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Review summary

Environmental Enrichment for Captive Animals

Young RJ · Blackwell Publishing (UFAW Animal Welfare Series) · 2003

Young's book provided a comprehensive, practical and scientific treatment of environmental enrichment, covering its theory, types, design, implementation and evaluation across captive species. It addressed how to set enrichment goals, choose appropriate techniques, avoid common pitfalls such as habituation and unintended harm, and measure effectiveness with behavioural and physiological data. The book became a standard text for zoo professionals and students, consolidating enrichment as an evidence-based discipline. For felid keepers it offers guidance on feeding, sensory, structural, social and cognitive enrichment and on integrating enrichment into routine husbandry. It is frequently cited as an authoritative reference on the principles and practice of enrichment for carnivores and other animals.

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