Second Nature: Environmental Enrichment for Captive Animals [Paperback]

US“An important volume for those concerned with animal care, captive maintenance, and the ethics of issues surrounding the maintenance of animals in artificial environments. . . . [It offers] a fascinating overview of how far the discipline of applied animal behavior has advanced in the last twenty years.”—Quarterly Review of Biology

“[This] book is . . . the first to provide a theoretical framework for a science of environmental enrichment. This is still a very young science and much remains to be done. ButSecond Natureprovides an informative introduction, as well as offering some pointers to future developments.”—International Zoo News

“Second Natureis a gold mine of information. . . . The editors are leaders in the field and the thirty-eight contributors represent an all-star cast. An excellent book and a must-read.”—BioScience

“This important volume will be of interest to every zoo fan and animal-behavior enthusiast, as well as those concerned with animal welfare.”—BooklistGrowing recognition of the complexity of animals' physical, social, and psychological lives in the wild has led both zookeepers and the zoo-going public to call for higher environmental standards for animals in captivity.

Bringing together the work of animal behaviorists, zoo biologists, and psychologists,Second Natureexplores a range of innovative strategies for environmental enrichment in laboratories and marine parks, as well as in zoos. From artificial fleeing-prey devices for leopards to irregular feeding schedules for whales, the practices discussed have resulted in healthier, more relaxed animals that can breed more easily and can exert some control over their environments. Moving beyond the usual studies of primates to consider the requirements of animals as diverse as reptiles, amphibians, marine mammals, small cats, hooved grazers, and ls!