Captive animals experience various stressors, including visitor interactions and limited environmental complexity, which can negatively impact their welfare. One key challenge is that they often have little ability to influence their surroundings. Research shows that giving animals opportunities to make choices and exercise control over parts of their environment can improve their well-being by reducing stress and encouraging natural behaviours. Environmental enrichment (EE) has been recognised as an effective approach to improving the welfare of captive animals, as it reduces stress and abnormal behaviours while encouraging behavioural diversity.

This project, funded by the Universities Federation for Animal Welfare (UFAW), studied red-ruffed lemurs in a UK zoo to investigate how different levels of control affect their behaviour. We used a computer-based system that allowed lemurs to interact with sound, scent, and visual stimuli. In different conditions, either lemurs, visitors, both together, or the system itself controlled the stimuli. Lemurs could also choose to turn the device on or off. An ethogram was created and behavioural observations carried out across all conditions throughout the entire enclosure.

We found that lemurs’ behaviour varied depending on who had control, but the results were not always straightforward. There was no simple pattern linking more control to more positive behaviours. This suggests that the relationship between control and welfare is more complex than previously thought.

Our preliminary findings highlight the importance of designing enrichment systems that adapt to animals’ needs and preferences. By using technology to give animals a degree of influence over their surroundings, zoos can create environments that are more stimulating and supportive of natural behaviours.

Video data are currently being coded to examine how red-ruffed lemurs behave in front of the device and to analyse their interactions with it. A manuscript based on these findings is in preparation.