Large cats in the Zurich Zoo: hunting instinct revealed!
Large cats in the Zurich Zoo: hunting instinct revealed!
In the Zurich Zoo, a new habitat for large cats will be opened from 2025, which not only places new demands on animal husbandry, but also implemented innovative approaches to promote their well -being. The animal residents, Asian lion, Amurtiger and Schneeleopard, are housed in separate rooms, but have the opportunity to perceive themselves through the legacies of other animals. This promotes natural behaviors in a controlled environment.
A central element of this new area is the Catwalk, a 17 -meter -long bridge at a height of 4.5 meters, which consists of a heavy steel structure with an embedded tree trunk and protruding branches. This construction not only offers the big cats a viewpoint, but also enables the zoo seekers to observe animals from a new perspective. The branches are also designed to serve as a scratch and friction option for the cats.
innovative approaches to feeding
Another innovative aspect of the zoo is the introduction of a feed cable car, the speed of which is up to 40 km/h. This cable car quickly pulls the food through the system and forces the big cats to react within a few seconds, which simulates its natural hunting behavior. According to zoo director Severin Dressen, such methods are to be promoted realistic behavior of the animals, since only 10% of the hunting tests in nature are successful. “The animals are challenged both physically and mentally,” according to Dressen.
The feed distribution is irregularly, so as not to get used to the animals of fixed feeding times. In addition, the zookeepers control when and how the feed is output to vary the challenges for the animals and to promote employment. Dr. Natalia Borrego, an animal ecologist, confirms that feed -based employment for large cats is extremely useful.
responsibility and commitment to animal welfare
The attitude of animals in the zoo not only requires responsibility, but also passion. Due to their close relationship with the animals, the zookeepers in the Zurich zoo are able to know their behavior closely and thus ensure optimal conditions. Scientists are continuously working on the improvement of the posture conditions and research on how animal husbandry can be optimized on the needs of the animals.
The Zoo Zurich also actively participates in European conservation breeding programs (EEP) in order to ensure the continued existence of these endangered species. All enclosures are approved by the responsible authorities and the well -being of the animals is checked regularly. Due to the constant exchange in an international expert network, animal husbandry is continuously promoted here.
These developments in the Zurich Zoo show not only the commitment to the well -being of animals, but also a modern approach in animal husbandry, which takes into account the needs of animals in a zoo and is also open to the public.
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| Ort | Zürich, Schweiz |
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