Environmental Enrichment

Watch enrichment in action by visiting our video gallery!

The Oregon Zoo’s internationally recognized enrichment program helps the zoo’s
animals thrive by improving their social and problem-solving skills. The program is led
by Dr. David Shepherdson, deputy conservation manager at the zoo. Shepherdson and
the dedicated zookeepers are constantly looking for new ways to stimulate animals both mentally and physically.

Enrichment activities aim to improve the welfare of animals by increasing exercise, optimizing stimulation, and satisfying normal behavioral needs. These activities also create excellent opportunities for guests to learn about the behaviors of many of the zoo’s animals.

Creating functionally realistic habitats helps stimulate the behaviors animals would normally use in the wild. For example, hiding food for elephants and polar bears encourages foraging behaviors similar to what one might see in the wild.

By challenging zoo animals with unpredictable and new tasks — and introducing novel objects such as Boomer Balls — keepers inspire exploration, play, and social interactions. Keepers also provide the animals with mental stimulation with puzzles and training tasks.

The keepers at the Oregon Zoo provide enrichment activities for the animals on a daily basis. Several public enrichment activities are scheduled throughout the year for visitors
to experience.

ENRICHMENT BY EXHIBIT

Africa Savanna Enrichment Africa Rainforest Enrichment Bear Enrichment
	Cascade Enrichment Elephant Enrichment Primate Enrichment Vollum Aviary Enrichment