novelty available to each animal. This overview surveys the concept and evidence: how rotation introduces fresh scents and changing environments that stimulate exploration and reduce monotony, the welfare rationale of expanding space use over time rather than area at any instant, and practical considerations of scheduling, scent overlap between species and management complexity. It examines reported effects on activity and behaviour in carnivores and primates and the special relevance to cats, for whom novel scent is highly stimulating. It also considers potential stressors from inter-species scent. The synthesis frames rotation as an innovative design strategy for enriching captive felid environments.