This study took place in the small village of Nijeberkoop, in the Northern Netherlands. FELIDA Big Cat Sanctuary, by FOUR PAWS International, is one of several wild animal sanctuaries dedicated to the care of big cats.
In total, I observed three lions (Panthera leo), one male and two females.
Behavioural observations were conducted between September and November 2024 using the Zoo Monitor software. The ethogram used was adapted from the standard feline ethogram and contained 28 behaviours in total. The sampling method used was focal sampling, with each animal being observed for 20 minutes, resulting in a total of 7 hours of observation per day.
Move to the new enclosures
Before the beginning of the study, new enclosures were being built as the old enclosures were too old and small to comply with FOUR PAWS’ quality standards for big cats.
Data collection started when the construction of the new enclosures was nearly complete. Elza and Simba were relocated to the new enclosures in the middle of the study, while Manuschka arrived at the sanctuary in the newly built enclosures.
Elza and Simba were observed before and after moving to these bigger and more complex enclosures.
Implementation of the new enrichment plan
There were 3 different weekly enrichment schedules. Four types of enrichment were used: structural, food-related, cognitive and sensory.
After analysing the frequency of behaviours performed by Elza and Simba and considering the AWPIS® list of behaviours for African lions, it was determined that the behaviours related to moving, territorial maintenance, investigating and playing should be increased. Based on this, 3 new enrichment plans were created.
Elza, Simba and Manuschka were observed before and after the introduction of the new enrichment plan.